POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4460
Position Title: Paleontology Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Badlands National Park, Interior, South Dakota
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 20 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 5/18/2026
End Date: 10/5/2026
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.
BENEFITS
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $ 2,817.14 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, Fossil Preparation, White River Badlands, Communication
PURPOSE
This Paleontology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. The preparation, stabilization and conservation of fossils are vital aspects in the long-term care of paleontologic resources. This position supports the management of fossil resources which is found within the enabling legislation of Badlands National Park. The participant will assist and gain experience in the preparation of paleontologic resources that belong to the people of the United States for visitor enjoyment, education, and scientific research. Ultimately, this position contributes toward the conservation, management, and research of the fossil resources which define the purpose of Badlands National Park.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Will assist the lead preparator in the park fossil preparation lab. Will consolidate and prepare fossil specimens, adaptively using manual, electrical and air-powered tools. All fossil preparation projects is done under a microscope. The participant will stabilize fossils using consolidants and other conservation practices. Duties include the identification and careful documentation of paleontologic specimens, including the compiling of paper, digital, and photographic records throughout the preparation process. The participant will properly house fossil specimens and will construct specimen storage cradles and jackets for long-term storage. Responsibilities also include one-on-one interaction with visitors about fossil preparation, science, and general park paleontology. The applicant must be prepared to serve indoors in a public setting, interacting with park visitors (>1000/day) and staff daily. Applicant must be able to communicate cheerfully, clearly, and politely with visitors and staff, and deal professionally with large crowds, background noise, and numerous interruptions and questions, while prepping for up to 8 hours/day. Holiday and weekend projects are expected.
DELIVERABLES
Using the latest paleontological fossil preparation techniques, the participant will assist with the preparation and conservation of scientifically significant fossils to be stored in the park museum storage facility. All prepared fossils will be curated into the park museum collection. Preparation of abstracts and presentations for the Geological Society of America (GSA) and Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) annual meetings will be encouraged for participant planning to attend with the park’s involvement and permission.
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 20 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The applicant must have completed at least two years toward a degree in the geosciences. A graduate degree is preferred but not required. Previous fossil preparation experience is required. The applicant should have strong knowledge, course projects and/or field experience in paleontology. Knowledge of the White River Badlands is preferred. Experience using manual and air-powered fossil prep tools and knowledge of appropriate consolidant usage is required. Applicant must have the ability and manual dexterity to sit and prep for long periods of time using a microscope. The applicant must be prepared to serve indoors in a public setting, interacting with park visitors (>1000/day) and staff daily. Applicant must be able to communicate cheerfully, clearly, and politely with visitors and staff and deal professionally with large crowds, background noise, and numerous interruptions and questions, while prepping for up to 8 hours/day.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Physical Service Environment: This position is lab-based. Most of the projects will be completed indoors at the Fossil Preparation Lab inside the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Lab coat (provided) must always be worn while working in the lab, and respirator use may be required under some circumstances. Applicant must be able to safely lift and carry fossils, ranging from small and fragile to large and heavy. Laboratory projects may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals. Must be able to lift and carry items up to 50 pounds. Applicant must have the ability to sit for long periods of time and possess the manual dexterity to prepare fossils under a microscope. The applicant must be prepared to projects indoors in a public setting, interacting with park visitors (>1000/day) and staff daily. Applicant must be able to communicate cheerfully, clearly, and politely with visitors and staff and deal professionally with large crowds, background noise, and numerous interruptions and questions, while prepping for up to 8 hours/day.
Natural Environment: The Badlands National Park striking geologic deposits contain one of the world's richest fossil beds. The dominant geologic feature in the park is the Brule Formation of the White River Group, a colorful sequence of rocks that form the Badlands Wall. Deposited within the Brule Formation are the fossilized remains of an ancient ecosystem that flourished around 30 million years ago. Ancient mammals such as rhinos, horses, and saber-tooth cats once roamed here. The park's 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.
The participant will projects in the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. The visitor center is located 9 miles south of Interstate 90 at Exit 131. The Cedar Pass Lodge which includes a restaurant and gift shop is located just west of the visitor center. Wall (30 miles) has a grocery store, hardware store, clinic, restaurants and several gas stations. Expanded amenities are in Rapid City (75 miles). There is a regional airport in Rapid City (United, Delta, American, Allegiant, and Sun Country). A personal vehicle is required to access the nearby towns for groceries, etc.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant will not need 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.
Housing is apartment style. Kitchen, bath, dining, living room, and bedroom are shared with one other person. Kitchen supplies are provided. Must bring own bed linens and towels.
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 Badlands 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!”
