POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4514
Position Title: Natural Resource Management Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Carlsbad, New Mexico
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 10/26/2026
End Date: 04/26/2027
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.
BENEFITS
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $ 3,697.00 upon successful completion of position (pre-tax)
- Weekly Living Allowance: $ 675.00 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)
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: Paleontology, Caves, Photogrammetry, Rappelling, LiDAR
PURPOSE
This Natural Resource Management Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This position addresses a resource management need at Carlsbad Caverns National Park by improving documentation of paleontological resources preserved within backcountry caves. These fossils are an integral component of the park’s cave resources and directly support two significance statements in the Foundation Document: protection of the Capitan Reef and understanding past environments and weather patterns through fossil resources and cave records. The park’s paleontological inventory identifies a continued need for additional field observations in backcountry caves, noting that important fossil localities remain incompletely documented and recommending further inventory and monitoring to support management and protection of these sensitive resources. It also notes that the park does not currently have a dedicated monitoring program for fossil localities, limiting the park’s ability to assess condition, detect impacts, and prioritize protection efforts. By collecting and organizing high quality documentation of cave paleontological sites, this position will strengthen baseline resource information needed for stewardship, compliance, monitoring, and future management decisions.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
This position provides an opportunity to support an active cave paleontology research project while gaining experience in a broad range of cave and karst resource management activities within Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The participant will collaborate closely with park staff and a collaborating Ph.D. level researcher to document and analyze Pleistocene paleontological resources located in remote backcountry cave environments. Primary duties will include participation in field-based data collection efforts within cave systems, including photogrammetry, LiDAR scanning, and detailed site documentation of paleontological sites. The participant will also be responsible for processing and organizing resulting datasets, including development of 3D models and associated digital records to support long-term resource management and research objectives. With guidance, the participant may also contribute to refinement of workflows or standard operating procedures related to data collection and processing. Field projects will involve active participation as a member of cave and backcountry field teams. This may include travel in rugged, off-trail terrain and overnight backpacking trips, as well as operate in horizontal and vertical cave environments using alpine style single rope techniques. In addition to paleontology focused projects, the participant will assist with environmental monitoring efforts, including maintenance and data collection associated with air and weather monitoring stations. Office-based responsibilities will include data organization, quality control, and preparation of reports and documentation. The participant will also support broader cave and karst program activities, which may include assisting with cave resource monitoring, restoration efforts, survey support, equipment preparation and decontamination procedures, document scanning and data entry, and coordination with volunteers and partner programs. Opportunities may also include assisting with training events or interdivisional projects as available. Project deliverables will include processed photogrammetry models, organized digital datasets, trip reports, a final written summary report, and a public presentation at the park.
DELIVERABLES
Project deliverables will include processed photogrammetry models and LiDAR datasets documenting paleontological resources within backcountry cave environments. Associated digital files will be organized and archived to support long-term resource management. The participant will produce trip reports summarizing field activities and data collection efforts, as well as a final written report synthesizing project methods, results, and recommendations. A public presentation at the park will also be delivered. Additional project products may include contributions to standard operating procedures (SOPs), organization of digital databases, and supporting documentation for environmental monitoring and broader cave program activities.
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 26 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants should be aiming toward or have completed a degree in geoscience, paleontology, or a related field. Experience in both horizontal and vertical caving environments is required. Applicants must be proficient in single rope techniques (SRT) and capable of safely and efficiently navigating vertical cave terrain with minimal supervision. Familiarity with common techniques such as rebelays, deviations, knot passing, and changeovers is strongly preferred. Applicants must be physically capable of hiking off-trail in rugged desert terrain, carrying field equipment, and participating in extended field days. Experience with backcountry hiking and backpacking is required. The applicant should be able to function effectively as a member of a field team, demonstrate sound judgment in dynamic environments, and follow established safety protocols. Experience with field data collection is preferred. Familiarity with photogrammetry, LiDAR, GIS, or related data processing workflows is beneficial but not required. The applicant should be organized, detail-oriented, and capable of completing projects both independently and collaboratively in field and office settings. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. A valid driver’s license and good driving record are required. The applicant must be able to pass a government background check prior to the start of the position.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico and preserves a portion of a Permian-age reef system containing over 120 known caves. The park’s caves contain many rare and unique formations. On the surface, the desert landscape is incised with deep canyons and supports large colonies of cave swallows and bats. Summers are hot and dry, with occasional snow during the winter months. The town of Carlsbad (population ~60,000) serves as a regional hub and provides availability to groceries, medical services, and other amenities. The surrounding area includes two National Parks, a National Forest, two State Parks, and over three million acres of Bureau of Land Management land, offering opportunities for hiking, caving, climbing, paddling, and birding. Local amenities include a museum and art center, water park, library, community theater, New Mexico State University Carlsbad, and the National Cave and Karst Research Institute. A desk and computer will be provided for office-based projects. Field projects will include both horizontal and vertical caving, as well as hiking in rugged desert terrain. Cave environments may involve uneven surfaces, confined spaces, low-light conditions, and variable temperature and humidity. Potential hazards include extreme weather, heat, dehydration, uneven terrain, wildlife (including snakes), and cave-specific hazards such as tight spaces and vertical exposure. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will be used during completion of field projects and the participant will receive extensive safety training. Operational leadership principles and risk assessment processes will be used when evaluating field safety. Weekly schedules will be flexible to accommodate field operations but will not exceed 40 hours per week.
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.
Park housing is available for this position and is located within Carlsbad Caverns National Park near the Resource Stewardship and Science Division offices. Housing consists of a single-occupancy, fully furnished unit within historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)-era housing overlooking the Natural Entrance area. The housing is approximately a 5-minute walk from the primary duty station. The unit includes a bedroom, living area, kitchen, and bathroom with shower. The kitchen is equipped with standard appliances including a refrigerator, freezer, oven, stove, and microwave, as well as basic cookware, dishes, and utensils. Most furnishings and kitchenware are modern and in good condition. On-site laundry facilities are available. Heating and air conditioning are provided. Internet service, television, and cable are not provided. Cellular service in the area may be limited depending on the carrier; a personal hotspot is recommended for reliable internet. Residents are required to provide their own bedding (queen-sized) and towels. Pets may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is REQUIRED 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 Carlsbad Caverns National 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!”
