Conservation Legacy

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Natural Resource Management Assistant (DHA) - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego, 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: 05/19/2025

End Date: 08/08/2025

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 Hour

BENEFITS

  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.00 upon successful completion of position.
  • Living Allowance of $760.00 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 assist with the diverse ecosystem at Cabrillo National Monument (CABR), which supports approximately 70 native bee species, making it an essential habitat for these crucial pollinators. The park's unique environment is enriched by rare native plants that serve as food sources for these bees, some of which are specialists that depend on specific plant species. In alignment with the NPS mission, it is vital to conserve and protect these native bee populations and their habitats.

To effectively manage this biodiversity, conducting a baseline inventory of native bees at CABR is crucial. Traditional bee survey methods, while informative, are costly, time-intensive, and lead to the death of collected specimens. In contrast, the proposed photography-based survey method presents a non-invasive and cost-effective alternative. This innovative approach allows for the involvement of citizen scientists, enabling reliable inventory and assessment of the health of native bee populations.

A member engaged in this project will assess the quality and effectiveness of the new survey methodology, providing valuable insights that will enhance park management efforts. This initiative not only contributes to the understanding and preservation of native bee species but also aligns with the overarching goals of the NPS to safeguard natural resources for future generations. By employing this new method, CABR can improve its conservation strategies and foster community involvement in ecological stewardship.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Despite Cabrillo Monument’s (CABR) small size of 160 acres, it is an essential habitat for over 70 species of native bees. Following the discovery of a bee species thought to only be found on the Channel Islands, a novel bee monitoring survey was designed and implemented at the park by park staff and Dr. Keng-Lou James Hung (Assistant Professor of Biology/University of Oklahoma). There are two goals of this monitoring project: 1) To determine the species of bees that visit the park and their population health. 2) Test the effectiveness of a novel, cost effective, and non-invasive survey method— photography. Through this experiment, two vastly different sampling strategies were tested on documenting bees. One strategy consisted of the traditional, lethal, netting collection. The other strategy is a photographic survey, where community scientists take pictures of bees.

The member will assist with analyzing the effectiveness and feasibility of this novel photography survey strategy. The member will work closely with CABR resource division staff and academic researchers to analyze four years of data obtained during both traditional netting and photography surveys. The member will analyze the community data posted on iNaturalist.org and compare photography surveys with netting surveys to identify differences in bee species found. The results of the study will be used to determine if photography can be used to replace or supplement traditional bee sampling protocols at CABR, dramatically reducing costs of researching native bees at the park.


KEYWORDS: Bees, Data analysis, Scientific writing, Insects, iNaturalist

DELIVERABLES

1) Organized bee collection data for both netting surveys and community science photo surveys. 2) Report on lethal vs photo sampling of native bees at CABR. 3) Presentation of the findings of the study to the park management team at CABR and news interview or social media post for public interest.


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.
  • Must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD degree program at an accredited institution of higher education for the duration of the position and graduate after the completion of the position. Certificate programs do not qualify for DHA positions.
  • 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
We would like to support a member that is interested in using the DHA after graduation. Looking for a candidate with strong independent working abilities, experience working with data in excel or RStudio, scientific writing skills, and ability to read and discuss primary literature. Knowledge, interest, and experience in biological sciences/ecology. Interest in park management and park values. The member can expect to meet with primary and secondary mentors on a weekly basis at minimum and will have assistance in writing up deliverables.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

Cabrillo National Monument sits at the end of the Point Loma Peninsula. Our proximity to the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay has a major influence on weather in the area. Coastal marine layers can develop at any time, bringing moisture, cooler temperatures, and wind to the park, while the inland regions remain warm and sunny. The office building sits on a cliff overlooking the bay and has a favorable temperature year-round, except for a few weeks in summer. During this time, portable air conditioning units are provided in each office to reduce the temperature. Point Loma is the nearest community to the park. There is a small shopping center six miles down the road with a grocery store, sandwich shop, coffee shop, and frozen yogurt. Work will be done in an office setting and opportunities for outdoor cross-training activities such as conducting bee surveys or vegetation monitoring will also be provided. Long periods of sitting and standing are to be expected. Most work will be done indoors, entering data, analyzing data and preparing reports. When participating in fieldwork, the member can expect to be walking on trails with uneven terrain, and in varying weather conditions. CABR has hosted more than one member in previous summers.

This position will be hybrid in office location. We expect the member to reside in the San Diego commuting area during their position. They will work from home some days and be at the park some days each week. This allows for the member to work independently, and experience bee surveys and other fieldwork first-hand.


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. There is no housing at the park. As the park is in an urban setting, there are numerous options for housing in the immediate area. Point Loma, the closest neighborhood to the park, is roughly six miles from the entrance. Private room rentals in San Diego can cost over $1500 per month. There is reliable public transportation to the park on the #84 bus, so members will not need to own a vehicle.


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.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) Resource Assistant Intern position. Eligible participants must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD degree program at an accredited institution of higher education for the duration of the position and graduate after the completion of the position. Certificate programs do not qualify for DHA positions. Upload an unofficial transcript from your current institution to help us verify your enrollment status when applying. To learn more about eligibility and benefits for DHA positions, read more on our program page.

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 Cabrillo National Monument 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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