Conservation Legacy

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Ecology Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Congaree National Park, Southeast Coast Network, Hopkins, South Carolina

Can this position be fully remote: No

Number of positions available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE

Duration: 36 Weeks (not flexible)

Flexible Start Date: Yes

Start Date: 05/05/2025

End Date: 01/12/2026

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1200 Hour

BENEFITS

  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $5,176.00 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 Ecology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will promote data and position sharing among the Southeast Coast Network (SECN) and Congaree National Park. Monitoring plants and their associated communities over time allows for targeted understanding of ecosystems within the SECN geography, which provides managers information about the degree of change within their parks’ natural vegetation, wetlands and shorelines. Detecting observable threats (e.g., invasive species, disease, fire exclusion, sea level rise, climate change) on georeferenced plots can assist park managers with prioritizing management actions to promote and conserve plant resources. Training will be provided to increase the skillset of this park steward.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

SECN conducts several different monitoring protocols as part of the nationwide Inventory and Monitoring Program of the National Park Service. Vegetation in parks is monitored as a key vital sign and indicator of overall ecosystem health because changes in vegetation condition reflect effects of stressors such as extreme weather, disease, invasive species, fire, and land use change. While assisting SECN, the successful candidate will be expected to work on a team (with 1-3 other individuals) revisiting and sampling vegetation plots within targeted parks that were sampled in 2021 (see below). They must be prepared to work in extreme hot and humid conditions, including carrying up to 40 lbs of sampling gear in a backpack across uneven, wet and mucky terrain. Plots are located in remote locations of each park, and often include backpacking/hiking of 1-5 miles (or more) per day. The successful candidate will aid the field team lead with varying elements of plot sampling, including tree diameter measurements, soil sample collection, down woody debris counts, and plot establishment (running surveyors’ tape across plot sites). Parks scheduled for vegetation monitoring within the network in 2025 include one park within the Inner Coastal Plain (Congaree National Park) and one park in the Piedmont (Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park). Each park contains a mosaic of natural and semi-natural plant communities and an array of threats and stressors to these communities. It is the goal of this monitoring approach to assess the condition of park vegetation and document threats in order to provide managers with best available information to make sound, scientific-based decisions related to pard resources. This project will offer the SIP candidate an excellent opportunity to learn the local flora across parks within the southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont, understand threats to park vegetation, and work with a diverse group of vegetation ecologists and park natural resource staff. SECN conducts long-term terrestrial vegetation monitoring as part of the nationwide Inventory and Monitoring Program of the National Park Service. Vegetation in parks is monitored as a key vital sign and indicator of overall ecosystem health because changes in vegetation condition reflect effects of stressors such as extreme weather, disease, invasive species, fire, and land use change. For the portion of the position managed by resource staff at Congaree National Park, the candidate will help the park conduct various natural resource management activities. The ideal candidates would be interested in ecology , enthusiastic about natural resources and public lands and willing to share their interests and enthusiasm with the park team. Specific activities could include: 1. assisting with firefly ecology data collection and the 2025 Firefly Event, 2. performing mapping for invasive species, 3. assisting with longleaf pine savanna restoration efforts, 4. performing wildlife surveys, 5. assisting with the dragonfly mercury sampling project, and 6. design of science outreach programs and communication products.


KEYWORDS: Vegetation monitoring, vegetation management, plant identification, field ecology

DELIVERABLES

Field Report summary of accomplishments, updates to the park's NPSpecies


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 36 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Although many field techniques and skills will be developed throughout the duration of this project, it would be beneficial if the successful candidate had some experience with fieldwork—particularly with the ability to work outdoors for long hours in a hot, humid climate (this is a project ‘must’). Other pertinent skills include: ability to use a hand-held compass, GPS and GIS training, familiarity with tree measurement techniques (coursework in dendrology, silviculture, forest mensuration, and/or field botany, plant ecology), ability to carry up to 40 lbs of equipment in a backpack and hike for 5+ miles across wet floodplains, ability to operate a 4WD vehicle, comfort with vegetation handtools (e.g., pruners, clippers, loppers, handsaws), and the skills to collect, process, and report data.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

From May thru July, a majority of the SIP member’s duties will be performed in the field (75-85%, occasionally may reach 100%/week), with a minimal amount of office work (<25%). Congaree and Kennesaw Mountain both experience a humid, subtropical climate; summer temperatures range from mid 80’s to mid 90’s (F), and occasional may reach 100 F. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible. The SIP member will be expected to work in remote locations within each park and have the ability to hike (with a 40lb (or less) pack) across flat and steep and occasionally wet terrain for upwards of 1-5 miles/day. Biting insects and venomous snakes are part of the work environment; bug spray and snake gaiters/chaps will be provided by the Southeast Coast Network (SECN). The SIP member will be expected to carry their own water, as dehydration is typically the main risk during the field season. They will be expected to review the SECN Job Hazard Analysis for vegetation monitoring prior to beginning the field work. When working within Congaree NP (May – June) the member will occasionally be accessing areas of the park via motor boat. The member will not be expected to operate the boat, but should be comfortable riding in a boat. Congaree National Park is located approximately 30 miles outside of Columbia, the state capital, where there are many recreational and social activities that the members can easily engage in. Recreation at the park includes hiking, fishing, canoeing/kayaking, bird watching, and attending ranger led walks/talks. Grocery stores and restaurants are 20-30 minutes away with a few local eateries only a short drive away. Temperatures can vary from mild to hot and humid conditions. When working at Kennesaw Mountain, the member will have all the amenities of large cities (Atlanta, GA)


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. May – June; August - January (Congaree National Park, Columbia, South Carolina); July (Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Atlanta, GA). Park housing is available on Congaree National Park. Lodging consists of a bed space in a shared 4-bedroom (6 bed) dormitory that includes, a shared kitchen, shared bathroom and shared living area. Each bedroom includes at least 1 twin-sized bed, dresser or armoire and ceiling lights and fan. The kitchen is equipped with a stove, microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker, and basic cookware and eating utensils. Additional kitchen tools may be desired by long-term guests. The living room has modest furnishings and a TV. The restroom facilities include a bathroom with a stall shower, two sinks, and a toilet. A washer/dryer is located in the bathroom of the dorm. The screened porch offers additional seating, electric outlets and tables. Internet access is available within the dorm area. Guests will need to bring their own bedding including linens, pillows, blankets, laundry supplies, food, spices, and beverages, toiletries, towels, clothing (including field clothes, rain gear and boots), field work supplies (backpack, refillable water bottles), and small personal appliances (alarm clock, small lamp, fan, etc.). Housing assignments are made at the discretion of the Housing Manager and are determined based on planned occupants. Meaning there may, at times, be individuals assigned to shared rooms and/ or not all rooms may be filled. During July, the member will be expected to travel to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield May – June; August - January (Congaree National Park, Columbia, South Carolina); July (Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Atlanta, GA). Park housing is available on Congaree National Park. Lodging consists of a bed space in a shared 4-bedroom (6 bed) dormitory that includes, a shared kitchen, shared bathroom and shared living area. Each bedroom includes at least 1 twin-sized bed, dresser or armoire and ceiling lights and fan. The kitchen is equipped with a stove, microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker, and basic cookware and eating utensils. Additional kitchen tools may be desired by long-term guests. The living room has modest furnishings and a TV. The restroom facilities include a bathroom with a stall shower, two sinks, and a toilet. A washer/dryer is located in the bathroom of the dorm. The screened porch offers additional seating, electric outlets and tables. Internet access is available within the dorm area. Guests will need to bring their own bedding including linens, pillows, blankets, laundry supplies, food, spices, and beverages, toiletries, towels, clothing (including field clothes, rain gear and boots), field work supplies (backpack, refillable water bottles), and small personal appliances (alarm clock, small lamp, fan, etc.). Housing assignments are made at the discretion of the Housing Manager and are determined based on planned occupants. Meaning there may, at times, be individuals assigned to shared rooms and/ or not all rooms may be filled. During July, the member will be expected to travel to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in Atlanta, GA for vegetation monitoring fieldwork. Park housing may or may not be available on this park. Funds for housing while the member is on travel status will be provided by the Southeast Coast Network.


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 Congaree National Park, Southeast Coast 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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