POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4313
Position Title: Night Skies Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Mimbres, New Mexico
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 09/20/2026
End Date: 12/13/2026
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.
BENEFITS
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $ 1,956.35 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: Community engagement, Night Sky Monitoring, Astronomy Education, Dark Sky Preservation, Public Outreach
PURPOSE
This Night Skies Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This project directly addresses the need to monitor, preserve, and interpret natural resources as outlined in the Scientist in Parks program scope. Natural darkness and night skies are an essential component of the ecological, cultural, and wilderness character of the Gila Wilderness and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. The park’s exceptionally high-quality night skies support wildlife behavior, cultural connections, and visitor experiences.
By collecting standardized night sky quality data, the SIP participant will strengthen the park’s capacity to manage and monitor this critical natural resource. This data will provide a scientific foundation for informed decision-making, long-term monitoring, and ongoing dark sky conservation efforts, including progress toward International Dark Sky designation.
Through the development and delivery of astronomy programs and educational materials, the SIP will also expand visitor understanding of the importance of dark skies. These programs will connect scientific knowledge with cultural and natural resource values, fostering stewardship while enhancing visitor enjoyment of the monument.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The Night Skies Assistant will support Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument’s efforts connect visitors to the unique and irreplaceable resource of the natural night skies of the Gila. Completing projects within the Gila, the SIP participant will contribute to both scientific monitoring and public engagement, helping ensure that dark skies remain protected and understood as a vital component of the park’s natural and cultural landscape.
The SIP will collect baseline night sky quality data using Unihedron Sky Quality Meters, astrophotography, and other standardized monitoring tools. Data collection will occur at designated locations across the monument and will follow established protocols to ensure consistency and long-term usability. The SIP will compile and organize collected data, photographs, and observations for use in the Dark Skies Sanctuary Application, providing the park with actionable information to support management decisions and future monitoring efforts.
In addition to scientific duties, the SIP will play a key role in public interpretation and outreach. Responsibilities include presenting astronomy programs to visitors, such as telescope viewing nights, constellation tours, and guided night sky walks. Programs will incorporate both scientific information and cultural perspectives, highlighting the connections between the night sky, wilderness values, and the ancestral peoples of the Gila region.
The SIP will also develop interpretive products that extend visitor learning beyond in-person programs. These products may include brochures, handouts, or web-based content focused on the dark skies of the Gila, why they matter, and how visitors can help protect them. Through a combination of data collection, interpretation, and educational outreach, the Dark Skies & Astronomy SIP will help strengthen the park’s capacity to interpret and share one of its most defining natural resources.
DELIVERABLES
- Night Sky Data Collection & Analysis,
- International Dark Sky Sanctuary Application Support,
- Interpretation & Public Engagement (a minimum of 8 programs),
- Partnership & Community Engagement,
- Interpretive Media & Educational Products, and
- Professional Development for SIP participant
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 12 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Background in astronomy, environmental science, natural resources, or related field. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Comfort with public speaking and engaging a variety of audiences. Ability to projects independently at night in rugged outdoor conditions. Experience with data collection or light monitoring tools preferred but not required. Enthusiasm for dark skies and public interpretation.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument offers some of the darkest night skies in the continental United States. Located within the Gila Wilderness—the nation’s first designated wilderness—the park experiences exceptionally low levels of artificial light, providing outstanding conditions for night sky monitoring, astronomy programs, and dark sky preservation projects. The remoteness of the area and the surrounding wilderness landscape contribute to minimal light pollution and consistently high-quality night sky conditions, making the park an ideal setting for astronomy-focused data collection and interpretation.
The monument is situated within the Gila Wilderness in southwestern New Mexico, one of the most remote regions in the Southwest. The nearest full-service town, Silver City, is 44 miles away via a winding mountain road and typically requires a 1.5–2 hour drive. Silver City is the closest location with grocery stores, medical facilities, and other amenities. The monument sits at an elevation of approximately 5,800 feet above sea level.
Weather conditions vary widely from late September through December. By late September, the summer monsoon season has usually diminished, resulting in more frequent clear skies; however, monsoonal moisture and storms can occasionally persist into October. September daytime temperatures typically range from the 80s to low 90s, with nighttime lows in the 40s and 50s, occasionally dipping near freezing. October brings cooler and more variable weather, with daytime highs in the 70s to low 80s and nighttime lows commonly in the 30s to 40s. November continues the cooling trend, with daytime highs often in the 50s to 60s and nighttime temperatures regularly below freezing, with light snowfall possible. December is typically colder, with daytime highs in the 40s to 50s depending on the year, nighttime lows frequently dropping into the 20s, and occasional heavier snowfall possible.
Work will involve a mix of nighttime field activities, public programs, and daytime office tasks. Interns should be prepared for remote living, limited cell service, cold nights, and variable weather conditions, as well as hiking to field sites at night in potentially icy or snowy conditions.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position.
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.
Housing is provided in a shared dormitory setting within the monument. Each selected candidate will have a private, lockable bedroom for personal space, while bathrooms, kitchen, and common areas are shared among residents. The kitchen is fully equipped with major appliances, cookware, and utensils, and the common area provides space for relaxation and group interaction. Wi-Fi is available within the housing area. Laundry facilities are available on-site. All basic utilities (electricity, water, and heating) are included. Interns are responsible for their own groceries, toiletries, and personal items.
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 Night Skies Assistant at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.
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!”
