Conservation Legacy

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Night Skies Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Mount Rainier National Park, Ashford, Washington

Can this position be fully remote: No

Number of positions available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE

Duration: 20 Weeks (not flexible)

Flexible Start Date: Yes

Start Date: 05/12/2025

End Date: 09/29/2025

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 Hour

BENEFITS

  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,817.00 upon successful completion of position.
  • Living Allowance of $565.00 per week.
  • Relocation Allowance of $400.00 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 Night Skies Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will contribute to the preservation of resources as a primary component of the park goals and mission. Dark Skies preservation/promotion and associated ecology is an important component of resource conservation in the National Park Service. This program facilitates understanding of the importance of preserving Dark Night Skies at the park unit and beyond. Thousands of visitors will be contacted and helped to understand and appreciate the value of preserved dark skies and associated ecology.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Project Description: The member will primarily assist with our night sky interpretation programs. This includes 2–4 night sky interpretive programs per week. The member will work in cooperation with our astronomy volunteers and interpretive rangers. Training will be provided on ACE (Audience Centered Experience) interpretation, park resources, and operations. The Member will work an average of 40 hours per week. They will develop and present a minimum of two different interpretive programs in conjunction with an experienced interpretive coach. Each of the two programs will be facilitated multiple times throughout the position. The programs developed and facilitated by the member will be focused on providing enjoyment and promoting stewardship of park resources. Approximately 20-40% of duty time will be spent providing general informal interpretive services to park visitors during roving or information desk duty. Informal interpretive training is provided.

Position Products: Outline for and presentation of Interpretive talk which promotes stewardship of dark skies and associated ecology (minimum 6 times). Outline for and presentation of Pop-Up or 'Cloudy Night' program which promotes stewardship of dark skies and associated ecology (minimum 4 times).

Work/meet/discuss with Interpretive coach(es) to create outlines and get feedback about outlines and programs in order to improve them (minimum two times). Participate as Night Skies Team member (discussions, problem solving, program development). Keep and report statistics and personal observations of visitor contacts and interaction with programs.


KEYWORDS: Astronomy Physics education night skies

DELIVERABLES

Outline for and presentation of Interpretive talk which promotes stewardship of dark night skies and associated ecology (minimum 6 times). Outline for and presentation of Pop-Up or 'Cloudy Night' program which promotes stewardship of dark skies and associated ecology (minimum 4 times). Work/meet/discuss with Interpretive coach(es) to create outlines and get feedback about outlines and programs in order to improve them (minimum two times). Participate as Night Skies Team member (discussions, problem solving, program development). Keep and report statistics and personal observations of visitor contacts and interaction with programs.


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 20 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Primary duties are working with night skies team to present night skies – astronomy programs for visiting public.
  • Experience/education in astronomy and use of telescopes is needed. Education/understanding of the ecological and cultural benefits of dark night skies is preferred. Previous public speaking experience is preferred. Experience working at 'star parties' or planetariums is helpful.
  • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident (“green-card-holder”). Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

Physical Position Environment: After initial training, time will be split between preparing and presenting formal interpretive programs, visitor center (information desk) roving (informal interpretation), and coaching/mentoring sessions with experienced interpretive mentor(s). Participants will be part of a staff of approximately 15-20 summer employees, and will work alongside other members, experienced NPS interpreters, and volunteers. Work is performed both indoors and outside in all types of weather from snow, wind & rain to sun and heat. Work involves standing for long periods of time, walking over rough and uneven terrain, and living in close quarters with co-workers. Emphasis is on verbal communication with diverse park visitors. Visitor service locations include a museum and a visitor center. Tahoma Woods is 15 miles west of the park, between the small communities of Ashford and Elbe, and the site of the park's administrative headquarters. Ashford and Elbe have basic services including restaurants, overnight cabins, general stores, gas, and limited cell phone coverage. More complete services, including grocery stores, doctors, and dentists, begin in Eatonville, 20 miles further west. Amenities are also located in Enumclaw, located 53 miles from Sunrise and in Packwood, 12 miles from Ohanapecosh.

Natural Environment: Mount Rainier stands 14,410 feet and holds over one cubic mile of glacial ice and snow. A diversity of ecological life zones from inland temperate rainforests to alpine tundra exist on its slopes. Over 200 miles of hiking trails circle the mountain and provide outstanding day hiking and backpacking opportunities. Subalpine meadows burst into color with summer wildflowers while the cool old growth forests offer a shady respite from summer's heat. The participants will be based either at Paradise, the most popular visitor area located in the south-central portion of the park at 5,400 feet in elevation, at Longmire in the southwestern portion of the park at 2700 feet elevation, at Sunrise in the northeastern park area (5400’), or at Tahoma Woods just west of the main park area and just below 2000 feet in elevation. The Paradise and Sunrise areas include subalpine meadows and sweeping vistas. Longmire is located in the old growth forests of Douglas fir, western red cedar and western hemlock.


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 available and will be provided at no cost to the participant. This includes a private or semi-private room with shared kitchen, bath, and laundry facilities. Housing may be located either within the park at Longmire, Paradise, or Sunrise areas, or nine miles outside the main park area at Tahoma Woods. Basic furnishings provided. Housing may be a shared one or two-bedroom apartment or a 2–3-bedroom house. In some cases, member may share a bedroom with another member or seasonal employee. Both apartments and houses are furnished, but the participant will need to bring bedding, kitchen supplies, towels, and other household items. Previous members (now seasonal or permanent staff) will be put in contact with the selected candidate to help mentor them regarding living in park housing.


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 Mount Rainier National Park will host a Night Skies 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!”

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