POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4297
Position Title: Geomorphology Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Mount Rainier National Park, Ashford, Washington
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 20 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 06/01/2026
End Date: 10/19/2026
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.
BENEFITS
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $ 2,817.14 upon successful completion of position
- Weekly Living Allowance: $ 600.00 per week, fixed rate
- Relocation Allowance: $ 450.00 (distributed as a one-time lump sum with first paycheck)
- Student Loan Forbearance if applicable (administered by MyAmeriCorps, directly)
- Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable (administered through MyAmeriCorps, directly)
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Preference given to applicants who submit applications before Sunday, February 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the application deadline passes. Positions will close after receiving 60 complete applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EST on February 15, 2026, whichever occurs first.
KEYWORDS: Geology, Geologic Hazards, Hydrology, Flooding, Glaciers, Infrastructure, Conservation, Landscape Management, Natural Resource Management, Human Safety, Risk Mitigation, Adaptive Management, Infrastructure Management, Long-Term Planning
PURPOSE
This Geomorphology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. The MORA Imminent Threats Program studies a wide array of evolving issues on behalf of Park Management. Efforts of the SIP participant will directly support issues like major infrastructure review, road/bridge replacement, Park-wide data collection campaigns, research into ensuring and maintaining long-term access, understanding natural hazards and risks to human constructs, and modifying Park practices to move toward a truly adaptive and sustainable human occupation of the landscape. The SIP will primarily achieve this by looking at active research projects geared toward developing methods suitable for monitoring and assessing steep mountain rivers, thereby improving the foundational capacity of the Park to study and respond to the variability of its resources. Efforts by the SIP will contribute to many projects and will carry a broad range of impacts, from improving the success of individual Park efforts to shaping the ongoing evolution of regional policies and practices. Projects in process by the Imminent Threats Program often contribute directly to restoration of infrastructure quality and access to public lands, and cumulative impacts of the program's actions are designed to ensure continuous and conscientious long-term access to NPS lands.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
This position will support ongoing efforts by the MORA Geology and Imminent Threats Program to analyze geomorphic processes across various physical and temporal scales. Under the supervision of the Park Geology staff, the Geology/Imminent Threats Program SIP participant will examine river and glacier behaviors for advancement of geologic hazard and resource monitoring at Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainier’s glaciers are retreating, but they are not going quietly into the night. They are spawning catastrophic debris flows and glacier outburst floods (jökulhaups), and choking downstream rivers with excess sediment. The rivers are responding by aggrading (where the active river channel is up to 20 feet above adjacent floodplains and forests), flooding nearby roads, and suddenly shifting positions (avulsions), often killing acres of old growth forest. To improve the Park's capacity for adaptive management and move toward a condition of greater efficiency, it is necessary for MORA to understand current and future glacier and river behaviors. All resources, from rivers and water supplies to roads and hiking trails, have been affected by current landscape trends. To study these issues the SIP will pursue analysis efforts focused on data collected from field geomorphic mapping, elevation surveys, stream discharge surveys, and installation of remote sensing equipment and other specialized equipment. Summer field efforts collect landform boundaries and attributes that are digitized in the field and synced to a web-hosted server over WIFI. Data covers two geomorphic environments in MORA; gravel-bedded floodplains, and mapping features on the glacier itself. Elevation surveys are typically focused on river systems and infrastructure (usually roads), and are performed with a combination of survey grade GNSS and Total Station units. Discharge surveys are performed in a wide array of streams and rivers in the Park with both classic velocity-area surveys and sodium dilution gauging. Finally stream gaging stations and remote time-lapse cameras support ongoing monitoring needs, and produce large volumes of data seasonally. Fall to winter season projects then primarily covers the processing and analysis of products due to changes in site access from snow and weather closures. The SIP will review data for quality and assist in final archiving using ESRI ArcGIS software, Microsoft tools, Python, and open-source software suites. The SIP will develop a plan early in their term to set goals and deadlines for the production of data series, analysis of data derivatives, assessment of trends, production of new maps, or comparisons of methods. The study plan developed between the SIP and supervisor will depend on the current data needs of the MORA Geology Program, and the specialized experience of the intern. The SIP may also take this process one step further by contributing directly to project reviews and action approvals currently underway in MORA. The MORA Geology and Imminent Threats Program operates from a cradle-to-grave mentality, providing significant opportunities to experience multiple levels of the federal natural resource management process.
DELIVERABLES
Information produced by the winter SIP participant will be synthesized for use by the MORA Geology Imminent Threats Program, and may have an accompanying written product or presentation. Results will be used to advise the Park Management and Maintenance Divisions on strategies to protect park infrastructure, safely and economically, and with a minimum of environmental impacts. Where possible projects will focus on scientific analysis and method advancement to ensure long-term benefits from the SIP's projects. Common deliverables include photos, synthesized field notes, raw and finalized data sets, permitting and approval documentation for new projects, and site monitoring reports. Potential exists for the production of published reports and professional presentations, but these components are neither guaranteed nor required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
- Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
- Prior to starting the position, agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check for the employer of record, Conservation Legacy, and a separate government security background check for the host site.
- The applicant must be available to participate for the entire 20 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Background in earth sciences, geology, geomorphology, geophysics, natural resources; environmental science; hydrology; forest engineering; or related field;
2. Completed coursework in calculus and physics strongly recommended. Further coursework in geomorphology and hydrology is preferred;
3. Background in Python, environmental data analysis, and GIS is highly beneficial to applicants;
4. Good communication skills;
5. Ability to work with minimal supervision;
6. Good physical condition with ability to hike over rough, mountain terrain and to lift up to 50 pounds on some projects;
7. Proficiency in field travel, both on and off trail, is a plus;
8. Experience working in and near rivers is desired;
9. Clothing suitable for prolonged periods of outdoor field work in both fair and adverse weather conditions; sturdy boots; gloves; sunglasses; sunscreen; waterproof outerwear; bring lunch and hydration system; medium-sized (30-50 L) day pack is desirable.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
SIP participants will be conducting projects in a backcountry setting, walking over rough and uneven surfaces, with prolonged exposure to sun, wind, rain, snow cold and other environmental hazards. The trails are steep or non-existent in many places throughout the Park. Field projects will always be done in teams, unless specifically authorized. Recreation in the park includes single/multi-day hiking and mountaineering opportunities. Access is generally limited by heavy winter snow accumulations that can persist well into July. SIP participants will spend 2-3 weeks conducting projects in river valley bottoms and will transition to alpine glacier settings as the snow begins to melt. Field days range from local walks to 15 mile trips in steep uneven terrain. Surveying tools, scientific instruments, and field safety equipment will be provided by the park geology program. Essential field attire includes sturdy hiking boots, long pants made of synthetic material, UV resistant long-sleeve shirt with a hood (sun hoodie), 30-Litre backpack, hat, sunglasses, Gore-Tex or other rain gear (top and bottom), and hiking socks. A personal vehicle is not required but is highly recommended due to the remote location of this position. Access to grocery stores and other amenities involves a minimum travel time of 40 minutes by car and there is no access to public transportation.
The Mount Rainier Imminent Threats Program covers both field and office activities, and the SIP participant can expect for their time to range from 50-75% focused on field activities. Remaining time will be used for office support, outreach activities, and training for the position. Training related to specialized forms of backcountry travel will be provided, the SIP is strongly encouraged to ask about and acquire necessary field equipment before they begin their term.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is recommended for this position.
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.
Park housing consists of a shared room with shared kitchen, bath, and laundry facilities. Cookware and dishes are not supplied. Housing may be located either within the park at Longmire, or nine miles outside the park at Tahoma Woods. Cell phone reception may be poor or nonexistent in most areas of the park. Pets are not allowed in park housing units without special exemption. Century Link wireless internet can be installed within a seasonal housing unit at the tenant’s personal expense.
It is highly recommended the applicant bring a personal vehicle for the duration of their stay. Housing areas are remote with no public transport available in the area. Having access to a personal vehicle makes a significant difference in being able to buy supplies or seek out local activities in their off time.
OUR COMMITMENT
Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions.
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- This position is expected to serve full time each week, but exact service schedules may vary based on project needs. Lunch breaks and days off will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service hours.
- Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
ORIENTATION AND TRAINING
- Member will receive pertinent project and site training from host site throughout term
- Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
- Access to free professional development webinars led by Conservation Legacy staff
EVALUATION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of minimum AmeriCorps hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.
Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online, all Scientists in Parks positions are listed at: https://conservation-legacy.breezy.hr/. Complete the application for this position, highlighting why you are interested in the position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position. Be prepared to upload your resume and unofficial transcript as part of completing the application questionnaire.
Once you begin applying for a position, the application must be completed in one sitting. You cannot save and return later to complete it. Applicants can apply for up to five Scientists in Parks positions per season. You need to complete a separate application for each position in order to be considered. You should receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting an application. Sometimes institutional email filters/settings can redirect, or block emails related to the application. We recommend watching spam, junk, and promotional email folders in case your service delivers messages there. Please visit How to Apply for additional resources and information about applying (i.e., learn what materials to have ready for applying, find a worksheet that previews application questions, etc.). Learn more about Scientists in Parks at: https://www.scientistsinparks.org/.
Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards), a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with AmeriCorps service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits to provide institutional capacity, develop community relationships, and support ecosystem health. Stewards in partnership with the Scientists in Parks program will host the Geomorphology Assistant at Mount Rainier National Park.
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Scientists in Parks using the email address at the base of the home page, under “Questions? Contact Us!”
