POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4458
Position Title: Science Communication Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Chihuahuan Desert Network, Sonoran Desert Network, Southern Plains Network, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 52 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 6/1/2026
End Date: 5/31/2027
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: $ 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)
- 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: science communication, environmental changes, writing, editing, web articles, outreach, ecology, publications, 508 Compliance, invasive species
PURPOSE
This Science Communication Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. The position will assist in raising awareness of the current status and long-term trends of natural resource condition from three NPS Inventory and Monitoring networks (totaling 29 national park units) using a variety of media. This position will serve directly with science communication professionals and convey information to park staff, NPS partners, and the public. The person in the position will also assist with the production of a variety of publications that provide scientific information on resource condition used by decision makers to conserve park resources. The translation of scientific information in reports and other publications is an essential part of the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division. For nearly two decades we have collected scientific information on NPS natural resources but the translation and dissemination of this information into report or web summaries has not always kept pace with the production of scientific data. Yet, science communication is essential for significant conservation impact.
This position will contribute alongside science communication professionals to assist with the translation and dissemination of information. There will be an opportunity to build templates and content that can further increase capacity within our team, while creating various articles and media to highlight projects ongoing in the networks.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
This position would support the Chihuahuan Desert Network and Southwest Network Collaborative with technical editing, writing, and a variety of science communication projects. Ecologists, biologists, and physical scientists in the NPS Inventory & Monitoring Division need assistance in updating science planning documents, developing newsletters, and communicating results of our long-term ecological monitoring programs to park staff and the public. The information produced through our monitoring programs is critical to understanding the current status and long-term trends in the health, wide variety of, and resilience of park ecosystems.
The individual in this position would have the opportunity to interact with a variety of specialists to carryout revisions to science protocols, assist with the formatting and publication of NPS reports, and support the production of web-based or digital products that present text, tables, and charts within browsers. Ideally the participant will have a strong background or strong interest in ecological sciences and a demonstrated ability in scientific writing.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute within the National Park Service on the composition of articles for NPS web pages, assist with publication of scientific results, produce briefing statements for park managers (including graphics, layout, and writing), and develop social media posts. Opportunities to create Story Maps and develop infographics on a variety of different data sets may also be available.
DELIVERABLES
1) Technical writing contributing to the revision or completion of science protocols and reports; review of documents for clarity; editing documents to comply with specific NPS formatting requirements. 2) Creation of digital content: composition of articles for web pages, development or revision of story maps (or similar) to convey the meaning of ecological monitoring results and designs; graphic layout and infographics; review of websites for content gaps to help ensure the full range of science results from network programs are publicly accessible; coordination with specialists on development of web-based briefing statements to share results of ecological monitoring. 3) Participation in periodic field outings to learn about data collection methods and the implementation of NPS science in the field. 4) Potential coordination of and participation in science symposia, planning sessions, and science communication workshops.
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
Science writing experience is essential, with exceptional command of American English grammar. Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style is preferred. Strong web graphics and composition skills are desirable. A background (formal coursework) or strong interest in ecological sciences or nature is preferred. Honesty, openness to experience, creativity, and collegiality are essential for this position. A commitment to, and ability to convey, the meaning of ecological science in the 21st century is desired. An interest in the National Park Service and learning and innovating while working alongside a team of NPS and partnering scientists is essential.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
The incumbent will projects throughout the Chihuahuan Desert Inventory and Monitoring Network (CHDN; https://www.nps.gov/im/chdn/) with occasional projects with the Sonoran Desert (SODN; https://www.nps.gov/im/sodn/), and Southern Plains (SOPN; https://home.nps.gov/im/sopn/) Networks. CHDN includes seven parks in west Texas and southeastern New Mexico, one of the most biologically varied deserts in the Western Hemisphere. SODN serves 11 parks in Arizona and New Mexico, ranging from low-elevation desert scrub to high-elevation conifer forests in the Sonoran Desert and Apache Highlands. SOPN encompasses 11 parks across southeastern Colorado, central Kansas, northeastern New Mexico, most of Oklahoma, and a large swath of Texas, featuring a variety range of grasslands and prairie ecosystems.
Project setting will be approximately 60 - 75% in the office and 25 - 40% in the field. office projects will include technical editing, scientific writing, and supporting a variety of science communication projects, including revising planning documents, formatting and publishing NPS reports, developing newsletters and web content, and coordinating with parks and offices to share ecological monitoring results. Fieldwork will involve supporting ecological monitoring of terrestrial and aquatic systems, including a range of data collection techniques and habitat assessments across variety landscapes. The position will be located at CHDN Field Office in Las Cruces, NM, which will be the primary office environment, with frequent week-long trips to multiple network parks and offices.
Las Cruces is the second largest city in New Mexico and part of the greater Las Cruces and El Paso, TX metropolitan areas. The area offers a unique blend of the natural beauty of the Chihuahuan desert, warm weather, vibrant culture, and a reasonable cost of living. The city is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, captivating scenery, and ample opportunities to explore the Chihuahuan Desert flora and fauna and engage in hiking, backpacking, climbing, biking, and other similar adventures.
Las Cruces, New Mexico, offers convenient access to a variety of amenities all within a short drive or walk (~5-15min by car). Residents can enjoy a variety range of restaurants, many of which highlight the region's famous New Mexico/chile cuisine. The city also has numerous gas stations, grocery stores, parks, recreational facilities, local shops, and many of the typical box stores. Additionally, Las Cruces is well-equipped with multiple medical facilities providing comprehensive healthcare services. Moreover, Las Cruces is just an hour away from El Paso, Texas, a larger city that offers even more amenities. El Paso boasts a variety of attractions, including the El Paso Zoo, Franklin Mountains State Park, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Weather in this area can range from 29-100 degrees and can experience intermittent snow and rain conditions. Summer temperatures for each network can exceed 100F, can range from dry to humid, and are frequented by monsoons and thunderstorms. Off-trail hiking in rough (and exceptionally beautiful) remote terrain will be common. Winter temperatures are mild, with valley bottoms typically free of frost, while surrounding mountains may have dense snow cover at high elevations and north and east aspects. More information regarding weather in these three parks can be viewed here: http://www.climateanalyzer.org... 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.
Many housing options are available in Las Cruces, NM and the surrounding communities. Apartment rentals can range from $550-$1500+ a month in Las Cruces with the average for a 900sq ft. apartment being ~$825.
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 Science Communication Assistant at Chihuahuan Desert Network, Sonoran Desert Network, Southern Plains Network.
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!”
