The Urban Naturalist Program is a professional development program for college students and recent graduates (graduated within 1 year). Urban Naturalists work almost exclusively outdoors and focus on the maintenance of multiple horticultural projects across the city, including native landscapes and green stormwater infrastructure, which capture and filter rainwater. The team works on a variety of green projects to manage the city’s stormwater, with contracts from Citizens Energy Group (CEG) and the City of Indianapolis.

In addition to our contracted work with CEG and the City’s Department of Public Works, team members restore, monitor, and maintain habitat along Indianapolis waterways and roadsides. Urban Naturalists also maintain KIB trees through pruning, collecting data, and conducting regular survivability checks.

Urban Naturalists do meaningful, environmental work for our city while developing their professional skills through job training and weekly enrichment opportunities with other environmental field professionals.

Here are some of the team’s regular duties:

• Water, weed, and pick up trash in stormwater planters and rain gardens to maintain functional green infrastructure.
• Stewardship of KIB trees and perennial plants, including watering, mulching, mapping, and pruning.
• Litter clean-up and community engagement.
• Restoring and maintaining habitats along Indianapolis waterways and roadsides.

Program details:

Spend the summer gaining experience in caring for native habitats and participating in professional development opportunities.

• $17/hour
• Program runs from May to August, with possible Fall extension opportunities
• Spend your summer outside
• Make a difference in Indianapolis
• Make professional connections in green-collar careers
• Gain hands-on experience using powered hand tools and driving fleet vehicles
• Fulfills internship requirements