POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4363
Position Title: Ecology Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Northern Colorado Plateau Network, Moab, Utah
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 52 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: No
Start Date: 05/04/2026
End Date: 05/03/2027
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1700 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.
BENEFITS
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $ 7,395.00 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)
- For 52-week positions only:
- Free Healthcare Coverage (opt in)
- Childcare Coverage (opt in)
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: aridland ecology, botany, natural resource monitoring, statistical analysis, data science
PURPOSE
This Ecology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. The Ecology assistant will contribute to the long-term monitoring of natural resource vital signs through field m monitoring at up to 16 national park units and projects involving data science, statistical analyses, and reporting and publications. The data produced by these efforts are vital for informing management decisions in the network parks.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The Ecology Assistant will complete projects with the Northern Colorado Plateau Inventory and Monitoring Network scientists, data managers, field crews, and parks staff. They will complete projects and support data science and quantitative ecology workflows associated with this network representing 16 National Park units in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and Wyoming. We collect data on a wide variety of natural resource “vital signs” through field observation and will format and analyze these data. This position will spend approximately 50% of the time in the field helping to complete uplands, rivers, invasive plant, spring and seeps, and wadeable streams monitoring. This monitoring will primarily be intense botany, so knowledge of plant taxonomy is important, preferably in the western US. The other 50% will focus on data science and data management projects. This information is critical for understanding the status and trends in the health, ecological variety, and resilience of the park ecosystems. The assistant will complete projects independently and, in a team, setting; in the office and occasionally in the field; and in potentially 16 National Park units. This position will gain experience working in a collaborative environment with a team of professional scientists and data managers responsible for conducting natural resource monitoring. The person selected will be expected to contribute to several projects based on their interest and skills. The projects could include developing scripts to automate a report, developing data visualization tools, analyzing datasets and preparing them for analysis and publication; and/or developing and implementing statistical models and synthesizing the results. There will also be opportunities to collaborate with network scientists, science communicators, and park resource managers applying project results.
DELIVERABLES
Depending on person and the projects selected, the SIP participant will produce a summary report (potential projects are invasive plant and upland monitoring), new datasets, a data visualization (e.g., dashboard or StoryMap), a standard operating procedure (SOP), a statistical model, data output solutions using ‘R’ and/or Python, and/or a code repository. We are also open to innovation and the development of a product unique to the incumbent.
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 52 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of plant taxonomy and identifying plants to species in the field. Botanical skills in the western US is helpful, but not required. General knowledge of data science concepts, principles, methods, and practices. Comprehension of R and/or Python and the skill to apply these technologies effectively. Experience with Esri software packages for GIS (e.g. ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, Survey123). Skills in extracting, wrangling, and publishing data in R, Python, or GIS; perform statistical and spatial analyses; and managing data and code repositories. Use knowledge of natural resources and data visualization to create reports, graphics and dashboards using supported technologies (e.g., Rmarkdown, ArcGIS, Power BI, etc.). Solid written and oral communication skills and the ability to be detail oriented and well organized are a must. Strong commitment to safety and NPS operational leadership principles. Skills related to successful teamwork (clear communication, situational awareness, reliability, respectfulness) and building successful relationships with colleagues. A keen interest in using science to help with management decisions.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
This position is a mix of field and office projects. It is both field based and analytical in nature. Moab is a small sized town focused on recreation and tourism. All basic amenities are there, grocery stores, schools, laundry, and hardware store. For specific items, Grand Junction is the next closest city, 1 hour and a half drive. The area has abundant recreation opportunities from the river to the desert to the nearby La Sal Mountains. Several National Park units are within a days drive. A car is recommended due to the remote location of Moab.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is not required for this position.
HOUSING
Park housing is NOT available. The selected candidate will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area.
Housing is expensive with the cost being around $1,000 per bedroom
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 Ecology Assistant at Northern Colorado Plateau Network.
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!”
