Conservation Legacy

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Natural Resource Management Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Buck Island Reef National Monument, Christiansted National Historic Site, Christiansted, Virgin Islands

Can this position be fully remote: No

Number of positions available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE

Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)

Flexible Start Date: Yes

Start Date: 05/04/2025

End Date: 07/27/2025

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 Hour

BENEFITS

  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.00 upon successful completion of position.
  • Living Allowance of $665.00 per week.
  • Relocation Allowance of $1,050.00 distributed as a one-time lump sum.
  • 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 75 applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, 19 January, 2025, whichever occurs first. The review of applications will begin after Sunday, 19 January, 2025.

PURPOSE

This Natural Resource Management Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will take an interdisciplinary approach to address a natural resource management need in the disciplines of “Biological Sciences” and “Communication and Education.'

Biological Sciences: Evaluating the status of sea turtle nesting populations requires long-term consistent data collection. The Buck Island Sea Turtle Research Program (BISTRP) is one of the longest-running studies in the world for critically endangered hawksbills (1987-2025). This project will utilize 30+ years of nesting data collected by BISTRP to provide a baseline assessment for nesting populations of hawksbills and green turtles at BUIS. In addition, creating a comprehensive analysis of threats to nesting females and nest success, will allow NPS to develop management practices to ensure the continued success of sea turtle conservation and visitor access at BUIS, while accounting for emergent threats which are a result of climate change (i.e. storms, sea level rise).

Communication and Education: Successful conservation of endangered species requires extensive cooperation and support between conservation agencies and local communities. The recovery of sea turtle nesting populations at BUIS is an accomplishment that should be shared by NPS and the USVI community. Since the USVI relies heavily on its marine resources for tourism, maintaining visitor access to BUIS beaches is key to ensuring continued recovery of sea turtle nesting populations. Sharing the success of BISTRP with the USVI community is critical to inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. The education component of this project offers an opportunity to accomplish this, by engaging local underrepresented students from low-income communities with resource management.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Background: Buck Island Reef National Monument (BUIS) in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) provides critical nesting habitat for hawksbill and green sea turtles (Hillis-Starr & Phillips 1998). BUIS is the primary index nesting beach under U.S. jurisdiction for the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle and is the only fully protected site in the Caribbean where hawksbills forage and nest (National Marine Fisheries Service & U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993). BUIS also provides important nesting and foraging habitat for a recovering aggregation of green turtles (Hart et al. 2017). Sea turtles fulfill important roles in the marine ecosystems at BUIS, utilizing coral reefs and seagrass meadows as foraging habitat and coastal beaches for nesting habitat. As federally listed species, sea turtles are a high management priority at BUIS (BUIS General Management Plan 2010). The NPS BUIS Division of Resource Management, with support from agency and academic partners, has conducted extensive research and monitoring of sea turtle populations at BUIS for thirty-five years (1987-2022), as part of the Buck Island Sea Turtle Research Program (BISTRP). BISTRP is an incredibly successful program that has resulted in the recovery of sea turtle populations at BUIS.

The SIP Member, with guidance from NPS resource managers, will accomplish the following during Summer (May-October) 2025:

1) Using the BISTRP database, the fellow will analyze thirty-five years of saturation tagging data to provide a comprehensive analysis of continued threats to nesting sea turtles and factors impacting nest success (including but not limited to erosion, temperatures and vegetation).

2) Interpret the results and disseminate project findings by: 1) Providing NPS Resource Managers with products that aid in development of management practices that ensure the continued recovery of sea turtle nesting populations and sustainable visitor use of nesting beach habitat, while also accounting for threats of climate change (i.e. nesting habitat loss due to coastal erosion); 2) Working with local agencies (i.e. NPS, DPNR, USFWS, The Nature Conservancy) to incorporate findings in the USVI Caribbean Hawksbill Recovery Action Plan; 3) Developing a brief summary of project results to be distributed to local schools and conservation initiatives, to raise awareness of sea turtle conservation; 4) Preparing results from the baseline assessment for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

3) Conduct a workshop at the Youth Oceans Program, a STEM summer camp for local under-represented students in the USVI. The Fellow will teach students how to monitor beaches for sea turtle nesting activity, offering students an opportunity to engage with resource management and allowing NPS to share the success BISTRP program with local community members.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the work the member will need to be on-site to help collect necessary data which will be analyzed after the completion of 2025 nesting season.


KEYWORDS: Threatened and Endangered Species, Natural Resource, Sea Turtle Ecology, Conservation, Education, Natural Resource Condition Assessment

DELIVERABLES

The SIP Member participating in this project will:

1) Complete a condition assessment to create a comprehensive analysis of threats to nesting sea turtles and nest success. A focus will be placed on threats emerging due to climate change including erosion, temp, etc.

2) Provide NPS with products that will aid in the development of future management practices that ensure continued recovery of nesting sea turtle populations at BUIS. These products will allow NPS to assess the potential impacts of climate change on sea turtle nesting (including loss of nesting habitat due to coastal erosion) and visitor access to critical nesting habitat.

3) Gain significant experience in disseminating project findings beyond the realm of academia, by learning how science is used to inform effective natural resource management strategies.

4) Gain significant communication and mentoring skills by conducting a workshop for the Youth Ocean Explorers program, a STEM summer camp for local under-represented students in the US Virgin Islands. The Fellow will also develop a brief summary of project results educational materials to be shared at this summer camp, as well as with local schools and conservation initiatives to increase community awareness of local sea turtle conservation efforts.

5) The fellow will be exposed to the mid-term and final evaluation process, modeled after the NPS employee performance / appraisal plans, to simulate and train the fellow for employment with NPS.

6) Allow the NPS to cultivate the next generation of natural resource managers by passing on institutional knowledge critical to the success of the agency mission.


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
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology (or related field)-preferred, but would accept a high school graduate or individual currently enrolled in an undergraduate program who has a related focus.

Recommended coursework (at undergraduate and/or graduate level): Biology, ecology, statistics, conservation studies.

Skills:

  • Experience in field work and research
  • Data analysis and scientific writing –must demonstrate experience in data management and analysis
  • Education / outreach experience with K-12 and undergraduate students – competent without supervision; must demonstrate proficient experience in science communication to local communities
  • Management of large datasets – some experience preferred, but not necessary
  • Development of education / outreach programs – some experience preferred, but not necessary
  • In-water experience conducting in-water research, snorkeling, scuba or swimming -highly recommended, but not required

Certification:

Applicant MUST have a valid US driver's license and a good driving record.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

Position Environment (on site): CHRI is located in downtown Christiansted, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. CHRI is the headquarters park for CHRI, BUIS and SARI. CHRI provides office accommodations within its historic buildings; Division of Resource Management is housed in Danish West Indies Guinea Company Warehouse, circa late 1800s. The SIP member would be provided a work station in the Resource Management office; climbing stairs is required to reach first floor work area (no accessibility due to historic building status). During the field and outreach portion of the project, the Member will primarily on the waters surrounding BUIS and SARI which are accessed by boat (15 minute ride to the island) from the main land of St. Croix. The water is often 80-82 F and relatively calm during the summer months of the position. Occasional storms will result in increased wind and wave height. Diver and member safety is our greatest priority, and the member can refuse to participate in any aspect of the field work if they feel uncomfortable or unprepared for any reason.

Local Area: Low elevation, coastal parks located within the tropical/semi-tropical Caribbean (i.e. bright sun, average temperatures 75-85 F). English is the primary language on the island; cars are American-designed, but are driven on the left side of the road. This onsite component of the position would overlap with the beginning of the Caribbean hurricane season. The Member would have park orientation to annual adverse/extreme weather training at the beginning of their visit. NPS will also assist the Member in finding short-term lodging in a safe neighborhood located within walking distance to the NPS headquarters, grocery stores, post offices, banking, and other necessities. Lodgings are furnished and have Wi-Fi access.


VEHICLE AND DRIVER’S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

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

HOUSING

Park housing is NOT available. The member will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area. Park housing is currently unavailable but may become available before the Membership start date (TBD). Although the park cannot guarantee housing, members can confidently rely on the NPS network of support within this small Caribbean community.

NPS will assist the Member in finding a local short-term rental, as it done for previous student members. There are multiple options for short-term rentals in downtown Christiansted, all of which are in a safe neighborhood and are within walking distance to the NPS headquarters, grocery stores, post office, banks, and other necessities. Short-term lodgings are furnished and have Wi-Fi access. We are requesting a subsidy for housing costs associated with the high cost of lodging accommodations in this island location. Adequate housing typically costs $800-$1000 per month.


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.
  • Access to free professional development webinars led by Conservation Legacy staff or the Ecological Society of America.
  • Opportunity to join one (or more) SIP Affinity Groups. Groups include: DEIJ Change Makers, Women+ in Science, BIPOC, or Pride in STEM.
  • Opportunity to present the outcomes from the SIP position at national scientific meetings held by the Ecological Society of America and Geological Society of America.

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 Buck Island Reef National Monument, Christiansted National Historic Site will host a Natural Resource Management Assistant.


Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Where a significant portion of the population eligible to be served needs services or information in a language other than English, the recipient shall take reasonable steps to provide written material of the type ordinarily available to the public in appropriate languages. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with AmeriCorps 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!”

%FOOTER_POWERED_BY%breezy