POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4489
Position Title: Hydrology Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 10/05/2026
End Date: 04/05/2027
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: $ 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)
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: Hydrology, Sampling, Field Based, Research, Monitoring
PURPOSE
This Hydrology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This position will contribute directly to natural resource management issues in the park related to biological and physical sciences, specifically hydrology and water resources. The member will also assist staff with public communication and educational outreach programming. They will be offered the opportunity to participate in other park activities, including geological research and dark skies programming.
Since the park takes an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to natural resource management, the member may also assist with archaeological surveys related to ground water testing and monitoring by the USGS. They might also be asked to assist with cataloging museum collection specimens and providing visitor interpretation related to natural resources topics. All the activities will have a strong tie to the park's natural resources and related management issues.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Hydrologic Technician: The member's primary responsibilities will be to calibrate, maintain, and use multiparameter meters for the measurement of temperature, pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, and acid neutralizing capacity at 32 hot springs. Secondary responsibilities will include sampling and flushing for Legionella bacteria, monitoring surface waters in the park, the development of printed and digital interpretive material, and the creation and presentation of formal interpretive programming about the park’s hydrogeology and other natural resources. Other duties may include assistance with other natural or cultural resource management projects such as wildlife and plant surveys, GIS training, cross-training with other park divisions, and archival research.
DELIVERABLES
1.) Comprehensive scientific report of data collected, including a record of the weekly spring monitoring for each of the 32 sites. This information will be provided to the park’s managers and may be published, particularly in park compliance documents.
2.) A well-organized database of water quality data will be maintained. All field notebooks used to collect data must be legible and will be kept at the park for archival purposes.
3.) Interpretive programming (water quality, hydrogeology, thermophiles, etc.) – the member will develop and present an interpretive program for the public; this program will be repeated weekly throughout the winter and should be appropriate for a general audience of all comprehension levels.
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 must have at least 60 hours of undergraduate coursework in the physical sciences or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Courses in geology, chemistry, and hydrology are desired. Well qualified applicants will have a bachelor’s degree or at least 120 hours towards a bachelor’s degree in the physical or life sciences or a closely related field (Geology, Hydrology, Geochemistry, Biology, etc.) from an accredited institution. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Master's and PhD. students are welcome to apply for this position. Recently graduated applicants will be considered first.
Experience with YSI multi-parameter probes, IDEXX bacteria processing equipment, and data entry/database maintenance is preferred. Applicants should also have strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing. Interpretive experience, especially with digital media and publications, is desired. Basic computer skills are required. The position is subject to a federal background investigation clearance.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Natural Environment: Hot Springs National Park is within the Zig Zag range of the Ouachita Mountains, and the terrain of the park is narrow valleys and steeply inclined slopes topped with novaculite outcrops. The maximum elevation within park boundaries is just over 1,200 feet. The park surrounds the north end of the City of Hot Springs, and there is considerable urban interface.
The city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, (population of 38,000) in Garland County (population 100,000) offers a wide variety of entertainment and recreation options, including a small amusement park, nearby lakes, forests, rivers, and state parks that provide ample opportunity for outdoor adventures.
Physical project environment: Winters in central Arkansas are characterized by mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and minimal snowfall. Winter runs from late November to late February. During the coldest month (January), daily temperatures typically range from an average low of 33 degrees F to an average high of 52 degrees F. Rainfall averages 3.5 inches in January. Humidity in the winter typically ranges between 72 percent and 79 percent. Biting insects and other wildlife, poison ivy, and sunburn are likely field activities risks, even in the winter. Participant will be expected to complete many physically challenging tasks in the conditions described. A set of steel toe boots and hiking boots are required for this position. Composite toe hiking boots will be suitable as well.
The participant office space is within the Lamar Bathhouse, near the south end of Bathhouse Row, a National Historic Landmark District. The member will be provided with individual space, which will include a desk, desk chair, computer, and lockable storage.
HOUSING
Park housing is NOT available. The participant will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area.
Since the park is located in the city of Hot Springs, there are ample nearby options for housing. There may be opportunities for sharing rental housing with seasonal staff in the Interpretation division, depending on when they start/end.
The rental market in Hot Springs shows a range of prices, with average rents falling between $678 and $1,173 depending on location and amenities. A one-bedroom apartment typically rents for $807 on average.
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.
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 Hydrology Assistant at Hot Springs 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!”
