Acoustic Assistant AmeriCorps

POSITION DETAILS

Position (s): 4499
Position Title: Acoustic Assistant - Ameri Corps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site

Location:

Great Lakes Network, Ashland, Wisconsin
Number of positions available: 1

Duration: 52 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible

Start Date:

Yes
Start Date: 01/25/2027
End Date: 01/24/2028
Ameri Corps Slot Classification: 1700 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.

BENEFITS

• Segal Ameri Corps 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 My Ameri Corps , directly)
• Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable (administered through My Ameri Corps , directly)
• 
  
  Note:
  
  For 52-week positions only:
  • Free Healthcare Coverage (opt in)
  • Childcare Coverage (opt in)

This Acoustic Assistant is an Ameri Corps position. This position will contribute to the management and conservation of endemic fauna and other natural resources in the Great Lakes region. Special emphasis will be placed on the assessment of vocalizing amphibians—important indicators of changes in environment, hydrology, and aquatic chemistry—and cryptic or uncommon bird and bat species. It is expected that the SIP will not only have the opportunity to design a management assessment protocol in collaboration with GLKN scientists but also collect and analyze pilot data in the field using their protocol and share their results with park resource managers.

The Great Lakes Network (GLKN) is a subunit of the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Program and is responsible for monitoring ecological vital signs in nine National Parks located in Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Vital signs are environmental indicators that help determine ecosystem health. GLKN has monitored landbirds as a vital sign using point count surveys and bats and vocalizing amphibians as additional vital signs using bioacoustics methods.

The SIP will help integrate these monitoring modalities and design shorter-term projects targeting restoration activity impacts using bioacoustics methods. The SIP will design a multi-purpose management assessment protocol (MAP) that can be deployed to parks and adapted to meet needs. The SIP may apply existing knowledge or learn bioacoustics during the term. Deliverables include pilot testing, field logistics troubleshooting, and creating user guides for park staff.

The SIP will collaborate with GLKN scientists to develop publishable standard operating procedures detailing the MAP and related outcomes for parks in the Great Lakes region.

This experience aims to develop research and project management skills related to wildlife and natural resource management.

The SIP will design and document a standardized method using passive acoustic monitoring to assess vocalizing fauna before and after habitat restoration at GLKN parks. Deliverables include a protocol narrative supported by standard operating procedures and field guides. At term end, the SIP will present the protocol to park staff. Opportunities may include analyzing pilot data, developing processing scripts, and co-authoring a publication with Network scientists.

• United States citizen, United States national, or lawful permanent resident
• High school diploma or equivalent; or has not dropped out of secondary school to enroll as an Ameri Corps participant and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
• Before starting, agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete background checks as required
• Available to participate for the entire 52 weeks

A successful candidate will show the ability to conduct independent research and think critically in field activities. Strong oral, electronic, and written communication skills are expected. A bachelor’s…