Biology Assistant (20 Weeks) - AmeriCorps

POSITION DETAILS

Position ID(s): 4544 Position Title: Biology Assistant - AmeriCorps Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements Site Location: Big Bend National Park, Texas Number of positions available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE

Duration: 20 Weeks (not flexible) Flexible Start Date: Yes Start Date: 10/19/2026 End Date: 03/08/2027 AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.

BENEFITS

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award : $2,817.00 upon successful completion of position (pre-tax) Weekly Living Allowance: $675.00 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)

DESCRIPTION / PURPOSE

This Biology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. The SIP will help the park establish and apply eDNA-based methods to determine the presence or absence of Big Bend Gambusia across known, historic, and potential habitats. This will improve the park’s capacity to regularly monitor refugia and associated aquatic habitats in a manner that is efficient, non-invasive, and resilient to staffing and funding constraints. The SIP will have broad exposure to park operations and will complete the position with significant experience applying natural resource management and long-term monitoring to support the varied missions of a national park. Service completed by the participant will assist natural resource management staff in monitoring native species, invasive species, and environmental parameters, which will allow the park to quantify the need for and impact of restoration projects.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The SIP will work under direct supervision of the park Wildlife Biologist and will collaborate with the Botanist. The participant will receive training on a wide variety of standard protocols used across the National Park Service and other management areas. They will contribute to the overall resource management program at Big Bend National Park by collaborating on vegetation, wildlife, and physical science projects. The main focuses include collaborating on the Inventory and Monitoring Netcontribute to the implementation of an environmental DNA project for the endangered Big Bend Gambusia. Other projects may include using wildlife cameras to determine habitat use and distribution of mammals, performing aerial surveys of trespass livestock, learning air quality monitoring protocols and assisting with weekly station checks, and performing well monitoring in the back country. There will also be opportunities to collaborate with other park divisions (Facilities Maintenance, Interpretation, and Visitor & Resource Protection).

DELIVERABLES

The SIP will conduct eDNA based species presence sampling in four key ponds in Rio Grande Village to determine presence of endangered and non-native fish. The SIP will complete minnow trap surveys of endangered Big Bend Gambusia with UT Austin. The SIP will draft a report documenting project background, objectives, methods, results, and management implications.

QUALIFICATIONS

United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident. Has a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award. Agree to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check for the employer of record and a separate government security background check for the host site. Must be available to participate for the entire 20 weeks to be considered.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

This position is suited for applicants with college or graduate-level coursework in biological or physical sciences and some experience applying this coursework in a position setting. Familiarity with ArcGIS Online (Survey123 and/or Field Maps) is a plus. Applicants should highlight experience with science writing, hiking, camping, backcountry navigation, environmental monitoring, invasive species management, vegetation monitoring, wildlife identification, and ArcGIS map creation in their applications.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

Projects will be completed in a mixed office and field setting, including travel to remote desert sites. Willingness to hike, navigate backcountry, and endure heat and variable weather is necessary. Training will be provided for wildlife and plant surveying, vehicle use, radio use, and safety protocols. Some site visits may involve a supervisor or volunteer; the participant should be self-motivated and comfortable working alone. Use of a government vehicle may be required to travel to field sites. Office-related work may require prolonged sitting and computer use. A desk and computer will be provided in a shared office in the Science and Resource Management building at Panther Junction. Local Area: Big Bend National Park spans 801,000 acres in the Chihuahuan Desert. Nearby towns include Terlingua, Lajitas, Alpine, and larger cities such as Midland/Odessa and El Paso.

HOUSING

Park housing is available at no cost. Fully furnished, shared housing (private bedroom) with kitchen facilities and bathroom will be in Panther Junction. The participant will be responsible for basic supplies for personal use.

VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle. A personal vehicle is required for this position.

OUR COMMITMENT

Stewards Individual Placements and Conservation Legacy are committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will provide accommodations as needed. The organization may require overnight travel, non-traditional hours, and ability to work across varied terrain. If you need assistance due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please contact Scientists in Parks via the provided contact listed on the base of the homepage.

TIME REQUIREMENTS

Full-time service is expected each week; schedules may vary by project. Lunch breaks and days off are not counted toward AmeriCorps service hours. Participation in national, state, or local service projects may be required as part of the term.

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

Project and site-specific training will be provided. Orientation includes AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities. Access to professional development webinars.

EVALUATION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Performance will be evaluated based on minimum required AmeriCorps hours completed, satisfactory completion of assignments, and meeting defined performance criteria. Reporting requirements include bi-weekly timesheets, monthly accomplishment tracking, a mid-term report, and a final report. #J-18808-Ljbffr Conservation Legacy