Natural Resource Management Assistant - AmeriCorps

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Natural Resource Management Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: San Juan National Historic Site, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Can this position be fully remote: No

Number of positions available: 4

TERMS OF SERVICE

Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)

Flexible Start Date: Yes

Start Date: 01/12/2026

End Date: 04/06/2026

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve.

BENEFITS

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.35 upon successful completion of position.
• Living Allowance of $600.00 per week.
• Relocation Allowance of $1,100.00 (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 Natural Resource Management Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. SIP participants will address impacts of invasive species. SAJU includes iconic structures such as Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, and the city wall that defended San Juan since the 16th century. The proliferation of invasive species such as green iguanas and free-ranging cats threatens the park's resources, tourism, public health, and historical integrity. The SIP participants will address invasive species impacts on biological variability and historical heritage. They will provide the interdisciplinary approach the park requires, focusing on restoration and landscape conservation. The positions requested are:

Wildlife Health and Invasive Species Specialist: Analyze protocols based on AVMA standards and provide essential data/study to support wildlife management. Their contributions will inform decisions on public health, visitor safety, and sustainable management of cultural and ecological resources affected by invasive species—especially critical in a context with limited baseline data on invasive fauna, SIP participantal procedures, and their impact on infrastructure and ecosystem health.

Forestry Specialist: Restore native habitats, protect sensitive plant species, and enhance understanding of invasive species' ecological effects.

Invasive Species Ecological Impact Specialist: Manage invasive species and implement mitigation, prevention, and SIP participantal restoration plans. The data will support program collaboration and provide actionable recommendations.

Outreach Specialist: Increase public understanding and engagement in invasive species management. They will develop educational modules to support outreach initiatives.

The SIP participants will not carry out any mitigation of invasive species.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

(1) Wildlife Health and Invasive Species Specialist: The SIP participant will support the assessment and monitoring of wildlife health and the development of standardized, AVMA-approved humane euthanasia protocols in relation to invasive species, with a particular focus on reptiles and mammals. The SIP participant will assist in documenting zoonotic risks and health impacts associated with green iguanas in a socio-environmental and heritage-focused setting. This includes the collection and processing of fecal samples and participation in disease surveillance protocols targeting pathogens. They will support data entry, contribute to the evaluation of non-invasive mitigation strategies, and help develop protocols, manuals, plans, forms, and occupational safety procedures to increase program effectiveness. The SIP participant will participate in analyze the invasive species management, prevention, and recovery procedures relevant to the program. (2) Forestry Specialist: This role focuses on identifying, evaluating, and documenting plant variety and ecological conditions throughout the park. The SIP participant will assist in vegetation inventories using quadrant and plot-based sampling to identify plant species, including vines, shrubs, trees, and herbaceous monocots and dicots. Tasks also include vegetation mapping, assessing the impact of invasive species on plant communities, and contributing to a reference inventory that supports restoration planning and educational outreach. GIS tools will be used to collect and visualize findings and assessments, working with data processing software. (3) Invasive Species Ecological Impact Specialist: This position centers on data-driven evaluations and analysis of iguana behavior and environmental impact. The SIP participant will collect and analyze data on the ecological effects of invasive species, including density estimates, nesting behavior, mitigation effectiveness, and spatial distribution. Using statistical tools and GIS-based geo-data, the SIP participant will develop predictive models to inform habitat management strategies and visualize data for planning and stakeholder presentations. (4) Science Communicator and Outreach Specialist: The SIP participant will translate technical research and findings into public education and interpretation content. They will develop a strategic communication plan and educational modules to inform visitors about the ecological and cultural impact of invasive species and assist in information processing. This includes creating bilingual interpretive materials, co-organizing educational activities, managing social media content, and assisting in Content Management System (CMS) workflows for both digital and print media used in park exhibits.

KEYWORDS: Invasive species, zoonoses, green iguana, GIS, science communication

DELIVERABLES

Wildlife Health and Invasive Species Specialist: Expected deliverables include a green iguana burrow (egg) management protocol, wildlife health data summaries, a technical report (analyze data) on zoonotic risk assessments, and a humane euthanasia mitigation protocol. The SIP participant will strengthen the mitigation form and contribute to a technical document on wildlife health, euthanasia, and native species safety.

Forestry Specialist: The SIP participant will produce a detailed vegetation inventory using GIS-based mapping to identify hotspots where ecological variety is abundant and vegetation distribution, including degraded areas. They will also contribute to a technical document recommending restoration actions based on findings.

Invasive Species Ecological Impact Specialist: Deliverables include ecological impact models, nesting density maps, spatial risk assessments, a technical document summarizing ecological trends, and recommendations for cultural landscape stewardship.

Science Communicator and Outreach Specialist: The SIP participant will produce three modules including: (a) Designs for public-facing materials such as infographics, educational videos, exhibit panels, letters, or presentations of findings; (b) Contributions to the translation and review of reports and technical documents on ecology, forestry, and animal health for stakeholder use; (c) An educational package with corresponding activities. At the conclusion of their SIP participantship, all SIP participants will produce a transition report summarizing their contributions, key findings, and learned experiences. All content and data will result from collaborative efforts, supporting interpretation, natural resource management, and park education.

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 12 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
All candidates should demonstrate strong fieldwork skills, rigorous data logging, and basic knowledge of English and Spanish. All candidates must be team-oriented and committed to public service, conservation, and responsible bioethics. Wildlife Health and Invasive Species Specialist: Background in veterinary science, animal science, epidemiology, or wildlife biology. Knowledge of humane euthanasia, AVMA guidelines, urban/tropical fieldwork, data collection, and sample handling is preferred. Experience in environmental health, biological sample collection, and species handling is valuable. Forestry Specialist: Training in biology, ecology, natural sciences, or environmental science. Strong skills in plant identification, plant taxonomy, GIS use, and independent field projects in variable weather conditions are required. Familiarity with sampling methods such as transects, quadrats, rain gauges, or plot-based inventories is expected, along with knowledge of botanical classification (and taxonomic keys. Invasive Species Ecological Impact Specialist: Training in ecology, wildlife biology, environmental science, or data analysis. Proficiency in GIS platforms, R, Minitab, or Python, and ecological modeling is preferred, along with writing and research communication skills. Ability to analyze spatial patterns and build simple predictive models is essential. Outreach Specialist: Training in biological sciences, science communication, digital media, environmental affairs, education, or environmental interpretation. Skills in public outreach and multimedia content creation are required. Ability to design interpretive or educational materials in understandable formats (graphics, infographics, posters, social media, or exhibits) is highly valued.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

The position will take place at San Juan National Historic Site, a coastal and urban cultural park in the capital city of Puerto Rico, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The environment includes historic structures, coastal cliffs, urban vegetation, and areas of historical archaeology. The atmosphere is warm and humid year-round (80–95°F), with uneven terrain, direct sun exposure, and low-level risks associated with invasive, native, and endemic wildlife. All essential services are available within 2 km of the park. The park is located in Old San Juan, a highly visited and touristic area, receiving approximately 1,314,819 visitors annually. It stands as a symbol of identity for local residents and the native diaspora. Forestry` SIP: 50% field projects / 50% office or lab. Forestry SIP: 55% field projects / 45% office or lab. Invasive Species Ecology and Data SIP participant: 45% field projects / 55% office or lab. Scientific Communication and Environmental Education SIP: 30% field projects / 70% office or lab.

VEHICLE AND DRIVER’S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
• A personal vehicle is not required for this position.

HOUSING

Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant. ​​Park housing is located within the San Juan National Historic Site (SAJU–NPS) and offers comfortable accommodations ideal for NPS - SIPs. The house features three fully furnished bedrooms—one of which may be shared—and includes full or king-size beds. Common areas include a furnished living room and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, one bathroom, and utilities such as a water heater, generator, and water cistern to ensure uninterrupted service. Conveniently located on the main Norzagaray Street, the home provides easy access to park facilities, public transportation, and is within walking distance of Old San Juan’s historic district, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions. In addition, it is approximately 20 minutes from Luis Muñoz Marin SIP participantational Airport. The SIP participantal SIP is responsible for complying with common standards and rules of conduct.​ SIP participants that choose to stay in park housing will have to bring their toiletries, personal effects, and towels. The park provides bed sheets, utensils and tableware.

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 San Juan National Historic Site will host a Natural Resource Management 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!”