POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Science Communication Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: South Florida/Caribbean Network, Palmetto Bay, Florida
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: 05/19/2025
End Date: 08/11/2025
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 Hour
BENEFITS
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.00 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 Science Communication Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will assist with communication and education for the South Florida/Caribbean Network. The I&M Division engages in cutting edge monitoring and research, yet we often lack time to communicate our results to the greater public and local communities and visitors to of the parks. Effective communication of science to the public is crucial for fostering understanding, trust, and informed decision-making. It empowers individuals to engage with complex scientific issues, from climate change to health crises, and encourages critical thinking. Clear and accessible explanations help demystify scientific concepts, enabling people to appreciate their relevance in everyday life. Additionally, effective communication can bridge the gap between researchers and the community, fostering collaboration and promoting a scientifically literate society that can tackle global challenges collectively.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
This position is a marine ecology and science communication position which focuses on the intersection of marine science and effective public outreach. Members work alongside the SFCN Marine Ecologist and Fish Biologist to gain hands-on experience in field research, data collection, data entry and analysis of marine ecosystems – including seagrass, coral and reef fishes' communities. Simultaneously, they develop communication materials—such as articles, videos, and social media content—to share findings with the public and raise awareness about marine conservation. This role enhances skills in both scientific inquiry and communication, preparing members for careers in marine science, education, or environmental advocacy while promoting the importance of ocean health and sustainability.
KEYWORDS: Ecology, Communication, Data management, Data Visualization
DELIVERABLES
PowerPoint presentation of results to SFCN staff and SFCN regional parks.
Visualization outreach tools and compliant outreach products suitable for inclusion on the SFCN website and network park’s social media platforms.
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
An undergraduate student who is earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, marine ecology, environmental management, or a related field is preferred. This position requires a blend of communication and research skills which include writing experience, data management and an interest in education and public outreach. Experience in GIS and a certificate of training in SCUBA diving is also desirable. Effective communication skills are essential for conveying findings clearly and persuasively, both in written formats and presentations, ensuring NPS I&M science reaches a broad audience. Additionally, attention to detail and a solid understanding of scientific methodologies enhance the quality and reliability of the research.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Local housing is available in the Miami Dade area and surrounding communities. The rental market is relatively expensive. We would consider placement in Everglades National Park or in St. John, USVI at Virgin Islands National Park if low-cost park housing was available. A remote assignment, although not ideal, could also be considered.
The majority of the work is office work. Florida is hot and buggy in the summer months and there are frequent thunderstorms. Keen appreciation of the weather and working in hot and humid environment is a must. Hurricanes are always a possibility in South Florida.
The SFCN is located between Homestead and Miami, Florida. The area is generally suburbs and normal services are relatively close by, but you do need a car. Both areas have a very large Latino and diverse
VEHICLE AND DRIVER’S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position.
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant. Park housing is available at Pine Island in Everglades National Park; this is a substantial distance from the SFCN office (26 miles away - 40 min drive time - a personal vehicle is necessary). The housing is group housing, with up to 2 housemates. There are 3 bedrooms, so each house so each member will have a roommate. There is a shared kitchen. Members will need to provide their own food and linens. Cleaning is responsibility of everyone and it is expected that shared living space and personnel spaces will be kept in a clean and orderly manner.
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 South Florida/Caribbean Network will host a Science Communication 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!”