POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Hydrology Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Water Resources Division, Fort Collins, Colorado
Can this position be fully remote: Yes
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 52 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 06/01/2025
End Date: 05/31/2026
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1700 Hour
BENEFITS
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395.00 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).
- For 52-week-long positions only:
- Healthcare Coverage
- Childcare Coverage
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 Hydrology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will address the fact that currently, there is no centralized source of data on the location of groundwater wells in coastal parks. Without this information, the NPS does not know the complete status of freshwater resources and their vulnerability to the effects of rising groundwater tables, sea level rise, and saltwater intrusion. This position will positively impact a number of potential resource evaluation and vulnerability assessment efforts related to groundwater resources to guide management decisions in coastal parks.
A first important step will be to identify and attribute the groundwater wells located within these coastal park units, following pre-existing workflows and data repository structures developed for an ongoing inventory of groundwater wells being conducted for inland park units. Next, locations evaluated to have high resource concerns and/or vulnerability will be classified for additional real-time or periodic monitoring of water level and salinity. These locations may include wells which supply potable water to park units, areas where shallow groundwater supports wildlife and plants, and locations where cultural, historical, or infrastructure resources are being impacted by the changes in groundwater geochemistry due to saltwater intrusion.
These efforts will be impactful in better understanding the scope, extent, and severity of saltwater intrusion in coastal park settings, and better inform proactive and protective responses to the impacts this process may have on a broad range of NPS resources.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Coastal areas are often the intersection of fresh and saline waters. This intersection can create diverse marsh, estuary, and brackish water ecosystems and unique fresh-saline interface groundwater systems. When the balance of these waters is changed, however, natural and cultural resources may become impaired or lost. As ocean levels rise and large storm events become more significant, the freshwater resources at these interfaces are becoming more vulnerable. One of these resources is the fresh groundwater lens that often sits both above and adjacent to saline marine waters. These fresh groundwaters are the source of potable supply for park operations and visitors, provide water to plants and wildlife and protect the condition and integrity of current and historic infrastructure.
As the impacts of rising groundwater tables, groundwater pumping, sea level rise, and saltwater intrusion become more apparent in coastal park units, it is also becoming apparent that our understanding of these changes and their impacts is limited.
The objective of this position is to develop a centralized repository of groundwater information at coastal parks, determine status of data availability, develop methods for evaluating vulnerability, and assist with selecting and instrumenting areas for data collection and monitoring. Specific duties will include working with the primary and secondary supervisors to identify sources of information, determine attributes to collect and document, develop, and populate a repository of site information, inventory results, research papers, and other pertinent references, and develop a spatial database of the information in either an ArcGIS Pro or ArcOnline interface. Data collection methods will be developed and tested, and site visits to more than one NPS unit will be necessary to collect or confirm data or test methods and protocols.
This position is unique in that it is not based at a park unit, rather with the national-level Water Resources Division which provides assistance to park units nationwide. Additionally, this position is co-developed and co-managed by the Groundwater and Ocean and Coastal Resources Programs of the Water Resources Division as the issue bridges both subject areas. The Groundwater Program focuses on the sustainability of groundwater resources for park operations, visitors, and dependent ecosystems. Project areas include water supply systems, groundwater quality, groundwater/surface water interactions. The Ocean and Coastal Resources Branch focuses on the 88 ocean and coastal park units within the NPS, with focus areas including but not limited to sea level rise, sediment and shoreline management, aquatic invasive species, and restoration. Both Programs work to support park management needs, including addressing current and anticipated climate change related impacts on natural and cultural resources, facilities and infrastructure, visitor use and safety.
KEYWORDS: Saltwater intrusion, sea level rise, groundwater, water supply, coastal processes, monitoring, water quality, climate change
DELIVERABLES
The desired product at the completion of the one-year term is a spatial database with links to a data repository for wells located within the ocean and coastal park units of the National Park Service. While nationwide in scope, efforts may be focused in areas that have been determined to have a higher likelihood of impact from saltwater intrusion and/or have more sensitive water sources or freshwater dependent resources.
A data repository of site-specific groundwater resources, as well as relevant issue papers or research on the topic of sea level rise and saltwater intrusion will be developed as the groundwater inventory is occurring. Finally, a presentation to WRD staff at an all-hands meeting towards the end of the position period will summarize the project and provide recommendations for future work.
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 52 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Looking for a candidate with a college degree in an earth or environmental sciences field (hydrology, geology, or coastal geomorphology for example) with a strong geospatial and/or database experience or coursework exposure.
The candidate should be detail oriented and have working knowledge of MS applications (Word and Excel), ArcPro and ArcOnline, and be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing, with strong interpersonal skills. The candidate should have the ability to work both independently as well as within a team environment.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
This position is with the National Park Service Water Resources Division in Fort Collins, CO, though the position is also being offered as a remote position for an ideal candidate. The work environment is primarily an office setting and can require long periods of sitting.
Some limited out of town travel may be necessary for periods up to one week. There would be no more than 4-5 of such trips over the course of the position and may include travel by government vehicle or via air travel. All travel is budgeted into the project costs. Work trips would be daily work with in-park lodging or nearby hotel stays.
Field efforts may require carrying up to 40 pounds of personal and scientific equipment over the course of field days that may extend up to 10 hours of field time.
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 not available, as this is a NPS Natural Resources Stewardship and Science Directorate (Water Resources Division) position and not a Park Unit position. The position is being offered as a remote position for an ideal candidate, and thus housing is variable for the chosen remote location. For those close to or interested in relocating to Fort Collins, CO, information is provided below.
Nearby housing options in Fort Collins, Colorado and the surrounding towns include both apartments and room rentals. Rent costs start at around $800/month for a room in a shared house to $1100/month for an apartment, and vary depending on furnishings, amenities, and location. Because Fort Collins is home to both Colorado State University and Front Range Community College, there may be sublet options available. A few websites that list available rentals are FortCollins.CraigsList.org, Apartments.com, Roomster.com, and Zillow.com. For reference, the office location is within zip code 80525.
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 Water Resources Division will host a Hydrology 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!”