Ecology Assistant (52 Weeks) - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy • Narragansett, RI

19h • $775 • Hybrid

About The Position

This Ecology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position focused on the restoration and monitoring of coastal marshes in national parks. These marshes are vital resources providing ecosystem services like flood protection, carbon sequestration, and habitat. However, they face threats from human impacts and environmental changes. The data collected will help evaluate restoration outcomes, support informed decision-making, and communicate the value of these ecosystems and the conservation actions being taken by the NPS.

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.
• Basic knowledge of coastal or wetland ecosystems
• Experience with data collection and management
• Familiarity with GPS, GIS, and ArcGIS Online
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to complete projects independently and as part of a team
• Ability to complete projects in coastal field conditions, including heat, cold, sun exposure, humidity, and insects
• Comfortable navigating uneven terrain, wetlands, and dense vegetation
• Ability to walk for extended periods and carry field equipment
• Ability to follow safety protocols and use sound judgment in the field
• Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
• A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or a related field
• Coursework or experience in one or more of the following: Salt marsh or wetland ecology; Vegetation or hydrological monitoring
• Experience with remote sensing data (e.g., satellite imagery) and change analysis

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre- and post-restoration salt marsh monitoring following established protocols (e.g., vegetation, elevation, hydrology, and photo points) at multiple Northeast Region national parks.
• Support field planning and logistics and coordinate with park staff and partners.
• Collect, manage, and document field data, including maintaining datasets; conducting quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC); and supporting spatial data management and mapping in ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
• Perform basic data analysis.
• Support communication and outreach related to marsh resilience and restoration, which may include data dashboards, web articles, and presentations.
• Contribute to additional monitoring or research efforts, as needed.
• Support a range of coastal natural resource activities, which may include bird and wildlife surveys, coastal restoration and stewardship activities, invasive species management, habitat assessments, and other field or monitoring efforts as needed.

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)
• 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