Conservation Legacy

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Ecology Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Big Hole National Battlefield, City Of Rocks National Reserve, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Nez Perce National Historical Park, Upper Columbia Basin Network, Bend, Oregon

Can this position be fully remote: No

Number of positions available: 2

TERMS OF SERVICE

Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)

Flexible Start Date: No

Start Date: 05/12/2025

End Date: 08/04/2025

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 $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 Ecology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will ​​​​serve the Upper Columbia Basin Inventory and Monitoring Network, which is directly involved with the Department of Interior's Sagebrush Keystone Initiative (KI) included in the Department's Restoration and Resilience Framework working to advance climate resilience. This position will integrate long-term monitoring of ecological vital signs, collection and preparation of native plant materials, and effectiveness monitoring of fuels reduction projects in sagebrush steppe ecosystems managed by the National Park Service. Additionally, the cultural significance of UCBN parks is integrated into our program, which monitors sagebrush steppe associated vegetation communities that are important food sources to the people indigenous to the Columbia Plateau and Snake River Plain, like camas lily and pinyon pine. The UCBN projects SIP members will participate in strive to appreciate the integration cultural and natural resources. The SIP members will be part of the collaborative effort by working closely with citizens scientists, Oregon State University, Forest Service, and individual park partners during their time in the field. ​

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The Upper Columbia Basin Inventory and Monitoring Network (UCBN) monitors ecological vital signs in nine National Park Service units between the Rocky Mountains and Cascade Mountains. UCBN is based in Bend, OR at the Human and Ecosystem Resiliency and Sustainability (HERS) Lab, a research institution at Oregon State University Cascades, that delivers expertise in ecological assessment and monitoring, restoration, and native plant materials to support evidence-based conservation. UCBN in hiring a Scientists in the Park member to primarily assist with long-term monitoring of sagebrush-steppe associated vegetation communities, in addition to some participation in effectiveness monitoring of wildfire fuels reduction projects, collection and preparation of native plant materials, and restoration planting within park units. Vegetation monitoring projects will include sagebrush steppe monitoring, aspen monitoring, limber pine monitoring, Lemhi penstemon monitoring, and camas monitoring.

Position Duties:
80-90% Conduct Field Surveys:

  • Assisting with vegetation monitoring protocols designed to address UCBN’s vegetation vital signs (training provided).
  • Confidently and consistently identifying grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees by sight and using a dichotomous key.
  • Hiking long distances (up to 12 mi), on and off trail, over very rugged terrain.
  • Hiking with packs weighting 30+ pounds
  • Collecting vegetation data using tablets and hand-held GPS units.
  • Working independently and collaboratively with a team.

5-10% Native Plant Materials Projects:

  • Seed collection and seed cleaning.
  • Greenhouse maintenance including plant propagation, watering, and pest management.
  • Field activities including planting for seed increase and restoration projects.

5-10% Data Management and Summary:

  • Compiling, entering, and reviewing field data records, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
  • Developing technical identification resources for field data collection.
  • Inventorying and maintaining field gear.
  • Collaborating with UCBN staff to complete protocol reviews.

KEYWORDS: vegetation monitoring, botany, native plants, restoration, greenhouse, seed collection, ecology, sagebrush steppe, forest pathology

DELIVERABLES

​​Members will collect detailed and accurate vegetation monitoring data for up to 6 UCBN protocols, accurately enter field data into an Access database, provide written insight for how to improve data collection and field operations at the end of the season, and develop a pest and pathogen identification guide for UCBN woodland monitoring protocols. ​


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

  • Two years of college-level courses in biology, botany, or ecology or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • Experience with plant taxonomy, identifying plants by sight, and using dichotomous keys to identify unknown plants.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and database programs (Microsoft Access).
  • Willingness and ability to hike off-trail on very rugged terrain with a heavy pack.
  • Willingness and ability to camp and work in variable weather conditions, while always prioritizing safety.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, self-direct, and collaborate effectively.
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Valid, state-issued driver’s license.
  • Enthusiasm for native plants!

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

​​This position will be based in Bend, OR, where there is excellent access to hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, and kayaking/rafting opportunities. Technicians will be part of a crew of 3-4 that frequently collaborates with individual park staff and additional partners. Field work for this position is diverse and dynamic, well-balanced with hard work and time off, and offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in several facets of native plant work: seed collection, plant propagation, planting, and vegetation monitoring in collaboration with a variety of land management agencies in sagebrush steppe ecosystems. The member hired for this position will assist Upper Columbia Basin Inventory and Monitoring Network (UCBN) with long-term vegetation monitoring in UCBN parks. Park sites include John Day Fossil Beds National Monument (Oregon), Nez Perce National Historic Park (Idaho), Craters of the Moon National Monument (Idaho), City of Rocks National Reserve (Idaho), and Big Hole National Battlefield (Montana). The position will require regular travel, frequently on field hitch schedule (8 days on/6 days off). The first and last day of hitches will be spent driving 2-10 hours to/from park sites. During hitches we will be camping at established campsites with access to water and showers at some park facilities. Tents, sleeping pads, coolers, stoves, fuel, and camp kitchenware will be provided. Members will be part of a crew of 3-4 UCBN staff that frequently collaborates with individual park staff and additional partners. Field work will involve hiking off-trail for long-distances while carrying equipment on rough and uneven terrain in the high desert (5-8k ft) with exposed heat, thunderstorms, and high winds.​


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. No housing available. Housing options near (within 15 miles of Bend) or in Bend are rooms for rent in a house that range from $600-$1,100 (most within $700-$900) per month or one-bedroom apartments/ studios that range from $950-$1,300 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 Big Hole National Battlefield, City Of Rocks National Reserve, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Nez Perce National Historical Park, Upper Columbia Basin Network will host a Ecology 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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