POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4358
Position Title: Ecology Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Colorado National Monument, Fruita, Colorado
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 05/04/2026
End Date: 07/27/2026
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: $ 700.00 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: Biology, birds, ecology, GIS, management, nesting, ornithology, raptors, recreation, resilience, rock climbing, visitor use, wildlife
PURPOSE
This Ecology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. COLM's numerous sandstone cliffs provide important nesting habitat for many raptor species; they also provide excellent recreation opportunities for rock climbers. Climbers, hikers, and other visitors have been documented in close proximity to raptor nests. Without intervention, this ongoing disturbance will result in failed nests and/or abandoned nest sites and territories. As top predators in the food chain, this has major implications to the park's ecosystem. In 2014, a climbing route inventory documented a proliferation of over 400 climbing routes throughout the park; more have likely been created over the past 10 years. Seasonal climbing closures were first recommended in 1993 by the park's Climbing Mgmt Plan/EA but were never implemented. Since 1993, Mesa County’s population has increased 67% and is forecast to increase another 42% by 2050. Annual data are needed to inform where and when to enact (then remove) climbing route closures in a timely fashion, thereby both protecting park resources and maximizing visitor recreation opportunities. This project helps increase resilience of the park's ecosystem to the adjacent, rapidly developing urban area and the associated increase in recreation within the park.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
This SIP participant would lead the second year of a 3-year pilot project to develop a raptor monitoring program at Colorado National Monument (COLM). The SIP would complete projects with COLM natural resource staff and a subject matter expert contractor to: 1) Monitor at-risk raptor species (e.g., golden eagles, peregrine falcons, prairie falcons), their breeding territories, and active nests within established high priority areas, 2) Follow the park's standard operating procedures and guidelines for raptor monitoring similar to those in place at Pinnacles and Zion national parks, 3) Train and lead a team of 8-10 park volunteers to assist with the monitoring, 4) QA/QC and maintain accurate program data (esp. GIS), 5) Integrate monitoring results into timely and informed park decisions and advisory recommendations for closing and re-opening climbing routes that risk disturbing nesting raptors, and 6) Implement closures approved by park leadership in collaboration with staff from other park divisions.
DELIVERABLES
1) Updated version of COLM's Raptor Monitoring Program SOP that was developed during pilot year 1.
2) Training guide for new volunteers
3) GIS database with spatial data and attributes
4) Maps and summary materials as needed to inform park leadership decisions
5) A field summary report
6) Presentation for park staff
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
• Applicants should be advanced undergraduate or graduate students whose educational background and career objectives are in wildlife biology, wildlife management, or visitor use/recreation management.
• Possess both education and field experience in wildlife biology (esp. bird surveys). Given the amount of field projects involved, previous bird survey field methods training and/or experience is suggested.
• Ability to recognize and identify birds in the field is important for this position.
• Experience with field mapping, GPS, and GIS should be clearly described in the SIP participant's application.
• Proficient and diligent with data collection and organizing field notes; attention to detail and organized.
• Able to complete projects well independently in field and office settings but be flexible enough to complete projects well as part of a team.
• Ability to complete projects independently and travel on foot in rugged, remote areas using topographic maps and a compass.
• Preference will be given to applicants with extensive outdoor skills, especially hiking.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Colorado National Monument covers 20,500 acres of red rock canyon country in western Colorado (elevation 6,200 ft). There are 11 main canyons which dissect the arid landscape with dominant vegetation communities of pinyon juniper woodland, shrublands, grasslands, and riparian zones. This project includes approximately 60% research and writing and 40% field project and requires the SIP participant to be in good physical shape for hiking in a backcountry, high desert setting. Summers are hot and dry (90-100F) with scorpions and venomous snakes calling our park home. While two-thirds of our park is managed as Wilderness we are not terribly remote. Park headquarters is located 4 miles south of Fruita, CO with Grand Junction, CO only 12 miles further down the road. A variety of amenities are close by in our community including a regional airport, several hospitals, a state university, and plenty of shopping, restaurants, music, outdoor recreation, and so forth. As the largest city between Denver, CO and Salt Lake City, UT, Grand Junction is a regional hub.
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 NOT available. The selected candidate will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area.
Our park housing consists of 11 beds, each in a private room of either a 1-bdrm apartment, 2-bdrm duplex, or 3-bdrm housing unit. Pets are not allowed in park housing. Each unit comes fully furnished, has their own bathroom, fully stocked kitchen, free laundry facilities, and WiFi. Utilities are included. All linens are provided (bedding, towels, etc.). The selected candidate would only need to bring personal items. Park housing may be an option if a room is available, but in case it is not the selected candidate should expect needing to find their own housing outside the park. Given our proximity to Fruita and Grand Junction there is plenty of local housing ranging from $350 - $750 per month depending on what you are looking for. In the past, members of our park's friends group (Colorado National Monument Association) have provided interns with affordable housing as well.
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 Ecology Assistant at Colorado 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!”
