Ecology Assistant (52 Weeks) - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy • Port Angeles, WA

3d

About The Position

This Ecology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This position supports a collaborative effort between the National Park Service and the U.S. Geological Survey to quantify the spread and impact of WNS over time in NCCN parks, to understand seasonal patterns in bat activity in those parks, and to vaccinate bats at select colonies on the gradient of disease spread across the NCCN. Outcomes of this service will inform local to national efforts to understand impacts of WNS on bat populations as well as the efficacy of new vaccines to slow the spread and impact of the disease. The participant will gain hands-on experience with bat capture and handling techniques while contributing to field data collection and long-term biological monitoring. The participant will also gain experience in managing and summarizing ecological data and preparing technical reports, public-facing information, and presentations. Ultimately the project will inform the potential for large-scale treatment strategies across national parks and other managed lands in Washington state. Results of this project will leverage more than a decade of monitoring at these same sites and inform management strategies aimed at reducing spread/impact of WNS.

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.
• Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• The candidate should be a recent graduate or in the middle of obtaining a graduate degree at an accredited institution in ecology, wildlife biology, environmental science, or a related field.
• Desired experience includes familiarity using bat acoustic detectors, familiarity with bat capture and handling or mist netting techniques, and comfort completing projects at night and in remote areas.
• Strong leadership, technical writing, and communication skills are also desired.
• We are looking for applicants that have experience interacting and collaborating as part of a team and are flexible, collegial, and have a strong commitment to completing projects.
• Candidates with backcountry experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Assist in field-based surveillance to determine the presence of Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the pathogenic fungus responsible for WNS, by collecting wing-swab and guano samples from bat colonies.
• Assist with bat acoustic monitoring and other bat research projects, including planned bat vaccination efforts at multiple parks.
• Assist with bat monitoring and capture in the field
• Maintain detailed field records
• Contribute to new WNS vaccination strategies.
• Collect wing-swab and guano samples for Pd detection
• Record biometric data
• Safely handle bats in accordance with animal care protocols
• Assist with the administration and monitoring of experimental WNS vaccines
• Maintain detailed field and lab records
• Maintain bat acoustic detectors
• Manage data entry and quality control
• Contribute to reports and presentations
• Perform field projects, data management, spatial and statistical analyses
• Help prepare summary reports on long-term monitoring sites across Pacific Northwest parks.
• Contribute to the development of resource briefs, web articles, and other science communication products.

Benefits

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award : $ 7,395.00 upon successful completion of position
• Weekly Living Allowance: $ 700.00 per week, fixed rate
• Relocation Allowance: $ 450.00 (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)
• For 52-week positions only: Free Healthcare Coverage (opt in)
• Childcare Coverage (opt in)

What This Job Offers

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