Conservation Legacy

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Natural Resource Management Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mineral, California

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: 06/09/2025

End Date: 09/01/2025

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 Natural Resource Management Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will be critical to the success of park operations because the member will collect high quality data that informs both near- and long-term management decisions at Lassen Volcanic NP. In particular, survey and monitoring of special status species such as the California spotted owl, American pika, and Cascade frog provide vital information needed for the persistence of these species.

The member will also learn and be responsible for collecting geospatial and other data following established survey protocols. The member will be responsible for accurate data entry. Equally important, the member will be required to summarize this data when writing relevant sections of the Resource Management Division's Annual Summary of Monitoring Activities (see Deliverables and Work Products Section). The Division's annual summary has proved to be a valuable tool for communicating park information internally and externally and also for ensuring project continuity over the years.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The selected members will work in the Resource Management Division of Lassen Volcanic National Park to support a variety of natural resource management protocols being implemented. This position would be well-suited for a person seeking a range of experiences, but which would also require a varied schedule (e.g. working nights or early mornings as needed). Notably, we are seeking a member with very good writing ability, who would be interested in rounding out their field experience by drafting the Division's Annual Summary of Monitoring Activities for internal publication.

Specifically, the member would regularly assist with spotted owl and northern goshawk surveys, daily data collection at the Mineral climate station, and weekly operation of the park's long-term songbird monitoring (MAPS) station. We anticipate additional opportunities to assist with pollinator (Bombus spp) surveys, research on pika (implementation of the Pikas and Plague Research Protocol), Cascade frog reintroduction work, and bufflehead duck surveys. Members will be encouraged to work on other projects underway in the park to gain experience and cross-training in other areas of resource management. Projects underway include bat monitoring, wildlife camera monitoring, cultural resource assessments, Whitebark Pine and other rare plant monitoring, and invasive species survey and treatments.


KEYWORDS: bird, mammal, survey, writing, communication

DELIVERABLES

Park staff will work with the member at the start of the position to identify any specific interests or goals they have and identify any appropriate corresponding deliverables. For example, a member interested in developing their GIS skills could be tasked with creating a GIS map showing the current year's survey route and results. In addition, a primary deliverable for this position will be to compile a draft of the REsource Management Division's Annual Summary of Monitoring Activities. Preparation of the summary provides excellent professional reporting experience which adds breadth to the field experience gained through the field work component of the position. Development of the annual summary involves collaborating with division staff from other program/project areas to develop their sections and also independently drafting one to three 1-2 page sections. Each section provides a summary of the project methods, the results for the year, and recommendations for the future direction/implementation of that project.


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
Applicants must have completed at least three years toward an undergraduate degree in wildlife biology, natural resources, resource management, science communication or a related field. Applicants must have an interest in and ability to work in a rural, mountainous location; must be physically able to work in rugged, rocky terrain and extreme temperatures; must have an ability to work well on a team and also independently with little supervision once training is complete; must be able to either demonstrate skill or the ability to conduct scientific field research and write summary documents from this research; and must possess good computer (MS Word and Excel) and organizational skills.

The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident (“green-card holder”). Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. A personal vehicle is strongly recommended. The member will be able to walk between housing and work (5-10 minutes) and a government vehicle will be available for project work. However, it is a 45–50-minute drive to the nearest town (Red Bluff, CA) with groceries/amenities. Access to services (Groceries, Restaurants, etc.) requires driving up to 45 minutes or longer. Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

Work Environment: Work is primarily in the field with up to 25% office work depending on data entry, data management and report-writing needs. Field data collection would be the member's primary duty and field work will occur within Lassen Volcanic National Park's very rugged, beautiful, and remote backcountry areas, as well as front country areas with moderately high visitation. The member must be able to hike and conduct work off-trail in remote areas. Work is typically conducted as part of a small group but occasionally may be conducted alone. The member would support a variety of field protocols underway in the park which often demand working either in the evening (e.g. owl and pika surveys) or early morning (e.g. songbird banding, pika and goshawk surveys). Prospective candidates should be comfortable traveling cross-country on the rocky slopes that comprise much of the park's backcountry habitat. Temperature and weather extremes are common during work periods (see physical and natural environment). Some project work will require moderately heavy lifting or carrying packs and equipment for 3 to 6 miles. Members should be prepared to interact professionally and pleasantly with visitors that are curious about their work.


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. Housing is located in the park's historic administrative headquarters which are located in the unincorporated community of Mineral California. Housing will likely be in a shared 3 bedroom/2 bath Mission 66-style house. Housing availability is tight during the summer, so it's likely the member will be assigned a shared bedroom with one other person. The employee housing area is located near an employee ballfield, picnic area, group campfire site, and researcher tent campground, all of which are within a 5-minute walk to park offices. Water, gas, and electricity are provided. Starlink internet connections are provided at separate nearby common areas (also within a 5-minute walk) and the Park hopes to offer Starlink at all residences by summer 2025. Linens are not provided; the incumbent will need to bring a sleeping bag or twin sheets/blankets, as well as bath towels and toiletries. The housing units are supplied with cookware, dishes, dishtowels, cleaning supplies and cleaning equipment. Please note that cell phone coverage is very limited in the Mineral area. Also be aware that while we live in a beautiful and friendly community, it is also quite remote. Be sure to read our recommendation for having a personal vehicle in the next section.


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 Lassen Volcanic National Park 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!”

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