POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4343
Position Title: Paleontology Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Montezuma Castle National Monument, Camp Verde, Arizona
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, ichnofossils, proboscideans, 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 Montezuma Castle National Monument 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 paleontological inventorying and monitoring. Montezuma Castle National Monument's primary paleontological resources are fossil proboscidean tracks in rocks of the Pliocene-age Verde Formation. Some examples have been recorded and reburied for protection but are now becoming exposed again. Inventorying is necessary to determine the scope, significance, distribution, and management issues associated with these resources. Monitoring is necessary to establish the condition of the resources and determine how to best manage them. To address these inventorying and monitoring needs, the major activities and responsibilities of the position will include: 1) Field surveys to relocate previously recorded 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. 2) Preparation of a report documenting the paleontological resources, to also include literature research on previous service and documentation of fossil resources collected from the monument that are now in archives and museum collections. 3) Public outreach on paleontological resources at the monument, which may include presentations, digital media, handouts, etc., to assist the NPS in showcasing and preserving the paleontological heritage of Montezuma Castle National Monument and increase visitor understanding about the significance of these resources.
DELIVERABLES
The primary deliverable for this project will be a paleontological resource inventory report documenting the scope, significance, distribution, and management issues associated with Montezuma Castle National Monument's paleontological resources. A reviewable draft will be prepared by the end of the term. Position products will also include notes, photos, GIS data, and other documentation produced in the course of field surveys, as well as potentially outreach materials and/or presentations related to the monument's fossils.
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 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, and / or education and outreach would be useful for secondary facets of the project. Applicants should be able to complete projects 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
This position is primarily based outdoors at Montezuma Castle National Monument in Camp Verde, Arizona. Winter conditions in the Verde Valley are cool and semi-arid, with daytime highs in the 50s–60s °F and overnight lows in the 30s. Field projects is physically demanding and involves hiking on uneven terrain, climbing or negotiating rocky slopes, carrying tools and equipment, and working in rugged environments with limited shelter. All indoor projects will take place at the Resource office in Clarkdale, AZ.
Clarkdale, AZ, located in the Verde Valley about 20 miles from Sedona and 1½ hours north of Phoenix, is a small community of about 4600 residents. At an elevation of around 3,300–3,900 feet, Clarkdale enjoys a mild, semi-arid environment—warmer than the high country but cooler than the low desert. The town is next to Cottonwood, AZ that serves as a convenient hub for services, lodging, and supplies. Outdoor opportunities are abundant, including nearby Dead Horse Ranch State Park and river recreation along the Verde River.
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.
Park housing is available in a shared, fully furnished, three-bedroom unit at Tuzigoot National Monument in Clarkdale, Arizona. The incumbent would have a separate bedroom but may need to share a bathroom. The incumbent would also be required to supply their own bedding, towels and any personal effects needed. Items such as small kitchen appliances and utensils will be supplied. Housing is located adjacent to the Park Resource 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 Montezuma Castle 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!”
