POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4497
Position Title: Education Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, Washington
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 20 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 01/25/2027
End Date: 06/14/2027
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.
BENEFITS
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $ 2,817.00 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: Snow Science, Science Communication, Next Generation Science Education, Curriculum Based Education, Air Quality Monitoring, Surveying
PURPOSE
This Education Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. The SIP will participate in the education of students and park visitors on issues related to mountain snowpack and conditions altering park resources. They will also assist the park's physical scientist in the collection of data related to snow water/snow depth, weather/weather monitoring, air quality monitoring, and possibly intertidal monitoring. Finally, the SIP will collaborate with the North Coast and Cascades Inventory and Monitoring Network to develop a science communication project.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The participant will serve with the park's outreach and education specialist and other education staff to develop and deliver a varied set of curriculum-based educational programming and community outreach opportunities on science communication. Education programs support Next Generation Science Standards and are offered virtually, in classroom settings, and outdoors in the national park. A major focus of the participant's time will be the park's Snow Science education program. Snow Science brings 7th grade students from the local area to Hurricane Ridge in the winter to learn about the importance of the winter snowpack to park ecosystems and to local water supplies. It also explores the threats posed by recent trends in local weather and diminished snowpack. Snow Science takes place outside in winter at over 5,000 ft. Weather conditions can be extreme, and the SIP will be responsible for the safety and well-being of the students entrusted to their care. It will require the ability to snowshoe over a variety of terrain often through deep snow.
The SIP will also serve with the park's physical scientist on a variety of weather, weather, and air quality monitoring projects. Chief among these would be monthly trips to remote snow courses in the Olympic Mountains to measure winter snowpack. These trips are physically demanding and require the ability to cover several miles on skis in winter conditions. The data collected during the monthly snow surveys is reported to the USDA National Resources Conservation Service and is used by federal, state, and local water managers. Other possible duties with the park's physical scientist include maintenance of NPS weather/weather stations, upkeep and data collection from air quality monitoring equipment, and coastal (intertidal) ocean acidification sites.
Finally, the SIP will serve on a science communication project for the North Coast and Cascades Inventory and Monitoring Program. The project will be identified once the applicant is selected based on how the interests, skills, and abilities of the applicant intersect with the needs of the inventory and monitoring program. Possible projects could include written resource briefs, GIS story maps, social media posts, and/or short video productions.
DELIVERABLES
Upon completion of the position the SIP will develop and present education programs for K-12 students.
Specifically, it is anticipated that they will be a key player in delivering a series of Snow Science Field Trips to the Hurricane Ridge area of the park for 250-300 7th grade students. They will also have the opportunity to develop education curriculum and activity materials to support the Snow Science Program. In spring, education programs shift to field trips focusing on plants, insects, and ecosystems for elementary age students.
The participant will also have the opportunity to participate monthly in snow survey projects with the park's physical scientist which involves skiing and snowshoeing to remote snow courses in the mountains and assisting with the collection of snow water equivalent data for the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service. The participant will also assist weekly with the upkeep, maintenance and data collection of the park's air quality monitoring station.
The participant will also contribute to a science communication project for the North Coast and Cascades Inventory and Monitoring Network that will be determined based on the participant's interests, skills and abilities and the needs of the I&M program.
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 20 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a degree program in environmental science, education, outdoor recreation, biology, geology, natural resource management, or related fields.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated interest in collaborating with youth.
- Physically able to ski moderate distances in mountainous winter terrain and carry equipment (up to 30 lbs). The park can provide some gear (snowshoes, outerwear) and will provide training, but previous experience with winter backcountry travel will be useful.
- Willingness to conduct projects in snow, cold, and potentially hazardous backcountry conditions. Ability to operate independently and collaboratively in both field and educational settings.
Preferred:
- Experience with environmental education, youth engagement, or science communication.
- Previous experience skiing or traveling in snowy backcountry terrain.
- Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification.
- Avalanche safety training (e.g., AIARE Level 1).
- Familiarity with NRCS snow survey protocols or similar data collection methods.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Olympic National Park, located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, is nearly one million acres. Over 95% of the park is designated wilderness. Elevation ranges from sea level along the Pacific Coast to 7980 ft. at the summit of Mount Olympus. The park is home to the glacier-capped mountains of the Olympic Range, old growth rainforests, and the varied Pacific coastline. The park experiences relatively dry summers and wet winters. Snow is common in the mountains during the winter. At lower elevations, winter weather can be rainy and cold and daylight hours are short. Our summers are glorious with long days and pleasant temperatures.
The position is located in Port Angeles, WA. Port Angeles is the seat of Clallam County and has a population of approximately 20,000. The county is considered rural. Medical and dental facilities, and grocery stores are available in town approximately 10 minutes from the park housing area. A full range of outdoor recreational opportunities are available. Victoria, British Columbia is a 90-minute ferry ride away. Seattle, WA is about a 2 hour and 30-minute drive from Port Angeles.
The SIP will serve in a combination of office, classroom, and field settings throughout the duration of the SIP term. Office projects will involve using a computer and standard office equipment in a professional environment with consistent lighting, ventilation, and temperature controls.
The position includes leading curriculum-based educational programs in indoor classroom environments and on outdoor field trips in a variety of weather conditions, including rain, wind, snow, and variable temperatures. Outdoor field projects take place in a national park and may involve walking or hiking on uneven, wet, snowy, or rugged terrain.
A portion of the service involves conducting snow surveys. This service is performed in mountainous environments during winter conditions and requires skiing in backcountry terrain. Participants may be exposed to cold temperatures, wind, heavy snowfall, and avalanche-prone areas. Proper training, safety protocols, and personal protective equipment must be used at all times. Participants must be physically capable of performing strenuous activity in high elevation environments and adverse weather. Some service may occur on weekends or outside of regular business hours to accommodate programming needs. Travel between park locations may be required.
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.
SIP participant would stay in apartments located near the park's Headquarters area in Port Angeles, WA. Housing is a short drive (<1 mile) from the Olympic National Park Visitor Center. Apartments are furnished and include kitchen and bathroom, but linens and dishware are not provided. Note there are local thrift stores to purchase kitchen supplies. Most apartments are shared, one-bedroom apartments. Participants can check into housing up to 48-hours prior to their start date. There is no mail delivery at park housing, contact Port Angeles Post Office to set up a box: 360-417-7528. There is no internet or wi-fi provided at the housing area. The local branch of the North Olympic Library is nearby and provides computers with internet and complimentary wi-fi. There is adequate cell service in the headquarters housing area. If headquarters housing is unavailable, housing may be available 5 miles from the Olympic National Park Visitor Center.
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 Education Assistant at Olympic 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!”
