POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4425, 4426
Position Title: Science Communication Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Wrangell - St Elias National Park and Preserve, Copper Center, Alaska
Number of positions available: 2
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 5/10/2026
End Date: 8/2/2026
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: $ 600.00 per week, fixed rate
- Relocation Allowance: $ 1,100.00 (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 communication, digital Media, research, visitor services, natural science.
PURPOSE
This Science Communication Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This participant will interpret a variety of topics to the public including, but not limited to dynamic landscapes, geology, glacial loss, park management challenges, hydrology changes, wildlife, repeat photography showing changes to historic structures and landscapes, and increased need for emergency services for natural disasters. This position is important because they are not as highlighted in the National Historic Landmark (NHL). However, Kennecott is situated right above the confluence of two major glaciers. This park location is a great place to use place-based interpretation so visitors can see first-hand the earth dynamics in real time and learn about the changes that are occurring. They can also learn how it can affect their visit to the park, by discussing trail and road conditions, safety concerns, and trip planning topics. This information and interpretation will provide better information to visitors so they can be safe on the park trails, including the constantly changing Root Glacier trail, which is one of the most frequently visited in the park. This will help visitors begin to understand the “why” behind these dynamic landscape challenges.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
• Staff the information desk at the visitor center to provide area information, orientation and interpretation. Conduct backcountry trip planning sessions, describe trail/road conditions and any safety watchouts, and issue bear resistant food containers.
• Research and develop interpretive programs, including Talks, Guided Walks, Demonstrations. Most programs are conducted on-site at the Kennecott mill town site and will be focused on science communication. Provide informal interpretation while roving in the mill town site.
Talks: 15-20 minute programs, topics could include history, geology, biology, glaciers, wildlife, ecology, etc. History is a popular topic for visitors.
Guided Walk: 30-45 minute programs along the Root Glacier trail to interpret some of the science and research happening in real time.
Illustrated Programs*: 45-minute slide show programs given at the Kennecott Recreation Hall on topics related to the history, geology, biology, etc. This will be optional, depending on the participant.
• Opportunities for career enhancement based on the passions, skills and abilities of the participant. This may include: brochure development, map revisions using NPS cartography programs, repeat photography, career shadows with Park geologist or physical scientist or Kennecott Management assistant, digital media projects, website revisions, special outreach events, working with other divisions, etc.
DELIVERABLES
The participant will provide the following as deliverables: Facilitating at least one interpretive program per day at the visitor center; development of a guided hike focused on science communication and current research, daily informal interpretation visitor contacts throughout the NHL. They will develop at least 5 interpretive talking points for dynamic natural resources (i.e. glaciers, trails, rivers, etc.) and at least 5 safety messaging for dynamic landscapes, trails, and backcountry trips; assist in development of publications or digital media on these same topics; assist in development of new maps for the Kennecott area.
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
This service opportunity is a remote site with a small staff. They will spend a lot of time with volunteers and staff that they are working and living with. Communication, respect, and flexibility are important skills for this position. Highly qualified applicants should have good public speaking, writing and research skills, and have a friendly and cheerful personality in order to projects well with the public. They must have the ability to receive instructions and projects independently. They must be willing to live in a remote area with minimal amenities, and be able to live in rustic housing, possibly with a roommate.
Although there are no major certification requirements, its beneficial if the participant has studied natural/cultural/historical resource interpretation, natural resource subjects, or communication. The most important aspect is that they must be comfortable with public speaking, as it will be a majority of the position’s tasks.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
The position is generally seated, standing, walking, or some hiking, exposed to the elements (sun, rain, wind, cold) and the wildlife (mosquitoes, moose, bears). The position would provide visitor services and interpretation in the Kennecott Visitor Center, along the trails and throughout the townsite of the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, within Wrangell-St. Elias. They would share important information with visitors about park resources, science and research, mining history, wildlife, conservation, visitor safety, and trip planning. They will staff the visitor center, open and close historic buildings, answer questions, rove trails, and provide interpretive programs focused on science communication. The projects is remote and at the end of a 60-mile, mostly gravel road, near the town of McCarthy. There are only a few restaurants and a convenient store in the town of McCarthy and nearby Kennecott. The next closest town with services is about 3.5 hours away. Anchorage is the closest airport and about a 7-hour drive. Weather can range from sunny and hot (80 degrees) to cool and rainy (40 degrees).
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.
The participant will have shared park housing that is remote and can be considered rustic. There are small, private, one-room cabins for sleeping and the use of a larger communal housing building for their kitchen, common area, washrooms, laundry, etc. The cabins do not have electricity, but the common area does. The housing is provided in the nearby town of McCarthy, about a 30–35-minute drive from the Kennecott Visitor Center (duty location). A daily staff carpool is available to travel between housing and Kennecott. Linens are provided (towels and bedding).
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 Wrangell - St Elias National Park and Preserve.
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!”
