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 – this is the minimum number of hours the candidate must serve.

• 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)
• Student Loan Forbearance if applicable
• Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable

The Ecology Assistant will collaborate with the Southwest Alaska Networks terrestrial ecologist to analyze projected sea‑level change on salt marshes in southwestern Alaska national parks.

Duties include:

• Harmonizing elevation data from tide stations, field GPS, and LiDAR surveys
• Processing and classifying structure‑from‑motion aerial photography
• Summarizing distribution and elevation of target vegetation types
• Applying machine learning algorithms and statistical models to elucidate relationships among topographic and vegetation variables
• Contributing to exploratory data analysis and dashboard development of vegetation monitoring data (as time permits)

• Commented code from analyses
• Draft report
• Harmonized datasets

• U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident alien
• High school diploma or equivalency; if not yet obtained, promises to obtain before receiving education award
• Must provide eligibility information and complete required security checks before starting
• Must be available for entire 26 weeks

• Strong background in data analysis, coursework in statistics, applied mathematics, ecological modeling
• Proficient programming in R
• Experience communicating scientific information verbally and in writing
• Independent project execution and meeting deadlines
• Completed bachelor’s degree in an ecology–related discipline (ideal)
• Enrolled in a graduate program in an ecology–related discipline (ideal)
• Skills in statistical analyses using R
• Experience analyzing geospatial data, especially LiDAR or other 3D data

Projects may be performed remotely or at the Anchorage Regional Office. Remote work is permitted, but participants choosing in‑person service must be within commuting distance of Anchorage.

Park housing is not available. Participants must secure private housing near the Anchorage area.

• Driving a government vehicle not required
• A personal vehicle is not required

Commitment to reasonable accommodations for disabilities, participation in occasional overnight travel and varied terrain work, and ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

• Full‑time service each week, with lunch breaks and days off not counted towards service hours
• May be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events

• Project and site training throughout the term
• Orientation on Ameri Corps prohibited and unallowable activities
• Access to free professional development webinars

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

Conservation Legacy is an equal‑opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to our contact email.