Paleontology Assistant AmeriCorps

Paleontology Assistant (12 Weeks) - Ameri Corps

Position Details

• Position (s): 4343
• Position Title:
  
  Paleontology Assistant - Ameri Corps
• Conservation Legacy Program:
  Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
• Site
  
  Location:
  
  Montezuma Castle National Monument, Camp Verde, Arizona
• Number of positions available: 1

• Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)
• Flexible
  
  Start Date:
  
  Yes
• Start Date:
  
  09/28/2026
• End Date: 12/21/2026
• Ameri Corps Slot Classification: 450 hours – this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of the position.

• Segal Ameri Corps Education Award
  : $ 1,956.35 upon successful completion of position
• Weekly Living Allowance
  : $ 600.00 per week, fixed rate
• Relocation Allowance
  : $ 450.00 one-time lump sum with first paycheck
• Student Loan Forbearance if applicable (administered by My Ameri Corps , directly)
• Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable (administered through My Ameri Corps , directly)

Preference given to applicants who submit applications before Sunday, February 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the deadline passes. Positions will close after receiving 60 complete applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EST on February 15, 2026, whichever occurs first.

paleontology, Cenozoic, ichnofossils, proboscideans, paleontological resource management

This Ameri Corps Paleontology Assistant project addresses NPS Management Policies and the Paleontological Resource Preservation Act through inventorying, monitoring, management, protection, research, education, and outreach. Fossils are irreplaceable and non-renewable; documentation gaps limit resource stewardship. Completing this project will establish a framework to identify, protect, and make rare paleontological resources available for public interpretation and scientific study.

The selected applicant will assist with inventorying and monitoring paleontological resources. Primary duties include:

• Field surveys to relocate recorded sites and investigate new sites, record locations and site conditions, document sites through photography and on-site data collection, enter information into computerized databases, and use GIS technology to map site locations.
• Preparation of a report documenting the resources, including literature research and documentation of fossil resources held in archives and museum collections.
• Public outreach on paleontological resources, potentially including presentations, digital media, and handouts to assist the NPS in showcasing heritage and increasing visitor understanding.

The primary deliverable is a paleontological resource inventory report documenting scope, significance, distribution, and management issues of the monument’s resources. A reviewable draft will be prepared by the end of the term. Position products include notes, photos, GIS data, field survey documentation, and possibly outreach materials or presentations.

• United States citizen, United States national, or lawful permanent resident alien.
• High school diploma or equivalency certificate; or will obtain one prior to receiving the education award.
• Agrees to provide information for eligibility and complete a National Service Criminal History Check and a separate government security background check.
• Available for the entire 12 weeks.

Applicants should be advanced undergraduate or graduate students in paleontology or related fields. Must be capable of safe work in a field environment. Knowledge and experience in paleontology, geology field methods, and geospatial data acquisition are important. Experience with GIS, photogrammetry, or education and outreach is useful. Candidates should be able to work independently and as part of a team, both at the office and in the field with little supervision, and possess good writing and computer skills.

A government security background clearance will be required.

This position is primarily based outdoors at Montezuma Castle National Monument in Camp Verde, Arizona. Winter conditions are cool and…