POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Science Communication Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network, Kingston, Rhode Island
Can this position be fully remote: Yes
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 $665.00 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 Science Communication Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will assist with one of the goals of the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program (I&M), which is to help parks make sound science-based management decisions that help preserve America's special places. In order to meet this goal, the I&M Program must provide information in a variety of formats to park managers and staff and the public. This position position will help the NCBN meet these information needs and contribute to the mission of the program.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The participant will work with the staff of the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network (NCBN) and will be located at the University of Rhode Island or work remotely. The participant will assist with the development of science communication materials such as story maps, natural resource science informational documents, enhancement of a Flickr site, developing a photo library for the Network with existing photos, and development of content for the NCBN website, such as science stories. Other duties may include biological data entry, and development of park species lists. The member will have the opportunity to enhance their science communication and writing skills related to meeting the mission of the National Park Service; 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 generations.” The member will also learn about the operation of a long-term ecological monitoring program, monitoring protocols, and their application in coastal parks.
KEYWORDS: science communication, natural resource science, GIS, ecological monitoring, marine science, climate change, ecology, seagrass, restoration ecology, coastal science
DELIVERABLES
The member will develop science communication products to provide to the parks based on the data and information collected by the NCBN I&M Program. These products will include science briefing documents, science stories, species profiles and other related material. The member will also work on a photo catalog and Flickr site for the program, and help to enhance the NCBN website, as well as Park Nature and Science pages. The member will also have the opportunity to work with their supervisor to develop an individual project based on the member's interests.
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
The member must have strong writing skills, and a strong science, natural resources or conservation background gained through coursework or work related activities. Some experience in developing science communication products even through course work is desirable. The member must be proficient in using Microsoft Word, and Adobe products would be helpful, but not mandatory, some GIS skills would be useful, but not mandatory.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
The member will be working on the University of Rhode Island, Kingston Campus in an office within the Natural Resources Science Department. Office space will be shared with staff from the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network. Kingston Rhode Island is close to summer resorts and beaches and approximately 50 minutes from Providence, RI and 35 minutes from Newport, RI. Because the area is a popular summer vacation destination, and a college town, it is very difficult to find affordable housing, therefore housing must be obtained before accepting the position if a participant is selected, unless supervisor and candidate agree on remote work.
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 NOT available. The member will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area. It would be best for the member to be within commuting distance from the University of Rhode Island, where our offices are. Off campus housing near the University is available locally for students in shared homes or apartments, with an approximate cost of $600-$800/month for one room, but can be difficult to acquire in the summer.
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 Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network will host a Science Communication 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!”