POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4496
Position Title: Biology Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network, Kingston, Rhode Island
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 52 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 01/04/2027
End Date: 01/03/2028
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 (pre-tax)
- Weekly Living Allowance: $ 775.00 per week, fixed rate (pre-tax)
- Relocation Allowance: $ 450.00 (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)
- 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, 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: ecological monitoring, marine science, salt marsh, seagrass, coastal geomorphology
PURPOSE
This Biology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This position directly supports the mission of the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Program by contributing to the collection, management, and delivery of high-quality ecological data used to inform science-based management decisions. Through primary involvement in field-based monitoring, this role ensures the continued generation of reliable, long-term data essential for understanding and protecting coastal ecosystems across the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network (NCBN).
In addition to field data collection, this position advances key I&M Program goals by supporting the transformation of monitoring data into available and actionable information. This includes contributing to data management, science communication, and data delivery efforts that make information more readily available to park managers, staff, and the public. By helping develop and organize data products, visualizations, and supporting materials, this role fills a critical need for translating scientific findings into formats that can be effectively used for planning and resource management.
Overall, this position plays an important role in ensuring that parks have the tools, data, and information needed to preserve coastal resources and make informed decisions that protect some of America’s most valuable natural places.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network (NCBN) is one of 32 networks established by the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Program to conduct long-term ecological monitoring. The NCBN includes eight parks from Massachusetts to Virginia, protecting over 59,000 hectares of coastal ecosystems including wetlands, estuaries, and nearshore habitats that are critical to water quality, fisheries, and vast ecological varieties.
The SIP will serve as part of a 2–3 person field crew conducting coastal ecosystem monitoring of estuarine water quality, seagrass condition and distribution, salt marsh elevation, and shoreline position following established NCBN protocols. field projects is the primary responsibility and will include regular travel to parks, with a majority of projects conducted at Cape Cod National Seashore and potential support at other network parks.
Field duties include:
• Preparing for and conducting field sampling efforts
• Collecting water quality and seagrass data using standard monitoring methods
• Assisting with underwater seagrass surveys via snorkeling and video applications
• Assisting with shoreline surveys via ATV and foot
• Assisting with salt marsh surface elevation monitoring
• Operating and maintaining field equipment including, multi-parameter water quality sondes, water level loggers, and GNSS survey equipment
In addition to field projects, the participant will support data management and program operations. Depending on the participant’s interest and experience, potential tasks may include:
• Data entry, quality assurance/quality control, and metadata documentation
• Assisting with data organization, database documentation, and SOP development
• Archiving photos, datasets, and reports in NPS systems (e.g., DataStore, NPGallery)
• Supporting basic data visualization and website updates
The participant will receive training in field and laboratory safety, monitoring methods, water quality instrumentation, seagrass survey techniques, and ecological data management.
DELIVERABLES
Deliverables will be tailored to the participant’s skills and learning goals. The primary deliverable is the collection of high-quality field data through participation in water quality, seagrass, salt marsh and shoreline monitoring alongside NCBN staff. The participant will also contribute to data management products, such as certified datasets and technical reports.
Additional deliverables may include data summaries, presentations to park or regional staff, and/or brief technical reports, depending on the participant’s experience and interests.
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
Applicants should have, or be stiriving toward, a BS degree in biology, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field. Prior field experience collecting natural resource data is beneficial but not required.
Candidates should be able to participate effectively both independently and as part of a team in field and office settings. Physical fitness is required, including the ability to swim, snorkel, and complete projects comfortably in and around water, including from boats and small watercraft (e.g., motorboats, kayaks or canoes). Boating experience is helpful but not required.
Applicants must be able to accurately record and enter data, and possess strong writing skills and a solid understanding of scientific concepts and terminology.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is required. Experience with metadata, GIS, databases, data visualization, or scripting (e.g., R or Python) is a plus. A strong willingness to learn is essential.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
The participant will be based at the University of Rhode Island (URI) Kingston Campus, in an NPS office within the Department of Natural Resources Science alongside staff from the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network.
Kingston, Rhode Island is located near beaches and summer resort areas, approximately 50 minutes from Providence and 35 minutes from Newport.
Alternative NPS office locations within the Northeast Region may be considered based on participant interest and availability of office space.
HOUSING
Park housing is NOT available. The participant will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area.
Because the area is a popular summer destination and college town, securing affordable housing can be challenging. Participants are strongly encouraged to arrange housing prior to accepting the position. Rental costs vary, with single rooms near campus typically ranging from $600–$900/month. More affordable options may be available farther from campus (e.g., North Kingstown, Warwick, Providence), where rooms may range from $350–$500/month and studio apartments around $1,200–$1,300/month, generally decreasing with distance.
Rhode Island offers a variety of housing resources, including the URI off-campus housing website (https://offcampus.housing.uri.edu/housing), which includes listings and a roommate finder.
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 Biology Assistant at Northeast Coastal and Barrier 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!”
