Ecology Assistant AmeriCorps

Ecology Assistant (52 Weeks) - Ameri Corps

POSITION DETAILS

• Position (s): 4344
• Position Title: Ecology Assistant - Ameri Corps
• Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
• Site
  
  Location:
  
  North Coast and Cascades Network, Port Angeles, Washington
• Number of positions available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE

• Duration: 52 Weeks (not flexible)
• Flexible
  
  Start Date:
  
  Yes
• Start Date: 05/03/2026
• End Date: 05/02/2027
• Ameri Corps Slot Classification: 1700 hours – minimum required during the term

BENEFITS

• Segal Ameri Corps Education Award: $7,395.00 upon successful completion
• Weekly Living Allowance: $700.00 per week, fixed rate
• Relocation Allowance: $450.00 one‑time lump sum, issued with the first paycheck
• Student Loan Forbearance if applicable (administered by My Ameri Corps )
• Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable (administered through My Ameri Corps )
• For 52‑week positions only:
  • Free Healthcare Coverage (opt in)
  • Childcare Coverage (opt in)

APPLICATION TIMELINE

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

KEYWORDS: bats, acoustic surveys, mist netting, field data collection, applied ecology

PURPOSE

The Ecology Assistant supports a joint effort between the National Park Service and the U.S. Geological Survey to quantify the spread and impact of White‑nose Syndrome (WNS) in NCCN parks, study seasonal bat activity patterns, and develop vaccination strategies. The role provides hands‑on experience with bat capture, handling, data management, and technical reporting, contributing to national conservation science and vaccine evaluation.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Assisting with bat monitoring, capture, and sampling across NCCN parks.

Responsibilities include:

• Nocturnal field projects using mist nets and funnel traps
• Daytime maintenance of acoustic detectors and supporting other bat research activities
• Collecting wing‑swab and guano samples, recording biometric data, and ensuring compliance with animal care protocols
• Administering and monitoring experimental WNS vaccines
• Maintaining detailed field and laboratory records, data entry, quality control, and contributing to reports and presentations
• Hiking at night in rough terrain and adhering to decontamination and biosafety procedures

DELIVERABLES

• Field data logs, photographic summaries, QA/QC reports, and map products for dissemination
• Resource briefs, web articles, and other science communication products
• Individual project reports or geospatial products as tailored to participant expertise and agency needs

QUALIFICATIONS

• U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident alien
• High school diploma or equivalent, or not dropped out of secondary school to enroll as an Ameri Corps participant (must obtain diploma before receiving education award)
• Must complete a National Service Criminal History Check and a government security background check for the host site
• Available for the entire 52‑week term

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Recent graduate or graduate student in ecology, wildlife biology, environmental science, or related field. Experience with bat acoustic detectors, bat capture, mist netting, or night/remote fieldwork is desired. Strong leadership, technical writing, and communication skills are also preferred. Backcountry experience encouraged.

POSITION SETTING

Work in both office and field environments. Field projects occur day and night.

VEHICLE AND DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver’s license required to operate a government vehicle
• Personal vehicle recommended

HOUSING

Park housing not provided. Housing must be located in nearby areas (Port Angeles, Sequim, and surrounding communities) with typical monthly costs of $600–$1,000 or more.

OUR COMMITMENT

Conservation Legacy is committed to full inclusion of all qualified individuals and provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities for all essential functions.

TIME REQUIREMENTS

• Full‑time service expected each week; schedules may vary by project needs
• Participation in national, state, or local service…