Ecology Assistant (52 Weeks) - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy • University Park, PA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This Ecology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This project promotes science-based adaptive management of key park resources in a collaborative partnership between park staff and ERMN staff. Each monitoring program provides parks critical data on resource conditions, as well as information on individual species of management concern so parks can mitigate threats and protect park ecosystems. Training and experience in monitoring natural resources will be valuable career development for the SIP. This project will offer the SIP candidate an excellent opportunity to learn the local bird communities across parks within the Appalachian Mountains, understand threats to park streams, collaborate with ecologists and park natural resource staff, analyze data, and publish results.

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.
• Must be available to participate for the entire 52 Weeks.
• Ability to hike (with a 40lb pack) off-trail across steep and rugged terrain for upwards of 1-5 miles/day.
• Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions.

Nice To Haves

• Interest in Appalachian avian ecology.
• Enthusiasm about conducting projects outdoors individually and in a team setting.
• Meticulous data collection skills.
• Strong job ethic.
• Prior field experience.
• Positive attitude.
• Enjoy conducting projects outdoors doing a variety of tasks in a variety of conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, and fog.
• Able to safely navigate off-trail mountainous terrain.
• Ability to identify the forest birds of Pennsylvania and West Virginia (can be taught).
• Familiarity with navigating in the woods using GPS.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to analyze data and write scientific publications.

Responsibilities

• Operate in nine Appalachian national parks including New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and the National Parks of Western Pennsylvania.
• Conduct early spring (March and April) sampling of stream benthic macroinvertebrates.
• Conduct early summer (May and June) surveys of forest bird communities.
• Support forest health monitoring.
• Maintain stream temperature loggers.
• Read and understand monitoring protocols in advance of field projects.
• Prepare field equipment and field datasheets for use.
• Enter data into databases.
• Review data for quality.
• Generate summary information.
• Write reports and publications depending on experience and interest.
• Conduct projects as part of a small crew hiking to remote locations within each park and occasionally collaborating alone (typically to conduct avian point counts).
• Review the ERMN Job Hazard Analysis for monitoring prior to beginning the field projects.

Benefits

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $7,395.00 upon successful completion of position (pre-tax)
• Weekly Living Allowance: $775.00 per week, fixed rate (pre-tax)
• Relocation Allowance: $450.00 (distributed as a one-time lump sum with first paycheck) (pre-tax)
• Student Loan Forbearance if applicable (administered by MyAmeriCorps, directly)
• Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable (administered through MyAmeriCorps, directly)
• Free Healthcare Coverage (opt in) for 52-week positions only
• Childcare Coverage (opt in) for 52-week positions only
• Access to free professional development webinars led by Conservation Legacy staff.

What This Job Offers

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