POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4466
Position Title: Ecology Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: San Juan National Historic Site, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 52 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 5/4/2026
End Date: 5/3/2027
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1700 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.
BENEFITS
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $ 7,395.00 upon successful completion of position
- Weekly Living Allowance: $ 600.00 per week, fixed rate
- Relocation Allowance: $ 1,100.00 (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)
- For 52-week positions only:
- Free Healthcare Coverage (opt in)
- Childcare Coverage (opt in)
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: Invasive species, zoonoses, green iguana, GIS, science communication
PURPOSE
This Ecology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. SIP participants will address impacts of invasive species. SAJU includes iconic structures such as Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, and the city wall that defended San Juan since the 16th century. The proliferation of invasive species such as green iguanas and free-ranging cats threatens the park's resources, tourism, public health, and historical integrity. The participants will address invasive species impacts on variety of life and historical heritage. They will provide the interdisciplinary approach the park requires, focusing on restoration and landscape conservation.
Manage invasive species and implement mitigation, prevention, and internal restoration plans. The data will support program collaboration and provide actionable recommendations.
The participants will not carry out any mitigation of invasive species.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Invasive Species Ecological Impact Specialist: This position centers on data-driven evaluations and analysis of iguana behavior and environmental impact. The participant will collect and analyze data on the ecological effects of invasive species, including density estimates, nesting behavior, mitigation effectiveness, and spatial distribution. Using statistical tools and GIS-based geo-data, the participant will develop predictive models to inform habitat management strategies and visualize data for planning and stakeholder presentations.
DELIVERABLES
Deliverables include ecological impact models, nesting density maps, spatial risk assessments, a technical document summarizing ecological trends, and recommendations for cultural landscape stewardship.
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 52 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
All candidates should demonstrate strong fieldwork skills, rigorous data logging, and basic knowledge of English and Spanish. All candidates must be team-oriented and committed to public service, conservation, and responsible bioethics. Wildlife Health and Invasive Species Specialist: Background in veterinary science, animal science, epidemiology, or wildlife biology. Knowledge of humane euthanasia, AVMA guidelines, urban/tropical fieldwork, data collection, and sample handling is preferred. Experience in environmental health, biological sample collection, and species handling is valuable. Forestry Specialist: Training in biology, ecology, natural sciences, or environmental science. Strong skills in plant identification, plant taxonomy, GIS use, and independent fieldwork in variable climates are required. Familiarity with sampling methods such as transects, quadrats, rain gauges, or plot-based inventories is expected, along with knowledge of botanical classification (and taxonomic keys. Invasive Species Ecological Impact Specialist: Training in ecology, wildlife biology, environmental science, or data analysis. Proficiency in GIS platforms, R, Minitab, or Python, and ecological modeling is preferred, along with writing and research communication skills. Ability to analyze spatial patterns and build simple predictive models is essential. Outreach Specialist: Training in biological sciences, science communication, digital media, environmental affairs, education, or environmental interpretation. Skills in public outreach and multimedia content creation are required. Ability to design interpretive or educational materials in accessible formats (graphics, infographics, posters, social media, or exhibits) is highly valued.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
The service opportunity will take place at San Juan National Historic Site, a coastal and urban cultural park in the capital city of Puerto Rico, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The environment includes historic structures, coastal cliffs, urban vegetation, and areas of historical archaeology. The weather is warm and humid year-round (80–95°F), with uneven terrain, direct sun exposure, and low-level risks associated with invasive, native, and endemic wildlife. All essential services are available within 2 km of the park. The park is located in Old San Juan, a highly visited and touristic area, receiving approximately 1,314,819 visitors annually. It stands as a symbol of identity for local residents and the native diaspora. Wildlife and Invasive Species Health participant: 50% fieldwork / 50% office or lab. Vegetation and variety of life Monitoring participant: 55% fieldwork / 45% office or lab. Invasive Species Ecology and Data participant: 45% fieldwork / 55% office or lab. Scientific Communication and Environmental Education participant: 30% fieldwork / 70% office or lab.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is not required for this position.
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.
Park housing is located within the San Juan National Historic Site (SAJU–NPS) and offers comfortable accommodations ideal for NPS - SIP participant-participants. The house features three fully furnished bedrooms—one of which may be shared—and includes full or king-size beds. Common areas include a furnished living room and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, one bathroom, and utilities such as a water heater, generator, and water cistern to ensure uninterrupted service. Conveniently located on the main Norzagaray Street, the home provides easy access to park facilities, public transportation, and is within walking distance of Old San Juan’s historic district, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions. In addition, it is approximately 20 minutes from Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport. The internal SIP participant is responsible for complying with common standards and rules of conduct. SIP participants that choose to stay in park housing will have to bring their toiletries, personal effects, and towels. The park provides bed sheets, utensils and tableware.
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 San Juan National Historic Site.
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!”
