Ecology Assistant AmeriCorps

Position Details

Position (s): 4522

Position Title:

Ecology Assistant - Ameri Corps

Conservation Legacy Program:
Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements

Site

Location:

Southwest Alaska Network, Anchorage, Alaska

Number of positions available: 1

• Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible)
• Flexible
  
  Start Date:
  
  Yes
• Start Date:
  
  11/02/2026
• End Date: 05/03/2027
• Ameri Corps Slot Classification: 900 hours – minimum number of hours required.

• Segal Ameri Corps Education Award
  : $3,697.00 upon successful completion (pre‑tax)
• Weekly Living Allowance
  : $775.00 per week (pre‑tax)
• Relocation Allowance
  : $1,100.00 one‑time lump sum with first paycheck (pre‑tax)
• Student Loan Forbearance if applicable
• Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable

Preference given to applications received before Sunday, June 14, 2026. Positions will close after receiving 60 complete applications, or at 11:59p.m. EDT on June 14, 2026, whichever occurs first.

Salt marsh, geospatial, vegetation

This Ecology Assistant is an Ameri Corps position that helps park resource managers understand the implications of projected sea‑level change on coastal resources, including salt marsh vegetation and coastal brown bears.

• Collaborate with Southwest Alaska Networks terrestrial ecologist to conduct analyses of projected sea‑level change on salt marshes in southwest Alaska national parks.
• Harmonize elevation data from tide stations, field GPS, and LiDAR surveys; process and classify structure from motion aerial photography; summarize distribution and elevation of target vegetation types.
• Apply machine‑learning algorithms and statistical models to elucidate relationships among topographic and vegetation variables and associated uncertainties.
• Contribute to development of exploratory data analysis and summary dashboards of vegetation monitoring data, as time permits.

• Commented code from analyses
• Draft report
• Harmonized datasets

• United States citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien.
• High school diploma or equivalency certificate; or enrolled and will obtain a high school diploma or equivalent prior to using the education award.
• Must provide eligibility information and complete a National Service Criminal History Check and separate government security background check before starting.
• Full availability for the entire 26 weeks.

• Strong background in data analysis, coursework in statistics, applied mathematics, ecological modeling, etc.
• Proficiency in programming with R.
• Experience communicating scientific information verbally and in writing.
• Ability to conduct projects independently and meet deadlines.
• Completed a bachelor’s degree in an ecology‑related discipline.
• Enrolled in a graduate degree program in an ecology‑related discipline (ideal).
• Skills in statistical analyses using R.
• Experience analyzing geospatial data, especially LiDAR or other 3‑dimensional data.

Projects may be performed in an office setting. Work can be completed 100% remotely; participants who choose to serve in Anchorage will have workspace at the Anchorage Regional Office. If choosing to teleserve, must be within commuting distance.

Park housing is not provided. Participants are responsible for finding housing nearby. Options vary from shared housing to multi‑room apartments.

• Government vehicle driving not required.
• Personal vehicle not required.

Commitment to reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Physical requirements may include periodic travel, non‑traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, and occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

• Full‑time service each week, with variations based on project needs. Lunch breaks and days off not counted toward Ameri Corps hours.
• May be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events.

• Receive project and site training throughout the term.
• Receive orientation covering Ameri Corps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Access free professional development webinars.

Performance evaluated based on completion of minimum Ameri Corps hours and satisfactory completion of assignments. Reporting includes bi‑weekly timesheets, monthly accomplishment tracking, a mid‑term report, and a final report.

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider applicants regardless of criminal history, consistent with legal requirements.