Conservation Legacy

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Geology Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Denali National Park and Preserve, Denali Park, Alaska

Can this position be fully remote: No

Number of positions available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE

Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible)

Flexible Start Date: Yes

Start Date: 05/19/2025

End Date: 11/17/2025

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 Hour

BENEFITS

  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.00 upon successful completion of position.
  • Living Allowance of $565.00 per week.
  • Relocation Allowance of $1,050.00 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 Geology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will facilitate the participant's efforts in relation to natural resource impacts on park infrastructure, and the position directly addresses the NPS' dual mandate of protecting resources and providing for visitor use.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Think you have what it takes to conduct cutting-edge research, then turn around and

provide on-the-spot outreach when a kindergartner tugs on your pants and asks a hard

question? Safely work in a highly dynamic and challenging natural landscape and master

hardware, software, and data in the office? You are a natural when it comes to logistical

support? Feel comfortable coming face-to-face with bears, moose, and wolves? Prepared to

walk long distances off trail, in thick brush, steep terrain, and blowing snow in JULY? If so,

please apply for the Denali Park Geologic Technician position. The chosen candidate will be

exposed to many mental and physical challenges and the reward that comes from mastering them. The candidate will work closely with park staff on various emerging issues related to geoscience in parks. The candidate will be immersed in geohazards monitoring, inventory, mapping, risk assessment and reduction, and fluvial geomorphology. For example, in June 2014, July 2016, and August 2019, torrential rains triggered geohazards ranging from floods to landslides. These events washed out and blocked the Denali Park Road in multiple locations, endangering and stranding many visitors and staff. As of September 2021, the Pretty Rocks landslide captures the full width of a 90-m section of the dead-end Park Road, was sliding downhill at 40 cm (15.5 inches) per day, and forced the road to close early near its midpoint. This road restriction will remain in place until the anticipated opening of a bridge in 2025 that will span the landslide. See the

Pretty Rocks webpage (https://www.nps.gov/dena/learn... more information. The Denali fault arcs through the park and, in 2002, released one of the highest magnitude strike-slip earthquakes in recorded history. And, of course, the park contains Denali, the tallest mountain in North America at 6,190 m (20,310’). Due to its extreme topographic relief, active seismicity, and climate extremes, Denali National Park and Preserve is an outstanding location for studying many geohazards and dynamic fluvial systems. National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Federal Highways Administration, Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska Department of Transportation, universities, and consultants are all currently assisting Denali with known and possible problems related to our geology. Come join the team to help us reduce risks to visitors, staff, and facilities.


KEYWORDS: Geology, Geohazards, GIS, GPS, photogrammetry, fluvial geomorphology

DELIVERABLES

The participant will perform an individual project that will be developed based on a balance of demonstrated abilities, interest, and park needs. For example, past participants have created publications, websites, databases, presentations, posters, and outreach programs on a wide range of topics. Once the participant has been selected, we will collaborate to agree upon an appropriate project before, or immediately after the start of, the season. This written agreement will clearly define the final product, expectations, and outcome. This rigorous position will develop the participant’s technical and creative thinking abilities, leadership skills, and problem-solving capabilities. At a minimum the participant will complete a technical document that summarizes their work and present project results to key decision-makers and stakeholders, internally and externally. Typical tasks include: geohazard and fluvial geomorphology monitoring, assisting with or leading direct outreach and logistics on field trips and seminars; geophysical and GPS surveys; geologic mapping; environmental, glacier, and paleontological inventory and monitoring; mining reclamation; remote camp mobilization; database management; and equipment maintenance. Finally, the participant will submit required materials to the SIP program.


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 26 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Recent successful applicants have been Master’s students and beyond, however outstanding undergraduate students may be considered. While a degree in geoscience is preferred, applicants with significant demonstrable experience and appropriate qualifications from other backgrounds (GIS, geography, etc.) will also be considered. Advanced, applied (not just coursework) experience with GIS is required. Coursework and experience in sedimentology, stratigraphy, geomorphology, GIS, field methods, structure, engineering geology, remote sensing, and environmental geology will make the applicant more competitive. The applicant should be able to work well independently both in the office and in the field with limited supervision, have advanced map reading and GPS orientation skills, must be able to interpret aerial and satellite imagery, and be very comfortable hiking off trail in a rugged mountain environment with potentially dangerous animals. Individuals that can demonstrate a positive and humble attitude through supportive letters, references, or awards will receive additional consideration.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

Basic food and community services are available in Nenana Canyon outside the park entrance in the summer and more services can be found in Healy (10 miles north of park entrance) year round. Full services are located in Fairbanks, 120 miles north. Field work will be performed in a park environment where the terrain is steep, uneven, and rocky. Approaches are frequently lengthy and covered with thick vegetation. Almost all hiking will be off trail. Some tasks may require travel on snow or ice (glacier) conditions. Assignments may involve backcountry camping in all varieties of weather and tasks will include moderate to strenuous physical exertion (long periods of standing, hiking, or climbing), so the participant must be in excellent shape. Exposure to wildlife (i.e. grizzly bears and moose) is common, and precautions when hiking or camping is emphasized. A bear safety orientation course is required and will be provided at the park. Don’t forget the bug repellent; Interior Alaska’s mosquito reputation is not a trivial issue. Past participants have developed a healthy respect and love for the physical and mental challenge of working in Denali. Participants will conduct office work in a collaborative environment at park headquarters with other seasonal employees under direct supervision from the park geologist. Park headquarters is accessible by car, bus or train.

Denali is a six-million-acre park with the Alaska Range as a backbone. The park is replete with extensive glaciers and braided rivers, miles of tundra plateaus, and countless glacial lakes and ponds, all capped by magnificent Denali. The geologic core of the park consists primarily of Paleozoic and Mesozoic marine sedimentary rocks, with some Cretaceous and Tertiary plutonic intrusions and volcanic episodes. Rock formations in the park have been modified by near-continuous tectonic compression and extensive glaciation. The sub-arctic climate has created extensive permafrost and its associated features. The office and housing are situated at a comfortable 600 m (2,000’). Fieldwork will regularly involve activities up to1,200 m (4,000’) and possibly up to 1,800 m (6,000’) or more.


VEHICLE AND DRIVER’S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
  • A personal vehicle is not required for this position.

HOUSING

Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant. Housing is a short and pleasant walk from the office. Housing consists of a comfortable 20’ x20’ cabin shared with one other person (unless Covid restrictions require change). The kitchen, dining, and living space are shared and bedrooms are private. Running water is available during the summer months in the kitchen. Dishes and basic cooking supplies are provided. Linens are the responsibility of the participant. Communal bathrooms are adjacent to the cabins. Commuting options include bikes (available for loan) and walking along a trail. Fieldwork may involve remote tent camping and sleeping in cabins, dorms, and wall tents throughout the park. Some fieldwork or training may take place in other Alaska park units or the regional office in Anchorage and may require staying in those park’s facilities or a hotel(a reimbursable cost). Portions of the work may involve backpacking for one or more nights. Backcountry camping gear (backpack, tent, sleeping bag, stove cooking pots, etc.) can be supplied by the park but the participant should consider bringing their own.


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 Denali National Park and Preserve will host a Geology 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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