POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4314
Position Title: Paleontology Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Big Thicket National Preserve, Kountze, Texas
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 09/28/2026
End Date: 12/21/2026
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: Paleontology, Cenozoic, vertebrates, paleobotany, paleontological resource management
PURPOSE
This Paleontology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This project addresses instructions and mandates in NPS Management Policies (2006) and the 2009 Paleontological Resource Preservation Act concerning the stewardship of paleontological resources through inventorying, monitoring, management, protection, research, education, and outreach. Fossils are irreplaceable and non-renewable resources; there are a finite number of fossil specimens for any given extinct species, and that number is always decreasing as specimens are destroyed by erosion or illegally collected. The ability of Big Thicket National Preserve Natural Resource personnel to manage its paleontological resources is limited by incomplete data regarding the presence, distribution, condition, and significance of those resources; these gaps in information also lead to an incomplete understanding of threats to those resources. Knowledge of its resources is limited at this time but there is the potential for significant discoveries. Completion of this project will provide the framework for a program to identify and protect rare paleontological resources, and to make them available for public interpretation and scientific study.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The selected applicant will help further park knowledge of paleontological resources by assisting with the development of a paleontological inventory. Major activities and responsibilities of the position will include: 1) Field surveys to relocate previously recorded Big Thicket National Preserve paleontological sites and investigate for new sites; record location and site conditions; document sites through photography and on-site data collection; enter information into computerized databases; and utilize GIS technology to develop maps of site locations. There may be collection of representative, unusual, or threatened fossils, to be curated into the appropriate museum collections. 2) Literature research to locate additional information on paleontological resources in the Big Thicket area, to determine if there are any overlooked records for the preserve and establish the history of investigations. 3) Documentation of fossil resources collected from the preserve that are now in archives and museum collections; may require some travel to these collections. 4) Development of a paleontological resource inventory report for the preserve, documenting the scope, significance, distribution, and management issues of paleontological resources. 5) Public outreach on paleontological resources at the preserve, which may include presentations, digital media, handouts, etc., to assist the NPS in showcasing and preserving the paleontological heritage of Big Thicket National Preserve and increase visitor understanding about the significance of these resources.
DELIVERABLES
The primary deliverable will be a draft of a Big Thicket National Preserve paleontological resource inventory report in condition to be submitted for peer review (a template will be provided to make organization and preparation easier). Secondary deliverables will be properly archived documents, photos, locality information, and other data recorded during the inventory project, as well as any outreach/interpretive materials created during the project.
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 paleontology. The ability to safely and confidently operate in a strenuous field environment is required. Knowledge and experience in paleontology / geology field methods and geospatial data acquisition are important aspects of this position. Experience with GIS, photogrammetry, museum collections, and / or education and outreach would be useful for secondary facets of the project. Applicants should be able to duties well independently and as part of a team, both in the office and in the field with little supervision, and possess good writing and computer skills. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
The position will involve a mix of field and office projects. Field projects may require the operation of preserve trucks and UTVs and hiking several miles per day while carrying a daypack. Other typical field activities will revolve around documenting localities via notes, photographs, GPS points, and similar. The preserve is largely forested with flat to rolling topography made up of sandy or gravelly uplands dissected by river and creek bottoms. The weather is humid-subtropical and daily high temperatures average in the upper-80s to mid-60s across the project timeframe. Most preserve lands can be accessed by trails, fire breaks, and roads. The general setting is rural with small communities scattered throughout. The nearest city, Beaumont, Texas, is within an hour drive and Houston is within a 2-hour drive.
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.
Free housing is available on the preserve. The housing units provide a bedroom (typically single occupied but potentially shared), and shared kitchen and bathrooms. Cookware and utensils are usually available, but SIPs should be prepared to bring their own cooking supplies and bedding. The units are located 30-35 minutes from the nearest amenities such as groceries, gas, and medical care, and 25-40 minutes from the office.
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 Paleontology Assistant at Big Thicket National Preserve.
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!”
