POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4469, 4470
Position Title: Natural Resource Management Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Denali National Park and Preserve, Denali Park, Alaska
Number of positions available: 2
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 01/11/2027
End Date: 04/05/2027
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: $ 1,956.00 upon successful completion of position (pre-tax)
- Weekly Living Allowance: $ 675.00 per week, fixed rate (pre-tax)
- Relocation Allowance: $ 1,100.00 (distributed as a one-time lump sum with first paycheck) (pre-tax)
- 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, June 14, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the application deadline passes. Positions will close after receiving 60 complete applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on June 14, 2026, whichever occurs first.
KEYWORDS: fire ecology, data management, R coding, data visualization, applied science
PURPOSE
This Natural Resource Management Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. The purpose of this position is to contribute to fire management and ecological stewardship efforts via streamlining and organization of data processing and analyses routines related to fuels treatment monitoring in several of Alaska’s National Parks. The SIP's projects will increase our efficacy in understanding the role specific fuels treatments play in altering vegetation structure, composition, and soils conditions and reducing fire behavior in our local boreal forest. This information will inform park management planning documents to better manage fire potential and visitor and resident safety.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Wildland fire is one of the most widespread and significant disturbances in Alaska’s boreal forests. Fire reinvigorates ecological processes, restarts successional sequences, and contributes to a complex mosaic of vegetation communities throughout Alaska. However, recent years have contributed to an increase in the frequency of large fire years and extreme fire events. Additionally, increased fire suppression around settlements has allowed the buildup of fuel loads (i.e., dense woody vegetation and ladder fuels) that likely require fuels mitigation actions such as mechanical thinning or prescribed fire. In order to evaluate fire management objectives, actions, and outcomes there is a need for scientifically-based information on wildland fire and fuels mitigation effects.
The National Park Service Fire Ecology Program has been collecting and analyzing data on affected environments, fire behavior, short- and long-term vegetation change related to fire management actions for several decades. Rigorous protocols and methods have been developed and tested, however, recent advances in technology have the potential to transform the way we monitor, quantify, and report on forest characteristics. The purpose of this position is to contribute to several related efforts concerning the processing, management, and analysis of fire ecology datasets.
Specifically, the selected participant will develop, test, apply methodologies to: (1) Streamline the analysis of datasets for quick application to management actions; (2) Produce standardized data summaries and graphs for use in annual reporting; (3) Investigate the accuracy of high-resolution imagery analyses (i.e., Lidar, Structure from Motion) to identify canopy metrics; and/or (4) Explore the use of ArcGIS online, Survey123, and FieldMaps to collect and/or share field data. This experience offers a chance to co-develop an independent project based on a balance of the candidates demonstrated abilities, interests, and emergent Fire Ecology program needs. For instance, the selectee may analyze an existing dataset to answer a question of interest using techniques described above. Creating engaging interpretive materials to communicate recent research results will also be encouraged.
DELIVERABLES
Proposed deliverables include tested and documented methodologies to improve the flow of fire effects monitoring data from field plot measurement to management decision space. Dependent on SIP skills and interests, deliverables may include new datasets transformed from existing raw data resources, methodologies to streamline data analysis, or outreach products designed to engage and inspire community residents to accept fire as an important part of Denali’s boreal landscape. Once the participant has been selected, we will collaborate to agree upon an appropriate independent project before, or immediately after the start of the season. This written agreement will clearly define the scope and methodologies to be employed as well as final deliverables expected.
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
Applicants must have completed at least three years toward a degree in the biological, ecological, data or natural resource management sciences with a preference for those candidates with completed coursework in computer programming, statistics, data visualization, or geographic information systems (GIS). Additional coursework in fire ecology, forestry, plant physiology, written science interpretation and/or technical writing will make the applicant most competitive. Applied knowledge of R, experience planning and managing data projects and strong organizational and computational skills are required. The applicant should be able to complete projects well independently, troubleshoot technological challenges, and effectively develop, document, and communicate results.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Denali National Park and Preserve is located in Interior Alaska and offers unparalleled opportunities for solitude and exploration in a largely untouched landscape. Skiing, snowshoeing, and otherwise enjoying Denali's wild landscape in the least visited season –winter– is an opportunity of a lifetime. This position offers the chance to immerse oneself in the extremity of subarctic winter, experience the northern lights, view natural landscapes in transition, and live in one of the least populated areas of the country. Some food and community services are available in Healy (15 miles north of park) year-round. Larger city services are located in Fairbanks, 120 miles north of the park entrance. There are limited shopping opportunities after arrival, so it is very important to come prepared.
The focus for this project is primarily computer based, in an office building shared with fire management and resource protection staff. Although direct supervision and support are provided by the Park’s Fire Ecologist, it is critical that applicants be self-motivated, innovative, and willing to ask for help promptly when assistance is needed.
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.
Housing can be provided at no cost to the participant and is a short walk from the office. Housing consists of a comfortable 20’ x 20’ cabin shared with one other person. The kitchen, dining, and living space are shared and bedrooms are private. Kitchens are stocked with dishes and basic cookware. Bedding for a twin mattress is needed. Cabins are “dry” meaning without running water, but water is available in the nearby communal bathroom/laundry/shower house.
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.
OUR COMMITMENT
Stewards Individual Placements and Conservation Legacy are committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work 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. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation 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!”
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 the host site throughout the 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, monthly accomplishment tracking, a mid-term report, and a final report.
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 (5) 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 Denali 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!”
