Biology Assistant (52 Weeks) - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy • San Juan, PR

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This Biology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. SIP will address impacts of invasive species. SAJU includes iconic structures such as Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, and the city wall that defended San Juan since the 16th century. The proliferation of invasive species such as green iguanas and free-ranging cats threatens the park's resources, tourism, public health, and historical integrity. The SIP will address invasive species impacts on biological variety and historical heritage. They will provide the interdisciplinary approach the park requires, focusing on restoration and landscape conservation. Analyze protocols based on AVMA standards and provide essential data/study to support wildlife management. Their projects will inform decisions on public health, visitor safety, and sustainable management of cultural and ecological resources affected by invasive species—especially critical in a context with limited baseline data on invasive fauna, internal procedures, and their impact on infrastructure and ecosystem health. The SIP will not carry out any mitigation of invasive species.

Requirements

• 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 host site.
• The applicant must be available to participate for the entire 52 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
• All candidates should demonstrate strong field projects skills, rigorous data logging, and basic knowledge of English and Spanish.
• All candidates must be team-oriented and committed to public service, conservation, and responsible bioethics.
• Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• Background in veterinary science, animal science, epidemiology, or wildlife biology.
• Knowledge of humane euthanasia, AVMA guidelines, urban/tropical fieldwork, data collection, and sample handling is preferred.
• Experience in environmental health, biological sample collection, and species handling is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Support the assessment and monitoring of wildlife health and the development of standardized, AVMA-approved humane euthanasia protocols in relation to invasive species, with a particular focus on reptiles and mammals.
• Assist in documenting zoonotic risks and health impacts associated with green iguanas in a socio-environmental and heritage-focused setting. This includes the collection and processing of fecal samples and participation in disease surveillance protocols targeting pathogens.
• Support data entry, contribute to the evaluation of non-invasive mitigation strategies, and help develop protocols, manuals, plans, forms, and occupational safety procedures to increase program effectiveness.
• Participate in analyzing the invasive species management, prevention, and recovery procedures relevant to the program.
• Expected deliverables include a green iguana burrow (egg) management protocol, wildlife health data summaries, a technical report (analyze data) on zoonotic risk assessments, and a humane euthanasia mitigation protocol.
• Strengthen the mitigation form and contribute to a technical document on wildlife health, euthanasia, and native species safety.

Benefits

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award : $ 7,395.00 upon successful completion of position
• Weekly Living Allowance: $ 600.00 per week, fixed rate
• Relocation Allowance: $ 1,100.00 (distributed as a one-time lump sum with first paycheck)
• Student Loan Forbearance if applicable (administered by MyAmeriCorps, directly)
• Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable (administered through MyAmeriCorps, directly)
• Free Healthcare Coverage (opt in)
• Childcare Coverage (opt in)
• Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED