POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4472
Position Title: Biology Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Congaree National Park, Hopkins, South Carolina
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 04/05/2027
End Date: 06/28/2027
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.
BENEFITS
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $ 1,956.00 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: habitat restoration, forestry, endangered species, rare, bird, turtle, fire, firefly, invasive
PURPOSE
This Biology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This position will support critical conservation projects at Congaree National Park by conducting surveys to determine the presence or absence of federally listed species and other species of conservation concern. The participant will play a key role in collecting habitat data essential to these species’ persistence and will actively contribute to on-the-ground habitat restoration and creation efforts.
The information gathered through this effort will directly inform forest management decisions using the best available science, helping place Congaree National Park on a clear trajectory toward the potential reintroduction of the red-cockaded woodpecker. The creation of habitat for the quail and turkey is also a valuable impact.
In addition to its scientific and management contributions, this program will provide the participantwith hands-on experience in natural resource management within a National Park setting. SIPs will collaborate closely with National Park Service professionals, gaining exposure to a wide range of public service responsibilities and developing a deeper understanding of the mission and values of the National Park Service.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Congaree National Park uplands were historically characterized by the longleaf pine ecosystem which is one of the most varied but imperiled ecosystems in North America. One of the species that calls the longleaf pine ecosystem home is the red-cockaded woodpecker. The red-cockaded woodpecker is listed under the Endangered Species Act as threatened and was last seen at Congaree National Park in the 1990s. Other upland species we manage for are the bobwhite quail, and wild turkey.
This position will seek to understand habitat requirements and presence/absence of the red-cockaded woodpecker in Congaree National Park. The position will perform avian surveys throughout the park for red cockaded woodpeckers, bobwhite quail, and turkey. They will also perform habitat surveys and various other forestry related tasks by assisting the NPS Forester with collecting data on habitat metrics. Those duties will include but not limited to performing stand surveys, creating covey and feathering edge habitat, taking data on tree species composition, fire effects, and more.
DELIVERABLES
The participant will have a direct positive impact on Congaree National Park by collecting valuable data on a highly valued resource. They will have the opportunity to provide input and be a part of new research projects related to the species. The data they collect helps biologists make decisions on a park-wide scale that promote the wellbeing and conservation of the species. The participant will be immersed in both the service and life culture of the National Park Service. Through this project, the participant will learn about the mission of the National Park Service to provide meaningful stewardship and help conservation efforts on public lands.
Deliverables:
• Performing avian surveys
• Assist the NPS Forester with data collection on habitat metrics.
• Collaborating with other agencies and experts (Fort Jackson biologist, SC DNR biologist, etc)
• Monitoring cavity boxes and assisting in reintroduction efforts of the red-cockaded woodpecker.
• Restoration and creation of habitat for bobwhite quail and wild turkey
• Installing and monitoring game cameras for other rare species
• Assisting with the 2027 Synchronous Firefly Event
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 12 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Positive attitude, strong desire to complete projects.
• Ability to complete projects in inclement weather over varied terrain.
• Ability to establish goals and prioritize projects.
• Curious about the natural world.
• Comfortable completing projects outdoors where snakes, insects, and other wild animals are common.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Congaree National Park is located approximately 30 miles outside of Columbia, the state capital, where there are many recreational and social activities that the participant can easily engage in. Recreation at the park includes hiking, fishing, canoeing/kayaking, bird watching, and attending ranger led walks/talks. Grocery stores and restaurants are 20-30 minutes away with a few local eateries only a short drive away. Temperatures can vary from mild to hot and humid conditions. The daily projects will be both outdoors and indoors. Participant may need to hike both on and off trail to reach more remote locations and complete projects in hot, humid, buggy conditions.
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.
Lodging consists of a bed space in a shared 4-bedroom (6 bed) dormitory that includes, a shared kitchen, shared bathroom and shared living area. Each bedroom includes at least 1 twin-sized bed, dresser or armoire and ceiling lights and fan. The kitchen is equipped with a stove, microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker, and basic cookware and eating utensils. Additional kitchen tools may be desired by long-term guests. The living room has modest furnishings and a TV. The restroom facilities include an “in-house” bathroom with a stall shower, two sinks, and a toilet. Additional showers and toilet facilities are available in the “comfort station,” located across the gravel parking lot. A washer/dryer is located in the bathroom of the dorm. The screened porch offers additional seating, electric outlets and tables. Internet is available within the dorm area. Guests will need to bring their own bedding including linens, pillows, blankets, laundry supplies, food, spices, and beverages, toiletries, towels, clothing (including field clothes, rain gear and boots), field project supplies (backpack, refillable water bottles), and small personal appliances (alarm clock, small lamp, fan, etc.).
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 Congaree 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!”
