POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Natural Resource Management Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Badlands National Park, Interior, South Dakota

Can this position be fully remote: No

Number of positions available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE

Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible)

Flexible Start Date: Yes

Start Date: 4/28/2025

End Date: 10/24/2025

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 Hour

BENEFITS

  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.00 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 Natural Resource Management Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will run from April 2025 through October 2025. The Badlands Wilderness Area in Badlands National Park has two units, Conata and Sage Creek encompassing more than 64,000 acres. The park completed a Wilderness Character Building Blocks Monitoring Strategy in 2018 and is overdue for an evaluation of those monitoring data measures identified in that report. The member selected for this position will complete the evaluation/analysis for those Wilderness Character Building Blocks Monitoring Strategy measures and select a minimum of 9 monitoring measures to analyze/monitor for the future. The member will also develop a Wilderness Management Strategy for the Park, a second component of the Wilderness Character Building Blocks Monitoring Strategy for managing the wilderness at Badlands NP. The member will work with park staff with various levels of expertise including but not limited to: air quality, climate change, geology, hydrology, night skies, paleontology, and soundscapes. The position will work on data collection tasks to complete the analysis portion of the Wilderness Character Building Blocks Monitoring Strategy measures. This will involve mining data from the parks and various other data base files. The member will also prepare a write-up after evaluating the status of each of these measures and recommend a least 9 future monitoring strategy measures based on these results. This project will culminate in the preparation a new strategy for monitoring the Wilderness at Badlands NP. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact for monitoring wilderness character will become a strategy for adapting management actions that the park can implement.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

NOTE: This position is for the 2025 season to run from April 2025 through October 2025. The Badlands Wilderness Area in Badlands National Park has two units, Conata and Sage Creek encompassing more than 64,000 acres. The park completed a Wilderness Character Building Blocks Monitoring Strategy in 2018 and is overdue for an evaluation of those monitoring data measures identified in that report. The member selected for this position will complete the evaluation/analysis for those Wilderness Character Building Blocks Monitoring Strategy measures and select a minimum of 9 monitoring measures to analyze/monitor for the future. The member will also develop a Wilderness Management Strategy for the Park, a second component of the Wilderness Character Building Blocks Monitoring Strategy for managing the wilderness at Badlands NP. The member will work with park staff with various levels of expertise including but not limited to: air quality, climate change, geology, hydrology, night skies, paleontology, and soundscapes.

The position will work on data collection tasks to complete the analysis portion of the Wilderness Character Building Blocks Monitoring Strategy measures. This will involve mining data from the parks and various other data base files. The member will also prepare a write-up after evaluating the status of each of these measures and recommend a least 9 future monitoring strategy measures based on these results. This project will culminate in the preparation a new strategy for monitoring the Wilderness at Badlands NP. This revised planning framework for monitoring wilderness character will become a strategy for adapting management actions that the park can implement to preserve wilderness character in the face of rapid environmental and social change. When this is complete the member will draft and develop the Wilderness Management Strategy with park, regional and national wilderness staff. This is an opportunity to make a lasting and meaningful contribution to natural resources and the preservation of wilderness character, the primary mandate of the 1964 Wilderness Act, at Badlands National Park.


KEYWORDS: Wilderness, Wilderness Management, Wilderness Strategy, Wilderness Plan, Wilderness Member

DELIVERABLES

Position Products: The primary product will be the completed Wilderness Character Building Blocks Monitoring Strategy measures evaluation and the Wilderness Management Strategy for Badlands National Park. When products are completed, the member will have to opportunity to co-author resource briefs and technical publications under the mentorship of Badlands National Park, regional and national wilderness staff. The park will also encourage and prepare the SIP member to present the results of their project at local, regional, and national NPS meetings.

The position will be largely in the office; however, field work will occur occasionally, in backcountry settings under difficult conditions. This position works 10-hour days sometimes in extremely hot weather or through thick vegetation. The position will spend approximately 70% of time performing computer and office work and 30% in the field. The anticipated field season is May through September. The position will work on data collection tasks to complete the analysis portion of the Wilderness Character Building Blocks Monitoring Strategy measures. This will involve mining data from the parks and various other data base files. The member will also prepare a write-up after evaluating the status of each of these measures and recommend a least 9 future monitoring strategy measures based on these results. This project will culminate in the preparation a new strategy for monitoring the Wilderness at Badlands NP. This revised planning framework for monitoring wilderness character will become a strategy for adapting management actions that the park can implement to preserve wilderness character in the face of rapid environmental and social change.


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 26 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
As a candidate, you will have a demonstrated ability to be able to use ArcPro, Microsoft office Products. You should also possess excellent oral, electronic, and written communication skills that will allow you to collaborate with National Park Service staff. Required skills include: a good attitude, ability to work independently and be self-starting, good communication skills, valid driver license, and the ability to hike over rough terrain for short distances (approximately 1 mile) in hot and cold weather. Desired skills include: natural resource, plant id, GIS or natural resource degree or major, writing skills, basic computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Word and Excel), familiarity with GIS, science communication experience, the ability to work independently and a strong desire and interest in Wilderness, Wilderness Character Values and preserving Wilderness.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

The position will be largely in the office; however, field work will occur occasionally, in backcountry settings under difficult conditions. This position works 10-hour days sometimes in extremely hot weather or through thick vegetation. The position will spend approximately 70% of time performing computer and office work and 30% in the field. The anticipated field season is May through September.

Local Area Information: Interior is a small town of less than 100 people; Rapid City is located 72 miles to the west and is South Dakota’s second largest city with approximately 75,000 residents and is the gateway to the Black Hills area of South Dakota. Rapid City offers early childhood programs, public schools, private schools, and a technical college. Rapid City offers entertainment opportunities at the Civic auditorium, superior health care facilities, beautiful neighborhoods, and endless outdoor recreational opportunities such a skiing, rock climbing, camping, and kayaking. Rapid City is within a 90-minute drive of three other national park units (Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Jewel Cave National Monument), and South Dakota’s crown jewel state park- Custer State Park. Summer is warm, dry, and sunny. July and August are the warmest months of the year when daytime temperatures climb into the 70s and 80s—and sometime 90s. Breezy winds and low humidity levels help make the hot days comfortable. January and February are the coldest months of winter. Daytime temperatures average in the 30s, but Chinook winds can warm temperatures into the 50s and 60s. Average monthly snowfall ranges from five inches in Rapid City to 15 inches in the Black Hills.


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. Park housing may be available for this position. However, we are advertising this position as a stipend for 36 weeks with increased funding assuming that there may not be park housing when they arrive. Average cost of a one-bedroom efficiency is $300/PP, every 2 weeks. Member will need to bring linens, dishes and cleaning supplies.


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 Badlands National Park 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!”