Conservation Legacy

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Biology Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, Coolidge, Arizona

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: 08/11/2025

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 Biology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will aid in the National Park Service’s missing to “preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generation.” The park is collecting GIS data on the spread of invasive species within its boundary and the effectiveness of control methods conducted; these invasive species threaten the natural and cultural resources found at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. Member will have the option to contribute information at stakeholder meetings about stinknet at the park. Additionally, seeds of native plants are being collected and processed for storage to restore habitats affected by these invasive species. The Member will also help analyze the diets and preferred habitats of burrowing owls -a species of concern- to help determine future management decisions. Additionally, the site is conducting animal surveys on reptiles, bats, and burrowing owls to determine which species are at the monument and how they are using the resources available. These surveys will be shared with Tribal Partners to help guide future decision making on large and complex projects.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The participant will assist with a variety of ongoing collection and processing of GIS data, burrowing owl pellets, native plant seeds, and the conducting of animal/plant surveys relating to the natural resources of the monument. Other projects may include some of the following: assisting USGS on their biological soil crust research, assisting in plant grow outs, and aid in the preservation of the archeological resources within the park with vegetation stabilization projects. Opportunities may also exist to apply the participant’s skills of interest to related projects that have potential to benefit the monument’s natural resource program.


KEYWORDS: Natural Resources, GIS Data, Biology, Ethnographic Resources, Surveys, Invasive Species

DELIVERABLES

At the completion of this position, the member will have collected and organized GIS data of invasive species across the site, completed animal and plant surveys, collected and processed seeds for restoration, and collected and compiled data on burrowing owl diets and habitats. A final map of invasive species, animal burrows, and plants of interest will be completed at the end of the position.


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
Educational Background: Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field. GIS Proficiency: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and techniques for data collection and analysis. Experience with tools such as ArcGIS or QGIS is preferred. Field Research Experience: Previous experience with fieldwork, including data collection and surveys related to ecology or wildlife management. Knowledge of Native and Invasive Species: Understanding of local ecosystems, particularly the identification and management of invasive species. Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present findings at stakeholder meetings and collaborate with various partners, including Tribal entities. Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, demonstrating cooperation and adaptability in a diverse work environment. Passion for Conservation: A demonstrated commitment to the conservation of natural and cultural resources, with an understanding of the National Park Service's mission. Physical Fitness: Willingness to engage in physical activities related to fieldwork, including hiking and conducting surveys in various outdoor conditions. Cultural Awareness: Understanding and respect for the cultural significance of the park and its resources, particularly in relation to Tribal partnerships and community engagement.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is within Coolidge, Arizona. The Monument is 472 acres with preserved natural landscapes and archeological sites. The natural and ethnographic resources the member will be working with and around include Creosote, Mesquite, Burrowing Owls, Coyotes, Bats, and Badgers.

The work environment will be both in-office and in the field. Field work will primarily occur early in the morning before temperatures exceed 105°F.

The job will include moderate physical activity including hiking, stooping, bending, and carrying 30+lbs in backpacks.

Weather at this time of the year ranges from high 60s °F in the morning to extremes of 110s °F in the afternoon. Summer Monsoons may occur.

General Weather-Related Health Hazards, Heat Exhaustion, Dehydration.

A main priority for this position will be working with the invasive species Stinknet (Oncosiphon piluliferum). Working with Stinknet can cause allergic reactions like skin irritations, rashes, and respiratory issues.


VEHICLE AND DRIVER’S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Applicant will not need 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. Park housing will be provided at no cost to the participant. Park housing features a private room with shared common areas, full kitchen, shared bathroom, with furniture provided. Participant will need to bring their own linens and towels. There is a laundry facility on site.


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 Casa Grande Ruins National Monument will host a Biology 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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