Hydrology Assistant (52 Weeks) - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy • Fairbanks, AK

2d

About The Position

This Hydrology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. The impacts of this project will be a better understanding of long-term lake ecosystem dynamics in response to fire and increased public awareness. Visually striking summaries and graphics are proven to enhance visitor engagement and understanding, pairing enhanced system understanding with outreach products will make this effort far more impactful than either done alone. In addition, the applicant will influence the development of wildland fire management policies that seek to preserve and protect aquatic ecosystems, the primary mission of the NPS.
Shallow lake ecosystems are one of the most vital habitats in boreal and tundra ecosystems, producing over 12 million ducklings, 2 million goslings, and countless other wetland obligate birds annually. Permafrost degradation, accelerated by ground disturbance, is one of the largest threats to these critical habitats. Wildland fire is the largest and most widespread ground disturbance in boreal and tundra systems, as such, it exerts strong landscape-scale controls on hydrology, vegetation composition, nutrient cycling, and carbon cycling in lake watersheds; directly impacting water quality and quantity, and ultimately, the health and vitality of aquatic organisms. For the past 20+ years NPS has been actively monitoring lake water quality in boreal and tundra ecosystems impacted by wildland fire. The purpose of this position is to analyze this long-term dataset evaluate the long-term impacts of fire on lake water quantity, chemistry, and vegetation, make recommendations for future monitoring efforts, and influence wildland fire management in the Subarctic and Arctic. The goal is to prepare a manuscript that summarizes the short- and long-term impact fire has on lake water chemistry, vegetation and hydrology, create outreach projects that distill this information and present it in a condensed format that is visually appealing. In addition, the applicant will collaborate with park staff, fire managers and superintendents to help develop wildland fire management recommendations.

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

• Applicants should be graduate students or post- graduate students with a master's or doctoral degree.
• Applicants must possess a knowledge of the theories, principles and concepts of aquatic ecology and skill in the application of that knowledge toward analyzing data.
• Additional coursework in data visualization, technical writing and/or statistics will make the applicant most competitive.
• Active knowledge of R, ArcGIS, and strong organizational and data management skills are required.
• The applicant should be able to complete projects well independently, troubleshoot technological challenges, and effectively develop, document, and communicate results.
• In addition to these skills the applicant needs to be comfortable completing projects in remote field environments.
• Be able to hike and carry a heavy pack (40 lbs), capable of operating small inflatable rafts (aka packrafts), and live in a primitive work setting with no latrine, running water, cell access or standard utilities.
• Bear encounters are common, and the applicant needs to feel comfortable using counter assault.

Responsibilities

• Data summaries and R script that summarize vegetation, lake chemistry, and water quantity data
• Written manuscript summarizing the major outcomes, including temporal and regional trends, and outreach products that summarize this information in visually pleasing way
• Provide recommendations for future investigations, fire management strategies, and revised standard operating procedures

Benefits

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award : $ 7,395.00 upon successful completion of position
• Weekly Living Allowance: $ 700.00 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)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level