POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4302
Position Title: Biology Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Natchez National Historical Park, Natchez, Mississippi
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 05/04/2026
End Date: 07/27/2026
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: Soil Science, Pollinator Ecology, Weather Variability Monitoring, Horticulture, Cultural Resources, Interpretation
PURPOSE
This Biology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This position addresses a critical gap by providing baseline data on soils, plants, pollinators, and stormwater within the Melrose gardens—resources essential to preserving Natchez National Historical Park’s historic landscapes. Currently, NATC lacks systematic monitoring, leaving staff without the data needed to anticipate or respond to threats such as declining soil fertility, invasive pests, erosion, or reduced pollinator activity due to rapid environmental changes. The SIP participant will fill this need by conducting targeted monitoring during the high-use summer season and producing integrated datasets that connect soil conditions, plant health, species richness, and stormwater management. Results will guide immediate decisions, such as soil amendments, planting strategies, and erosion control, while also supporting FMSS projects orders and long-term planning. Deliverables will strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration by linking science with cultural resource preservation and will produce interpretive products that help visitors understand how ecological health sustains historic gardens. Designed as a pilot, the project establishes protocols and recommendations that staff and volunteers can continue after the position, ensuring long-term sustainability.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The SIP participant will serve as a Biological Science Assistant – Historic Gardens, supporting Natchez National Historical Park in monitoring and managing the natural resource conditions of the Melrose gardens. The project will generate baseline scientific data essential for long-term preservation while also informing visitor engagement and staff decision-making. Field duties include collecting and analyzing soil samples for pH, compaction, and moisture; conducting vegetation surveys to document plant vigor, stress, pests, and disease; and performing biological variability monitoring of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. The SIP participant will also map stormwater flow and erosion-prone areas using GPS and GIS tools. Duties will be integrated into daily operations under the direct guidance of the Parks Gardener and in collaboration with facilities staff, volunteers, the Facility Manager, and the park’s resource management team, with appropriate safety training and Job Hazard Analyses provided. Office responsibilities include managing and analyzing field data, preparing charts, tables, GIS layers, and drafting a comprehensive report with findings and management recommendations. The participant will also design a visitor-facing product such as a handout, ranger program, or web article titled “Science in the Gardens,” which interprets scientific findings for the public. Results will be presented to staff across divisions to ensure broad application of the project outcomes. This interdisciplinary position directly links science with cultural resource preservation, providing NATC with actionable information while giving the selected candidate practical experience in natural resource management and science communication.
DELIVERABLES
The SIP participant will produce a suite of deliverables that provide immediate management value and establish long-term monitoring protocols for NATC’s historic gardens. Products will include: (1) Soil and Plant Health Dataset – raw data and analysis of soil pH, compaction, and moisture linked with plant condition, formatted for reuse by staff and volunteers; (2) Pollinator and Species Distribution Monitoring Report – summary of species richness and abundance (bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds) with recommendations for sustaining habitat; (3) Stormwater and Erosion Map – GIS-based layer documenting drainage patterns and vulnerable sites with supporting photos and notes; (4) Management Recommendations Memo – concise document translating findings into actionable guidance for the Park Gardener and Facility Manager; (5) Interpretive Product – visitor-facing handout, ranger program outline, or web article titled “Science in the Gardens” that connects scientific monitoring to cultural resource preservation; and (6) Final Staff Presentation – oral presentation of results and recommendations delivered to NATC staff across divisions. Together, these deliverables provide baseline data where none currently exists, improve decision-making for daily operations and long-term planning, enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensure continuity by leaving protocols and products that staff and volunteers can maintain beyond the position.
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
The ideal candidate will be an advanced undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in biology, ecology, horticulture, environmental science, or a closely related field. Coursework or practical experience in soil science, plant biology, or species richness monitoring is highly desirable, along with familiarity in ecological field sampling techniques, GPS data collection, and GIS applications. Candidates should have strong analytical skills and be comfortable working with spreadsheets, databases, and basic statistical tools to organize and interpret results. Clear written and verbal communication skills are essential, as the SIP participant will prepare technical reports, management recommendations, and interpretive products for visitors and staff. The position requires the ability to complete projects independently and as part of a small interdisciplinary team, balancing field projects with office-based tasks. Applicants must be able to perform physically active duties outdoors in hot, humid summer conditions, tolerate biting insects, and navigate uneven terrain safely. A demonstrated interest in connecting science to cultural resource preservation and public interpretation will strengthen an application. Preferred candidates will also show enthusiasm for professional growth, adaptability in a small-park setting, and a commitment to ecological variety, equity, and inclusion.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
The SIP participant will be stationed at Melrose, one of the principal units of Natchez National Historical Park. Melrose is a 19th-century estate that includes historic structures, formal gardens, and cultural landscapes that are nationally significant. The position will focus on the natural resource aspects of these historic gardens, which require careful monitoring of soils, plants, pollinators, and stormwater systems to ensure long-term preservation.
The majority of the SIP participant’s time will be spent outdoors in the gardens and grounds of Melrose. Duties will include soil sampling, vegetation surveys, pollinator observations, and erosion mapping. Field conditions in Natchez during the summer are hot and humid, with daytime highs commonly reaching 85–95°F and high humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent. SIPs should be prepared for exposure to direct sun, mosquitoes, ticks, and uneven terrain. Projects may require kneeling, bending, or carrying light equipment. Proper training, PPE, and safety oversight will be provided.
The SIP will also conduct office-based tasks including data entry, GIS mapping, analysis, and preparation of reports and interpretive materials. Office space will be provided in the NATC maintenance facility or administrative offices. SIPs will have access to computers, printers, and software needed for their assignments.
The local community of Natchez, Mississippi (population ~15,000) offers a supportive environment with a small-town atmosphere. Amenities include grocery stores, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, restaurants, and recreational opportunities. The community is known for its historic downtown, cultural festivals, and strong heritage tourism industry. Larger urban centers such as Jackson, MS and Baton Rouge, LA are located about 90 miles away, offering additional services and travel options.
Natchez is located on the Mississippi River, surrounded by rolling hills and forested areas that provide additional opportunities for outdoor recreation. The region’s humid subtropical setting creates challenges for both natural and cultural resource management, making it an ideal training ground for interns interested in applied science and conservation.
This setting provides the SIP with valuable exposure to the realities of resource management in a small, historically focused park: balancing preservation of historic gardens with the ecological processes that sustain them, while engaging the surrounding community and visitors in the importance of stewardship.
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.
Natchez National Historical Park can provide complimentary housing for SIP at the Melrose unit, which includes two full-hookup RV sites located within the park grounds. These sites are offered at no cost to the participant and include:
Full utility connections – 30/50-amp electrical service, potable water, and sewer hook-up.
Wi-Fi access – reliable internet available for research, data entry, and communication.
Secure location – RV sites are located within a gated, staff-managed area on park property, with lighting and routine monitoring by maintenance and law enforcement staff.
Proximity to project sites – housing is within walking distance of the Melrose gardens, the primary project location, and approximately 2 miles from downtown Natchez.
SIP are expected to provide their own RV or travel trailer to use these hookups. NATC staff will provide orientation on site use and emergency procedures.
If the participant chooses not to use the RV housing, local community housing options are available. Natchez has several apartment complexes, rental homes, and extended-stay accommodations. Typical monthly rental costs range between $500 and $900, depending on unit size and amenities. The city offers full services including grocery stores, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and recreation within a 10-minute drive of the park.
This combination of park-provided housing and community options ensures that SIP participants can be comfortably accommodated during their assignment. By offering housing at no cost, NATC reduces barriers for applicants, increases the competitiveness of the position posting, and supports SIP program goals of equitable access and recruitment.
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 Biology Assistant at Natchez National Historical 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!”
