Conservation Legacy

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Ecology Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: South Florida/Caribbean Network, Palmetto Bay, Florida

Can this position be fully remote: No

Number of positions available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE

Duration: 52 Weeks (not flexible)

Flexible Start Date: Yes

Start Date: 09/01/2025

End Date: 08/31/2026

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1700 Hour

BENEFITS

  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395.00 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).
  • For 52-week-long positions only:
    • Healthcare Coverage
    • Childcare Coverage

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 Ecology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will contribute to understanding the introduction of invasive species, such as Halophila stipulacea, which is crucial for effective natural resource management, as this species can disrupt ecosystems, outcompete native species, and alter habitat dynamics. By studying the patterns and impacts of invasive seagrasses, resource managers can develop targeted strategies to mitigate their effects, promote biodiversity, and restore ecological balance. This knowledge enables proactive measures, such as prevention, early detection, and rapid response, ensuring that natural resources are sustainably managed and protected for future generations. Ultimately, integrating invasive species management into broader natural resource strategies enhances ecosystem resilience and supports the health of native habitats.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The member will analyze 3 years of Braun-blanquet seagrass data collected from Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, VI, to evaluate and map seagrass species composition and distribution for a peer-reviewed manuscript. This project is based on methodology described in the South Florida/Caribbean Network’s Seagrass Community Monitoring Protocol Narrative—Version 1.1. The primary objective of the protocol is to monitor trends in seagrass cover, community composition, and the presence of invasive exotic species within mapped seagrass habitat. Sampling in parks occurs every alternating third year. A stratified random survey design is used and is stratified by three depth zones (> 15 meters [49.2 feet], 5–15 meters [16.4–49.2 feet], < 5 meters [16.4 feet. The objective of the member’s research is to access the expansion of the invasive seagrass species, Halophila stipulacea, and its impact on the distribution of native seagrass species. H. stipulacea was first reported in St. John, VI in 2012 (Valdez et al. 2020). Since then, the distribution of this species has expanded throughout Virgin Islands National Park. H. stipulacea was not observed in native seagrass beds within Reef Bay during an SFCN pilot seagrass survey in August 2015. However, by 2022, H. stipulacea had expanded throughout Reef Bay, especially offshore, compared to more disturbed shallow inshore areas. Primary duties of the position will include processing data from field surveys and remote sensing tools, ensuring accuracy and consistency, while exploring data patterns. The member will be responsible for analyzing spatial data using GIS software to create detailed maps that visualize seagrass distribution and health. Collaborating with the SFCN Marine Ecologist and subject matter experts, the member will assist with interpreting results and trends and drafting sections of the manuscript, ensuring scientific rigor and adherence to publication standards. Additionally, they will participate in literature reviews to contextualize findings and prepare for peer feedback, contributing to the overall success of the publication process.


KEYWORDS: Seagrass, Composition, Abundance, Invasive species, Caribbean Sea

DELIVERABLES

  • Power Point presentation of results to SFCN network and Virgin Islands NP staff and the public through Virgin Islands NP Friends of the Park organization.
  • Final written manuscript prepared and submitted for publication to a professional peer review journal.

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 52 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
A thesis-based master’s degree in environmental science, marine ecology or related field is preferred. This position requires a blend of analytical, communication, and research skills which include writing and publication experience, statistics, trend analysis, GIS spatial analysis, and data management. Strong analytical abilities will enable the member to interpret a complex data set accurately and draw meaningful conclusions about the ecological impacts of invasives. Effective communication skills are essential for conveying findings clearly and persuasively, both in written formats and presentations, ensuring the research reaches a broad audience. Additionally, attention to detail and a solid understanding of scientific methodologies enhance the quality and reliability of the research.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

SFCN is located in the Greater Miami area and is hot and humid in the summer months. It is a major metropolitan area with all modern amenities available. Our office is at sea-level, near the shores of Biscayne Bay. Work is office based. If placed in St. John, USVI, the position setting is located within the park. St. John is a small, expensive remote island in the US Caribbean and only accessible by ferry. The majority of the work is office work. Florida is hot and buggy in the summer months and there are frequent thunderstorms. Keen appreciation of the weather and working in hot and humid environment is a must. Hurricanes are always a possibility in South Florida.

The SFCN is located between Homestead and Miami, Florida. The area is generally suburbs and normal services are relatively close by, but you do need a car. Both areas have a very large Latino and diverse


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. Park housing is available at Pine Island in Everglades National Park; this is a substantial distance from the SFCN office (26 miles away - 40 min drive time - a personal vehicle is necessary). The housing is group housing, with up to 2 housemates. There are 3 bedrooms, so each house so each member will have a roommate. There is a shared kitchen. Members will need to provide their own food and linens. Cleaning is responsibility of everyone and it is expected that shared living space and personnel spaces will be kept in a clean and orderly manner. Otherwise, average one-bedroom apartment in the general office vicinity is $1900/mo.


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 South Florida/Caribbean Network will host a Ecology 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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