Biology Assistant (52 Weeks) - AmeriCorps

Position Details Position ID(s) : 4496 Position Title : Biology Assistant - AmeriCorps Conservation Legacy Program : Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements Site Location : Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network, Kingston, Rhode Island Number of positions available : 1 Terms of Service Duration : 52 Weeks (not flexible) Flexible Start Date : Yes Start Date : 01/04/2027 End Date : 01/03/2028 AmeriCorps Slot Classification : 1700 hours – minimum hours required across the duration of the position. Benefits Segal AmeriCorps Education Award : $7,395.00 upon successful completion (pre‑tax) Weekly Living Allowance : $775.00 per week (pre‑tax) Relocation Allowance : $450.00 one‑time lump sum (pre‑tax) Student Loan Forbearance (if applicable) Student Loan Interest Payments (if applicable) For 52‑week positions only: Free Healthcare Coverage (opt in) Childcare Coverage (opt in) Purpose This Biology Assistant position supports the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program by collecting, managing, and delivering high‑quality ecological data that informs science‑based management decisions for coastal ecosystems in the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network. The role involves field data collection, data management, science communication, and translating scientific findings into actionable information for park managers and the public. Description of Duties Primary responsibilities include: Participating in a 2–3 person field crew conducting coastal ecosystem monitoring of estuarine water quality, seagrass condition and distribution, salt marsh elevation, and shoreline position. Preparing for and conducting field sampling efforts. Collecting water quality and seagrass data using standard monitoring methods. Assisting with underwater seagrass surveys via snorkeling and video applications. Assisting with shoreline surveys via ATV and foot. Assisting with salt marsh surface elevation monitoring. Operating and maintaining field equipment including multi‑parameter water quality sondes, water level loggers, and GNSS survey equipment. Supporting data entry, quality assurance/quality control, and metadata documentation. Assisting with data organization, database documentation, and SOP development. Archiving photos, datasets, and reports in NPS systems (e.g., DataStore, NPGallery). Supporting basic data visualization and website updates. Field projects are primarily conducted at Cape Cod National Seashore with potential support at other network parks. Deliverables Participants will deliver high‑quality field data and contribute to data management products such as certified datasets and technical reports. Additional deliverables may include data summaries, presentations to park or regional staff, and brief technical reports. Qualifications United States citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien. High school diploma or equivalency certificate; if not yet obtained, must obtain one prior to using the education award. Will provide eligibility information and complete a National Service Criminal History Check and a separate government security background check. Available to participate for the entire 52 weeks. Preferred Qualifications Progressing toward or holding a BS degree in biology, environmental science, natural resource management, or related field. Field experience collecting natural resource data is beneficial. Strong teamwork and independent work skills in field and office settings. Physical fitness and ability to swim, snorkel, and work comfortably in and around water. Accurate data recording, strong writing skills, and solid understanding of scientific concepts and terminology. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required; experience with metadata, GIS, databases, data visualization, or scripting (e.g., R or Python) a plus. Strong willingness to learn. Position Setting Based at the University of Rhode Island Kingston Campus in an NPS office within the Department of Natural Resources Science alongside staff from the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network. Housing Park housing is NOT available. Participants are responsible for finding housing in the nearby area. Affordable housing may be available in nearby towns; rental costs range from $600–$900 per month for rooms near campus, $350–$500 near marketplaces, and $1,200–$1,300 for studio apartments further away. Vehicle and Driver’s License Requirements Valid driver's license to operate a government vehicle. Personal vehicle recommended. Commitment to Equal Opportunity Stewards Individual Placements and Conservation Legacy are fully committed to considering each qualified individual and providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. Time Requirements Expected to serve full time each week; schedule may vary based on project needs. Lunch breaks and days off not counted toward AmeriCorps service hours. Participation in national, state, or local service projects may be required. Orientation and Training Essential AmeriCorps training on prohibited and unallowable activities. Training on field and laboratory safety, monitoring methods, instrumentation, seagrass survey techniques, and ecological data management. Access to professional development webinars. Evaluation and Reporting Requirements Performance is evaluated based on completing required AmeriCorps hours, satisfactory assignment completion, and meeting clearly communicated performance criteria. Reporting includes bi‑weekly timesheets, monthly accomplishment tracking, a mid‑term report, and a final report. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Criminal history is considered in compliance with legal requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr