Paleontology Assistant; Field Surveying AmeriCorps

Overview

POSITION DETAILS
Position (s): 4459
Position Title: Paleontology Assistant - Ameri Corps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site

Location:

Badlands National Park, Interior, South Dakota
Number of positions available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible

Start Date:

Yes
Start Date: 5/18/2026
End Date: 8/10/2026
Ameri Corps Slot Classification: 450 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
  : $1,956.35 upon successful completion of position
• Weekly Living Allowance: $600.00 per week, fixed rate
• Relocation Allowance: $450.00 (distributed as a 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)

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

KEYWORDS: Paleontology, Survey, Fossil Resources, White River Badlands

PURPOSE
This Paleontology Assistant is an Ameri Corps position. This position supports the management of fossil resources, which is found within the enabling legislation of Badlands National Park. The participant will add to the existing database of paleontological localities which can be used for scientific research, education and long-term management solutions.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Will assist the park paleontologist with an ongoing paleontological site mitigation program; conduct research in park museum collections, libraries and archives to retrieve data on significant paleontological sites; discover new paleontological localities, re-locate existing significant paleontological sites and record location and conditions; document sites through photography and on-site data collection, i.e. topographic maps and global positioning equipment (GPS: Trimble R1 receiver and Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 tablet);

enter information into computerized databases; and utilize ArcGIS Pro to develop maps of site locations. Fossil collection will be completed using standard paleontological collection techniques. The position is field based, approximately 75% in the field and 25% in the office. The participant will need to bring hiking boots and clothing appropriate for fieldwork in hot, dry weather. Field projects will be in rugged terrain with harsh vegetation and no shade.

Temperatures in western South Dakota in the summer can reach 100+ degrees. Afternoon thunderstorms with heavy rains, possible hail, and lightning are common in late July and early August. The position requires considerable hiking and may involve inclement weather. Participant is expected to lift and carry items up to 50 pounds.

DELIVERABLES
Using standard paleontological field collection and documentation techniques, the participant will assist with the documentation and mitigation of new fossil sites. All collected fossils will be curated into the park museum collection. A site map will be developed for all new fossil localities. Preparation of abstracts and presentations for the Geological Society of America (GSA) and Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) annual meetings will be encouraged for participant planning to attend with the park’s involvement and permission.

QUALIFICATIONS

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; 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
• Prior to starting the position, agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check for the employer of record, Conservation Legacy, and a separate government security background check for the host site.
• The applicant must be available to participate for the entire 12 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The applicant must have completed at least two years toward a degree in the geosciences. A graduate degree is preferred but not required. The applicant should have strong knowledge, course projects and/or field experience in paleontology. Knowledge of the White River Badlands and previous field documentation experience is preferred. The ability to use GPS equipment with knowledge of geographic software applications (ArcGIS Pro) is required.

The applicant should be prepared to serve outdoors in harsh weather, especially hot, dry and windy conditions (100+ degrees) and hike over rough terrain, carrying loads up to 50 pounds.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY…