Ecology Assistant AmeriCorps

Overview

Ecology Assistant - Ameri Corps in the Southwest Alaska Network. Site location:
Anchorage, Alaska. Conservation Legacy Program:
Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements. Position .

Title:

Ecology Assistant - Ameri Corps. Number of positions: 1.

Duration: 52 Weeks (not flexible). Flexible

Start Date:

Yes.

Start Date:

5/25/2026. End Date: 5/24/2027. Ameri Corps Slot Classification: 1700 hours – this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve during the position.

• Segal Ameri Corps Education Award: $7,395.00 upon successful completion of the position
• Weekly Living Allowance: $700.00 per week, fixed rate
• Relocation Allowance: $1,100.00 (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)
• For 52-week positions only:
  Free Healthcare Coverage (opt in);
  Childcare Coverage (opt in)

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

thermal refuges, water temperature, Pacific salmon, aerial infrared imagery

This Ecology Assistant is an Ameri Corps position. Freshwater resources in southwest Alaska parks are abundant, featuring thousands of kilometers of rivers and two large lakes. The project supports protecting and maintaining salmon habitat and mapping thermal refuges to inform management strategies.

Goals include identifying and characterizing cold-water refuges to understand stream susceptibility to warming. Tasks include planning and conducting aerial surveys, processing imagery, quantifying refuge characteristics (distribution, frequency, connectivity, extent, persistence), estimating temperature threshold exceedances near refugia, and communicating results via presentations, briefs, or papers.

• Orthorectified thermal imagery with refugia identified, published through the regional GIS team
• Corrected and graded water temperature data for all intensively studied sites, made publicly available at the Data Store portal
• R code created during the project, fully commented for transparency and reproducibility
• A map and a brief for each park where data are collected, documenting methods and results in layperson terms
• A technical report or scientific paper documenting methods and results in detail
• One or two presentations at local subsistence council meetings and a presentation at a regional or national scientific meeting

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident
• Has a high school diploma or equivalency or agrees to obtain one prior to using the education award
• Agree to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete required background checks
• Available to participate for the entire 52 weeks

This position benefits from understanding of surveying, remote sensing, and river ecology. Experience communicating scientific information, ability to work independently, GIS skills including map layers and metadata, and familiarity with relevant software are preferred. A bachelor’s degree is a minimum requirement.

Site is the Alaska Regional Office (AKRO) in downtown Anchorage. Fieldwork may occur in remote areas within Katmai, Lake Clark, and Kenai Fjords National Parks and may require overnight accommodations and travel by small aircraft. Fieldwork can involve long days, irregular schedules, bear country, boating, heavy packs, and inclement weather. Anchorage offers extensive amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities, with sub-arctic maritime weather.

Park housing is not available. The selected candidate must arrange housing locally. Typical housing options in the area range in price and are within commuting distance of the NPS office.

• Time Requirements:
  This position is expected to serve full time each week; schedules may vary.
• Orientation and Training:
  Project/site training and Ameri Corps orientation will be provided.
• Evaluation and Reporting:
  Bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking are required
• How to Apply:
  
  Apply online for Scientists in Parks positions; applications should highlight interest and qualifications. Do not save and return to incomplete applications. Separate applications are needed for each position.

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities during the application process. If you need assistance, contact the program office for more information.