POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4442
Position Title: Science Communication Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 5/25/2026
End Date: 11/23/2026
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.
BENEFITS
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $ 3,697.50 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: science communication; monitoring; natural resources; visitor experience
PURPOSE
This Science Communication Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This position supports the communication and implementation of one of RMNP's priorities related to balancing visitor access and resource preservation.
The Assistant will be responsible for updating public facing content about this topic and well as contributing to the collection, analysis, and presentation of data that are used by the Park Superintendent and Leadership Team to make adaptations to RMNP’s long range Day Use Visitor Access Plan.
For example, traffic data has been used to adjust Timed-Entry Reservation Permit sales in real time to account for reservation no-shows. Traffic and trail use data are also used by other park workgroups to aid their operations. For example, trail use pattern data gives valuable information to Facility Management division on levels of use and where to focus improvement efforts.
This project directly informs future decision making through adaptative management of visitor use access strategies for RMNP.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
This is a unique, hybrid position that combines natural resources and social science data collection with science communication and is based out of the Continental Divide Research Learning Center (CDRLC) in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).
The Assistant will projects with the Science Communicator at RMNP to develop web content, social media posts, written articles for partner publications, and internal resources briefs about conservation projects happening within Continental Divide Research Learning Center and larger Resource Stewardship Division of RMNP. The Assistant will also spend a portion of their time working alongside biologists in the field and assisting in hands on data collection to develop an in-depth understanding of the purpose and process of various conservation projects.
This project will primarily focus on visitor experience and recreational impact monitoring but could be expanded to wildlife biology, vegetation ecology, wetland restoration, and forestry.
DELIVERABLES
• Develop a communication plan with input from supervisor
• Write, edit, and publish 3-4 new webpages for RMNP and/or the CDRLC
• Author and design 1 internal research brief for park staff to deepen their understanding of the topic
• Assist with data collection tasks that includes hiking, calibrating field equipment, and downloading data
• Write one 600-800 word article for submission to a partner publication
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 26 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
This position entails a high level of responsibility and initiative. The candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in a science related area, such as social science, environmental science, or related. Previous experience with writing for a variety of audiences is preferred.
Other skills include:
• Strong organizational skills, ability to projects independently, and self-motivated
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate written and orally
• Ability to engage in positive visitor interactions about resources of Rocky Mountain National Park
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Rocky Mountain National Park embraces 415 square miles of pristine mountains in north-central Colorado and, as such, is one of the most spectacular, yet easily accessible high mountain areas. The park encompasses glacier-sculptured valleys, rugged gorges, alpine lakes, and vast areas of alpine tundra. Summer weather is generally sunny with frequent afternoon lightening showers. Recreational activities in the park include scenic drives, 355 miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, climbing, fishing, and wildlife watching.
The gateway community of Estes Park is located at 7,500 feet and located ~5 miles from park headquarters. The town has several grocery stores, a library, restaurants, a hospital, and several clinics, doctor and dentist offices. Recreational and educational opportunities in town include educational classes through the library and adult education learning program, a running club, walking trails and bike paths, and trivia, events, seasonal festivals, and activities that many park staff attend as groups. The Denver metropolitan area is a 2-hour drive and provides a spectrum of amenities and an international airport.
Projects will involve both office and field projects. field projects includes hiking on and off trail in steep, mountainous terrain up to 12,000 feet elevation with possible exposure to inclement weather (hot or cold temperatures, wind, rain, snow, and lightning). The Assistant could encounter wildlife such as elk, moose, and black bear. Shared office space will be provided and will include a varied desk platform allowing for sitting and standing, computer, phone line, and close access to a shared printer.
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 available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.
Housing will be provided at Rocky Mountain National Park. The Assistant will have individual sleeping space with a shared bathroom within a dormitory. The Assistant needs to provide their own bedding/linens. Shared kitchen space is stocked with basic cookware (pots, pans, etc.) and basic tableware (plates, cups, cutlery). All park housing is located adjacent to the town of Estes Park. More details will be available after a candidate is selected.
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 Rocky Mountain National Park.
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!”
