Ecology Assistant AmeriCorps

Ecology Assistant (36 Weeks) - Ameri Corps Position Details

• Position (s): 4566
• Position Title:
  
  Ecology Assistant - Ameri Corps
• Conservation Legacy Program:
  Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
• Site
  
  Location:
  
  Cape Cod National Seashore, Wellfleet, Massachusetts
• Number of positions available: 1

• Duration: 36 Weeks (not flexible)
• Flexible
  
  Start Date:
  
  Yes
• Start Date:
  
  1/4/2027
• End Date: 9/13/2027
• Ameri Corps Slot Classification: 1200 hours (minimum required)

• Segal Ameri Corps Education Award: $5,176.00 upon successful completion of position (pre‑tax)
• Weekly Living Allowance: $675.00 per week, fixed rate (pre‑tax)
• Relocation Allowance: $450.00 (one‑time lump sum with first paycheck) (pre‑tax)
• Student Loan Forbearance if applicable (administered by My Ameri Corps )
• Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable (administered by My Ameri Corps )

This position serves directly with a team to conduct critical monitoring and research in high‑priority freshwater and coastal resources, with a focus on post‑restoration ecological changes in the Herring River. The role supports data analysis, science communication, and the development of reporting and presentations to inform adaptive management decisions within Cape Cod National Seashore.

Field and laboratory work across freshwater and coastal environments:

• Collect and process shallow water and benthic samples (sediments, plants, invertebrates)
• Assist with laboratory analyses using analytical instrumentation for water and sediment samples using standard methods
• Assist with benthic mapping, process data, and create maps incorporating biological, physical, and chemical information
• Maintain, calibrate, and deploy instruments for water quality monitoring
• Collect water samples and process long‑term data
• Assist with hydrological data collection – groundwater, surface water levels, and tidal data
• Assist with pond shoreline rehabilitation projects
• Conduct science communication activities to promote natural resource stewardship
• Perform in‑depth data analysis and develop scientific presentations

• Field data and results of laboratory analyses (e.g., chlorophyll, color, grain size)
• Geospatial data sets and mapping products
• Data visualizations in R
• Completion reports for assigned tasks
• Presentations of findings to CACO staff and potentially at conferences

• United States citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident alien
• High‑school diploma or equivalent; must obtain a high‑school diploma before receiving the education award if not already held
• Provide required eligibility information and complete a National Service Criminal History Check and a government security background check
• Available to participate for the full 36‑week term

• Experience in water quality monitoring and instrumentation
• Experience in laboratory analysis
• Knowledge of marine vegetation, invertebrates, and fish
• Experience or willingness to operate small watercraft in these settings
• Knowledge of natural history and scientific processes of the Northeastern United States (e.g., marine ecosystems, limnology, coastal geology, freshwater ecosystems, marine biology)
• Experience with R code
• Physically able to conduct rigorous field surveys in demanding weather, rough terrain, and water conditions
• Must know how to swim and demonstrate proficiency on site

The work will occur in 40% field, 30% lab, 20% data entry/management, and 10% other duties as assigned. Activities include walking on soft sand and marsh muds, swimming, boating, snorkeling, and driving on unpaved roads. May require boat time via skiff, canoe, or kayak. Environmental hazards include sun exposure, poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitoes. Safety training and gear are provided.

Park housing is available at no cost and located within 10 miles of the North Atlantic Coastal Lab project site. Housing is typically shared, furnished, with shared bedrooms and bathrooms. Utilities such as internet, cable, and phone are not included. Heating and electricity are included.

• Valid driver’s license required to operate a government vehicle
• A…