Conservation Legacy

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Astronomy Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, Washington

Can this position be fully remote: No

Number of positions available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE

Duration: 20 Weeks (not flexible)

Flexible Start Date: Yes

Start Date: 05/04/2025

End Date: 09/21/2025

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 Hour

BENEFITS

  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,817.00 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 Astronomy Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will assist with the purpose of Olympic National Park, which is to 'preserve for the benefit, use, and enjoyment of the people, the finest sample of primeval forests of Sitka spruce, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, and western red cedar in the entire U.S.; to provide suitable winter range and permanent protection for herds of native Roosevelt elk and other wildlife indigenous to the area; to conserve and render available to the people, for recreational use, this outstanding mountainous country, containing numerous glaciers and perpetual snow fields, and a portion of the surrounding verdant forests together with a narrow strip along the beautiful Washington coast.' The member will have opportunities to contribute to natural resource management issues in: Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Communication & Education. Within these, the position will more specifically address: the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances on park resources and systems; resource interpretation and education; and visitor services. In particular, the impacts of light pollution and diminished air quality on dark night skies are significant threats to the natural and cultural resources and values of the park. Understanding and communicating these issues to park visitors and stakeholders is emerging as an increasingly important interpretive message for park staff. The member will help educate and prepare the visiting public with the tools and techniques (including civil discourse) to appreciate, observe, and protect natural and cultural resources and processes within the park and in their local communities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Working in and around the Port Angeles area of Olympic National Park under the Division of Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers, primary emphasis for this position will be placed on science communication and interpretation that highlights the park's dark night sky resources, astronomy, relevant data collected by resource managers from regional and national NPS inventorying and monitoring (I&M) programs, and the park's primary interpretive themes. The member will develop and present at least two interpretive programs or products to visitor audiences throughout the busy summer; at least one of these will be specific to astronomy and dark night sky resources presented as part of the park's Night Sky Program schedule. The member will have opportunities to work closely with astronomers, resource managers, resource interpreters, educators, volunteers, and visitors to obtain primary and secondary data concerning a variety of phenomena, but primarily focused on the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances on park resources and systems including (but not limited to) light pollution and air quality. In addition to communicating science in this context, the member will be encouraged to interpret and engage with the visiting public around the social, cultural, economic, and political impacts of these phenomena as well. Opportunities for participating in fieldwork with park scientists in other biological and physical science disciplines may also be available. The member will communicate to the public how vital signs revealed through the parks inventory and monitoring (I&M) programs are valuable indicators of ecosystem health and change.

The member will gain a basic understanding of the National Park Service (NPS) organizational structure, and of current professional standards concerning the NPS Foundations of Interpretation, including audience-centered engagement (ACE) strategies and dialogic techniques. One area of focus will be learning to work in a team setting with park rangers/interpreters in a dynamic park operation. The member will understand and help implement scientific protocols used by park scientists and resource managers for the long-term I&M program. The member will use scientific data in an interpretive context, both as a training tool for interpretation and education staff, and for public consumption. The project will support the overall goal of communicating science to the public in an effort to bring awareness to important resource issues.


KEYWORDS: astronomy, dark, night, sky, skies, interpretation, education, communication

DELIVERABLES

The member will have the opportunity to collaborate with astronomers, resource managers, and others in the collection of primary data and/or to research secondary data concerning the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances like light pollution on park resources and systems, as well as their social, cultural, economic, and political implications. Opportunities for participating in fieldwork with park scientists in other biological and physical science disciplines may also be available. The member will develop and/or revise an interpretive training guide focused on science communication techniques and best practices to be used by current and future resource interpreters. The member will develop at least two formal, thematic interpretive programs/products to be delivered to visitor audiences: At least one will be specific to astronomy and dark night sky resources presented as part of the park's Night Sky Program on Hurricane Ridge; other(s) may be in different interpretive contexts (e.g., interpretive talks, walks, pop-ups, and/or evening campground programs in an amphitheater setting). In addition, the member will develop short submissions or vignettes throughout the summer to be used on park social media detailing their member experience. A final report and/or presentation at the end of the position will be produced to share with park leadership team and other divisions to highlight the work, contributions, and experience of member.


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 20 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
(a) Degree and/or demonstrated interest/experience in environmental science, atmospheric science, astronomy, chemistry, geography, geology, physics, mathematics, meteorology, or related disciplines; (b) awareness of resource interpretation methods and goals, particularly for the National Park Service; (c) familiarity with Microsoft Office productivity software and applications.

A personal vehicle is recommended but not required for this position. Applicant must have a valid drivers license and a good driving record. If the member is required to drive a government-owned vehicle (GOV) for their position, a driving records search may be performed, and the member's ability to operate a GOV during work hours will be contingent upon the results.

The member should be willing to live in a small-town environment with adjacent rural areas on the relatively isolated Olympic Peninsula, and work day and/or night with colleagues and visitors in remote frontcountry settings at Olympic National Park. The member should expect outdoor work that sometimes includes walking/hiking on wet, slippery, muddy, and/or uneven and moderately steep trail surfaces during day or night shifts. Unpredictable weather can be windy, rainy, sunny and warm, and/or overcast and cool—all in one day.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

Selected SIP candidate will live and work in/around Port Angeles, WA—the largest city (about 20,000 residents) in Clallam County, WA and a gateway community to Olympic National Park. All basic services are available in Port Angeles, including groceries, restaurants, gas, hospital, entertainment, etc.

Olympic National Park is famous for its extensive wilderness and diverse ecosystems, including sub-alpine, temperate rainforest, lowland forest, river valleys, and coast. Weather varies greatly but is typically wet in spring and fall, and mild and dry in summer.

The member will be working primarily at frontcountry sites in and around Port Angeles, including (but not limited to): Olympic National Park Visitor Center (indoor visitor center and shared office/workspace); Heart O' the Hills Campground (outdoor amphitheater); and Hurricane Ridge (indoor visitor center and shared office/workspace, and adjacent outdoor sub-alpine meadows and trail systems with unobstructed views of night skies). Elevations at work locations range from near-sea level to over 5,000 feet. Outdoor work can include walking/hiking on wet, slippery, muddy, and/or uneven and moderately steep trail surfaces during day and/or night shifts. Unpredictable weather can be windy, rainy, sunny and warm, and/or overcast and cool—all in one day. Shared office/workspace will be provided at Olympic National Park Visitor Center and Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. Opportunities to perform field/site visits in other areas of the park, such as the rain forest and/or Pacific Coast will also be provided.


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 available and will be provided at no cost to the participant. Private room in dormitory-style facility with shared kitchen and bathroom. Occupant should bring cleaning supplies, toiletries, linens, cookware, and utensils. Rooms are fully furnished and facilities include major electrical appliances (e.g., refrigerator, stove, etc.).


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 Olympic National Park will host a Astronomy 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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