POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4384
Position Title: Science Communication Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake, Colorado
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 20 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: No
Start Date: 05/03/2026
End Date: 09/20/2026
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: interpretation, science, ecology, resources, wildlife
PURPOSE
This Science Communication Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. Rocky Mountain National Park’s Strategic Plan lists resource stewardship and education as priorities, with a goal to integrate science and management to preserve and protect resources. This position will deal with the public to help educate, inspire and build a deeper understanding of the benefits and importance of science and natural resources in national parks. Additionally, while completing projects with multiple divisions, the SIP participant will learn an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to natural resource management. Field institute-type programming is offered on the east side of RMNP, but not on the west side – so this will fill a need that is not currently being met throughout the park. This provides positive impact for visitors, who will benefit from additional natural resource/science programming on the west side of RMNP.
Another impact is bringing attention to a major project on the west side of RMNP: the Kawuneeche Valley Restoration Collaborative. In 2025, large fences were erected to reduce pressure on vegetation by large mammals such as elk and moose. Also, simulated beaver structures were installed to raise the water table, and willows were planted. This is a 30-year project that RMNP and other organizations are eager for the public to hear about, and this position will help with providing information about this important project.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The SIP participant will create 'Field Institute' type science programming in the Colorado River District (west side) of Rocky Mountain National Park. Programs will be focused on resource topics related to the west side of the park including wildflowers/plants, ecology, birding, wildlife, beavers, bats, and elk migration. Other topics may include astronomy, geology, or other resources, depending on interest. The beaver, ecology, and wildlife program will include a major topic for the west side: the Kawuneeche Valley Restoration Collaborative, which is a group of organizations focused on long-term efforts to strengthen the local ecosystem. KVRC aims to restore natural systems by installing fencing to reduce pressure on vegetation, building structures to mimic beaver behavior and raise the water table, and planting willows.
Other Duties: The SIP will present other interpretive programs, provide information while working in the visitor center, and rove trails to contact visitors. They will provide resource information while working at Alpine Visitor Center one day per week (at 11,000 ft elevation). SIP will assist with kid-friendly Jr Ranger programs and special events. They will be assigned cross-training days including restoration efforts, completing projects in the greenhouse, collecting samples, building trails, and recording weather stats. There are opportunities for professional development, participation in search and rescue, shadow other divisions, and completion of other projects.
DELIVERABLES
The SIP participant will go through three weeks of training that includes principles of interpretation as well as resource management topics. They will learn how to conduct programs, research and write outlines, projects with other divisions, and educate the public about resources. They will learn how to rove trails, provide information to the public, and monitor for resource protection. They will learn how to interact with the public inside a visitor center and provide information. After training, they will have time to research and develop science programming and other public programs. Throughout the summer, they will attend cross-training days to shadow other divisions and complete professional development.
The SIP will produce at least seven one-hour programs on these natural resource topics: wildflowers/plants, ecology, birding, wildlife, beavers, bats, and elk migration. If they have interest, time, and skill level, other programs may be developed on topics including astronomy, geology, etc. They will research each program, write an outline, and present the program at a set location. They will collaborate with their supervisor to choose a location and time, and to create a flyer to advertise the programs. In addition to these special science programs, they will research and develop regular public interpretive programs, assist with Jr Ranger programs, be in visitor centers, and rove trails.
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
Have a strong interest in science or natural resources.
Have a positive attitude and have the emotional intelligence to service through difficult project situations.
Ability to positively engage with and be kind to coworkers, peers, and visitors.
Ability to function effectively as a member of a team, but also able to conduct projects independently.
Ability to take directions, feedback, and guidance.
Good communication skills and customer service skills.
Ability to perform public speaking and/or learn how to present programs to public groups.
Interest in engaging with visitors of all ages, especially children and families in an outdoor environment.
Ability to stand or sit for moderate amounts of time and hike up to one mile.
Ability to complete projects in hot or cold outdoor temperatures, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Located at high elevation (8700-9000 ft) on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. The SIP participant will complete projects in a shared office and inside a busy visitor center interacting with the public. When completing projects outdoors, SIP will usually be along a trail or route. Main hazards include moose interactions, unpredictable weather, and rain and thunderstorms. Summer temperatures range from 40-80° F. There are recent burned areas within the park. The position requires walking, hiking, exposure to outdoor elements, bending, lifting, standing for long periods of time, and answering repetitive questions.
The Colorado River District is open year-round and is located near the town of Grand Lake, CO, 1.5 hours away from HQ/Estes Park, CO. The district includes the headwaters of the Colorado River, Kawuneeche Valley, Holzwarth Historic Site, the Never Summer Mountains, and Alpine Visitor Center (highest visitor center in the NPS). The nearest community is Grand Lake, CO, located 5 miles away, with a post office, restaurants, churches, medical clinic, recreation center, and small grocery store. Granby, CO has more services and is 20 miles away. Denver, a 2.5 hour drive away, and Silverthorne/Dillon/Frisco, a 1.5 hour drive away, has restaurants, thrift stores, cultural events, museums, and large retail stores. There is not a park shuttle system in our district, and there is no public transportation. For this reason, a personal vehicle is essential.
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.
Shared housing is provided. Selected candidate will be living in dorm-style quarters. They will share a bedroom with one other person of the same gender. Dorms are co-ed. There are two Dorm Buildings, newly built and furnished in 2025. Each dorm building can house up to 8 people with 4 bedrooms, 2 restrooms, large kitchen, living room area, and an assigned storage room for each occupant. There is a separate common building that includes laundry, living room area, kitchen, showers, Wi-Fi, game room, outdoor deck, and large screen TV. Selected candidate must bring their own linens and towels. There is good cell service (by all carriers) in park housing. The housing area is a 5-minute walk to the visitor center. Partners and pets are not allowed. Possession or use of marijuana is prohibited on federal lands, including national parks, even if it’s legal by state law and/or used for medicinal purposes.
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!”
