Ecology Assistant - AmeriCorps

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Ecology Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Death Valley National Park, Great Basin National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mojave Desert Network, Mojave National Preserve, Parashant National Monument, Boulder City, Nevada

Can this position be fully remote: No

Number of positions available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE

Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible)

Flexible Start Date: Yes

Start Date: 01/05/2026

End Date: 07/06/2026

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve.

BENEFITS

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50 upon successful completion of position.
• Living Allowance of $700.00 per week.
• Relocation Allowance of $450.00 (distributed as a one-time lump sum with first paycheck)
• Student Loan Forbearance if applicable (administered by MyAmeriCorps, directly).
  • Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable (administered through MyAmeriCorps, directly).

APPLICATION TIMELINE

The position will close after receiving 60 applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, 12 October, 2025, whichever occurs first. The review of applications will begin after Sunday, 12 October, 2025. Preference given to applicants who submit applications before Sunday, 12 October, 2025.

PURPOSE

This Ecology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. Our primary goal is to determine the status and trends and condition of targeted natural resources to allow park managers to make better-informed decisions and to work more effectively with other agencies and individuals for the benefit of these resources. MOJN seeks a full-time SIP participant with an interest in bat and vegetation monitoring in the Mojave Desert Network. White Nose Syndrome has arrived in the west, and this position will assist with surveillance monitoring on the leading edge of the spread of this disease. The primary duties of the SIP participant will be to assist NPS scientists with field projects at monitoring sites in parks across the network.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring Program (MOJN) is one of 32 regional networks across the country that gathers and analyzes information on specific natural resources—the plants, animals, and ecosystems that can indicate the overall biological health of parks. MOJN has developed and standardized monitoring protocols to collect scientifically rigorous data on a prioritized set of vital signs that will aid parks in managing their natural resources. While in the field, the SIP participant will primarily assist with bat monitoring but may occasionally assist with the monitoring of desert springs or vegetation communities. General duties include: deploying acoustic bat detectors, assisting with bat capture surveys, and collecting vegetation monitoring data following established protocols; walking long distances over uneven terrain; hiking up to 10 miles in a day with backpacks that weigh 30+ pounds may be necessary; conducting quality analysis/quality control (QA/QC) for all data collected, both in the field and in the office; collaborating with MOJN staff in project planning and oversight of field safety and logistics; and equipment organization and maintenance.

Specific methods or activities in the field include setting up and deploying bat detectors in the field in a variety of habitats as well as capturing bats to sample them for the presence of the fungus that causes White-Nose Syndrome. The SIP participant will handle bats and we will provide rabies pre-exposure vaccinations and train them in how to remove bats from mist nets, identify species, and take swab samples of the face and wings of bats. Most of the data is collected using electronic field forms (primarily Survey123). This position will require travel and camping or the use of park housing during most field hitches. Most camping gear can be provided; this position will primarily “car-camp” at campgrounds or primitive, dispersed sites as opposed to backpacking. Projects may require long days of 10+ hours including late nights and early mornings, most weeks will be 4-5 days long but occasionally there may be 8-day field hitches (followed by 6 days off). Parks that field projects will take place include: Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, and Great Basin National Park.

While in the office, general duties will include data entry, data QA/QC, equipment organization, preparing and shipping lab samples, and equipment and vehicle maintenance. These tasks may involve sitting and looking at a computer screen for extended periods of time. Due to the high amount of overnight travel required for the position, an additional $200.00 will be provided each week to offset the costs of travel.

KEYWORDS: Bats, Inventory & Monitoring, Mojave Desert, Ecology, Biology

DELIVERABLES

MOJN monitoring protocols collect various ecological data that assist park managers with managing resources within their parks. Expected products include entry and review of data in our database. Future reports written by NPS staff will also utilize these data. The SIP participant will gain experience in bat and vegetation monitoring field methods and data management practices. They will serve closely with NPS scientists and learn what it is like to work as a scientist for a federal agency. The position may also assist with drafting and posting social media posts about the projects that MOJN does.

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 NPS site location.
• The applicant must be available to participate for 26 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., biological science, Ecology, Botany), experience hiking up to 10 miles a day for multiple days in potentially challenging weather conditions and on steep or uneven terrain, and experience camping for multiple days. Preferred qualifications include experience monitoring bats and vegetation communities and identifying plants as well as experience serving in remote situations and driving on unmaintained roads in 4x4 vehicles.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

The Mojave Desert Network (MOJN) is based at Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Boulder City, Nevada, which is a small town located 30 miles south of Las Vegas, Nevada. Our team includes 8 to 12 people, and we frequently serve with park staff at Lake Mead and other parks in our network. Boulder City has a grocery store, hardware store, gym, and a variety of small shops and restaurants. Nearby Henderson has the full suite of amenities, retailers, and entertainment. Outdoor recreation opportunities are abundant throughout the public lands surrounding Las Vegas and include hiking, mountain biking, climbing, birding, and skiing/snowshoeing (weather-dependent). This position will be carried out in the field and in the office. Field service is often conducted in remote, backcountry locations where services are limited or non-existent. Driving may occur over unmaintained dirt roads in poor condition. Hiking and camping during the winter may occasionally involve sub-freezing temperatures, snow, and high wind. Additionally, temperatures will be hot during late spring and early summer. Some hikes cover long distances of 12 miles or more over uneven and/or loose terrain. Occasionally, project sites may be above 8000 ft elevation. Other hazards include venomous snakes and stinging insects. Risks associated with office projects include eye strain from computer use and ergonomic issues related to sitting for long periods of time. MOJN takes safety very seriously, and training will be provided in recognizing and avoiding hazards as well as in using field communications devices.

VEHICLE AND DRIVER’S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
• A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position.

HOUSING

Park housing is NOT available. The SIP participant will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area. Previous SIP participants have had good success finding rooms to rent in Boulder City or Henderson for less than $800/month and we provide some assistance in helping the SIP participants with known contacts.

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 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 email 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/.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional 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. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions.

TIME REQUIREMENTS

• This position is expected to serve full time each week, but exact service schedules may vary.
• Lunch breaks 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

• Orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Pertinent training from the NPS site location throughout the term of service.
• Free professional development webinars led by Conservation Legacy staff.

EVALUATION AND REPORTING

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of 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 and accomplishment tracking.

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 Death Valley National Park, Great Basin National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mojave Desert Network, Mojave National Preserve, Parashant National Monument will host a Ecology Assistant.

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 a 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!”