POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4380
Position Title: Natural Resource Management Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Cross Plains, Wisconsin
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 05/18/2026
End Date: 08/10/2026
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: $ 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)
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: Monitoring, restoration, bats, plants, prairies
PURPOSE
This Natural Resource Management Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. As the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is still a new park unit, formally designated in 2023, the staff size is small in comparison to the 1200 miles of Ice Age National Scenic Trail being trails being administered. On site at NPS IATR headquarters, there are only 2-3 full time staff involved in natural resources. Having an SIP participant on site to facilitate larger projects and lead smaller projects will have high potential impact on the overall output of the natural resources staff. Being able to expand the overall service of the unit will also result in a positive impact on the restoration progress of the scientific reserve.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The IATR office is in the third year of funding for a habitat restoration project to convert 45 acres of old agricultural brome fields back to oak savanna and prairie, which are both threatened ecosystems. This prairie restoration project is essential for improving the plant variability and subsequently providing better habitat for threatened and endangered species such as the Rusty Patch bumblebee or the Monarch butterfly. The IATR staff is particularly interested in determining how these restoration efforts will impact species richness on the property, with an emphasis on bat populations. The SIP participant will be tasked with establishing and executing a long-term monitoring project to observe changes in bat activity seasonally as well as in response to ongoing restoration efforts. Throughout the term, the SIP will become familiarized with restoration and monitoring protocols, including but not limited to: GIS field data collection, vegetation monitoring, vegetation surveying, monitoring acoustic bat equipment and data analysis, inventorying species on site, and use of large equipment to facilitate restoration efforts. There are also opportunities for the SIP to attend trail-building and habitat restoration events throughout the state and affiliate with our partner agencies.
DELIVERABLES
The primary deliverable would be a standard operating procedure (SOP) manual detailing the monitoring of bat species on the property, including field data collection and analysis. Several other potential deliverables would include photo monitoring data, monitoring reports for the vegetation surveys, summaries of restoration efforts, maps, etc. Additionally, there is potential for creating an independent project in their area of interest, should the SIP participant so choose.
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
All applicants must have completed at least three years towards a degree in biological sciences, with a preference towards candidates who have completed natural resources courses (ecology, botany, limnology, geology, etc). A working knowledge of GIS and plant ID is preferred but can be taught for the right candidate. This position is intended to be a learning position. Reliability, hard-working, critical thinking, problem-solving all preferred skills. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Willing to undergo and pass criminal history check.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
The National Park Service’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IATR) headquarters, known as the Cross Plains Interpretive Site, is situated on 161 acres of park service land in Cross Plains, WI, just outside of the state capital, Madison. This will function as the primary service location for this position. In addition to functioning as park headquarters, the interpretive site is also part of the Glacial Passage Area, a 1200-acre unit of the Ice Age National Scenic Reserve. Composed of 9 separate units, the Ice Age National Scenic Reserve was created in 1964 to preserve and protect world-class glacial landscapes across the state of Wisconsin. This position will involve both office and field projects. The office has access to internet, cell phone service, potable water, and close proximity to the city for emergency services. Field projects will primarily be on site and will not require travel. However, there are opportunities to travel for trail events hosted throughout the field season. Physical requirements involve being able to move for long periods of time, traverse off path through potentially overgrown brush, and ability to lift up to 50 pounds. With close proximity to an urban setting, Madison is close to all necessary and social amenities outside of work. The city of Madison has great public transportation available for navigating the metropolitan area. Situated on an isthmus between four lakes and various state parks, there is also a plethora of outdoor activities available during the weekends. Although cold in the winter, Wisconsin can get quite hot in the summer.
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 NOT available. The selected candidate will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area.
There is not park housing available. The average one bedroom in Madison, WI ranges anywhere from $1,200-$1,800 a month. However, Madison is a college town and there tends to be a plethora of cheaper subleases and short-term rentals available, particularly in the summer. Subleases and short-term leases for the area can typically be found on several Facebook groups dedicated to short-term housing, as well as directly on the landlord's websites. A personal vehicle may be necessary to get to and from service, as the location is off the bus line. Staff can be available for further questions/assistance in securing housing.
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 Natural Resource Management Assistant at Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
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!”
