POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4558
Position Title: Biology Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Colorado National Monument, Fruita, Colorado
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 02/15/2027
End Date: 08/16/2027
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: Avian, biology, birds, ecology, ornithology, raptors
PURPOSE
This Biology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. COLM's numerous sandstone cliffs provide important nesting habitat for many raptor species; they also provide excellent recreation opportunities for rock climbers. Climbers, hikers, and other visitors have been documented in close proximity to raptor nests. Without intervention, this ongoing disturbance will result in failed nests and/or abandoned nest sites and territories. As top predators in the food chain, this has major implications to the park's ecosystem. In 2014, a climbing route inventory documented a proliferation of over 400 climbing routes throughout the park; more have likely been created over the past 10 years. Seasonal climbing closures were first recommended in 1993 by the park's Climbing Mgmt Plan/EA but were never implemented. Since 1993, Mesa County’s population has increased 67% and is forecast to increase another 42% by 2050. Annual data are needed to inform where and when to enact (then remove) climbing route closures in a timely fashion, thereby both protecting park resources and maximizing visitor recreation opportunities. This project helps increase resilience of the park's ecosystem to the adjacent, rapidly developing urban area and the associated increase in recreation within the park.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
This Americorps member would lead the third year of a 3-year pilot project to develop a raptor monitoring program at Colorado National Monument (COLM). The participant would collaborate with COLM natural resource staff and a local raptor biologist to: 1) Monitor at-risk raptor species (e.g., golden eagles, peregrine falcons, prairie falcons), their breeding territories, and active nests within established high priority areas, 2) Follow the park's standard operating procedures and guidelines for raptor monitoring similar to those in place at Pinnacles and Zion national parks, 3) Lead a team of 6-8 volunteers to assist with the monitoring, 4) QA/QC and maintain accurate program data (esp. GIS), 5) Integrate monitoring results into timely and informed park decisions and advisory recommendations for closing and re-opening rock climbing routes that risk disturbing nesting raptors, and 6) Implement closures approved by park leadership in collaboration with staff from other park divisions.
DELIVERABLES
1) Update the park's Raptor Monitoring Program Plan given insights from pilot year 3.
2) Write a summary report of outcomes for year 3 including associated maps, tables, and annual/cumulative summary charts.
3) Maintain project GIS database with associated spatial data and attributes.
4) Develop maps, summary materials, and presentations as needed for park leadership.
5) Develop a training guide for new volunteers.
6) End of position PowerPoint presentation for park staff. Possibility of other presentation opportunities in the local community.
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 advanced undergraduate or graduate students (or already have their undergraduate/graduate degree) in a related field. Educational background and career objectives are in ornithology, wildlife biology, wildlife management, or visitor use/recreation management. Desirable applicant attributes include:
• Possess both education and field experience in wildlife biology (especially ornithology).
• Given the amount of field activities involved, training in previous bird survey field methods.
• Ability to recognize and identify birds in the field.
• Advanced GPS and GIS skills.
• Proficient and diligent with data collection and organizing field notes; attention to detail and organized.
• Able to conduct projects well independently in field and office settings but be flexible enough to conduct projects well as part of a team.
• Ability to operate independently and travel on foot in rugged, remote areas using topographic maps and a compass.
Preference will be given to applicants with extensive outdoor skills, especially hiking.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Colorado National Monument covers 20,500 acres of red rock canyon country in western Colorado (elevation 6,200 ft). There are 11 main canyons which dissect the arid landscape with dominant vegetation communities of pinyon juniper woodland, shrublands, grasslands, and riparian zones. This project includes approximately 60% research and writing and 40% field activities and requires the participant to be in good physical shape for hiking in a backcountry, high desert setting. Summers are hot and dry (90-100F) with scorpions and venomous snakes calling our park home. While two-thirds of our park is managed as Wilderness we are not terribly remote. Park headquarters is located 4 miles south of Fruita, CO with Grand Junction, CO only 12 miles further down the road. A variety of amenities are close by in our community including a regional airport, several hospitals, a state university, and plenty of shopping, restaurants, music, outdoor recreation, and so forth. As the largest city between Denver, CO and Salt Lake City, UT, Grand Junction is a regional hub.
HOUSING
Park housing is NOT available. The participant will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area.
Our park housing consists of 11 beds, each in a private room of either a 1-bdrm apartment, 2-bdrm duplex, or 3-bdrm housing unit. Pets are not allowed in park housing. Each unit comes fully furnished, has their own bathroom, fully-stocked kitchen, free laundry facilities, and WiFi. Utilities are included. All linens are provided (bedding, towels, etc.). The participant would only need to bring personal items. Park housing may be an option if a room is available, but in case it is not the participant should expect needing to find their own housing outside the park in nearby Fruita or Grand Junction. Members of our park's friends group (Colorado National Monument Association) may also be able to provide affordable housing as well.
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 Colorado National Monument.
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!”
