Biology Assistant AmeriCorps

POSITION DETAILS

Position (s): 4487
Position Title: Biology Assistant - Ameri Corps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site

Location:

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora, North Dakota
Number of positions available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE

Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible

Start Date:

Yes
Start Date: 10/05/2026
End Date: 12/28/2026
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
  : $ 1,956.00 upon successful completion of position (pre-tax)
• Weekly Living Allowance: $ 675.00 per week, fixed rate (pre-tax)
• Relocation Allowance: $ 450.00 (distributed as a one-time lump sum with first paycheck) (pre-tax)
• 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, June 14, 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. EDT on June 14, 2026, whichever occurs first.

KEYWORDS: Bison, Genetics, Analysis, Writing

PURPOSE

This Biology Assistant is an Ameri Corps position. The project will address a Biological Science need pertaining to bison genetics, in alignment with the Department of Interior Bison Conservation Initiative and Meta population Strategy (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

This position will analyze genetic data (microsatellite, 50+ loci) collected from Theodore Roosevelt National Park's (THRO) two bison herds to develop understanding of familial relationships of individuals relative to capture and culling (live transfer of animals out of the park) operations. Culling practices may focus on a semi-random or targeted approach across age and sex classes. However, bison associate in matrifocal groups on the range, and this social cohesiveness may affect how they move through corral facilities and are impacted by management decisions to keep or cull animals.

The selected applicant will organize genetic data for imputation to molecular statistical software packages and assess herd genetic variety, relatedness, and isolation by distance measures relative to order of handling during capture events to determine the theoretical and realized effect of varying culling strategies on herd genetics. The SIP will also assist in THRO’s fall bison roundup to gain insights on the operation central to their research project.

DELIVERABLES

The selected SIP will deliver a written report (competent draft quality), including graphical and tabular output of genetic analyses. The report will clearly explain materials and methods, provide clear and concise results of analyses, and conclude with a discussion synthesizing past and current literature on bison management and bison genetics in context of project findings.

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

Applicants should have deep interest in wildlife management and ecology and complete projects well individually and in team environments. Knowledge and skills in data management, statistics, and molecular theory will be beneficial.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING
Medora, North Dakota is a small, historic town tucked into the…