Ecology Assistant AmeriCorps

Ecology Assistant (52 Weeks) - Ameri Corps

POSITION DETAILS
Position : 4440
Title: Ecology Assistant - Ameri Corps
Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Locations: Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Anchorage, Alaska
Positions Available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 52 Weeks (fixed)
Start Date: 5/4/2026
End Date: 5/3/2027
Ameri Corps Classification: 1700 hours (minimum service hours)

BENEFITS

• Segal Ameri Corps Education Award: $7,395 upon completion
• Weekly Living Allowance: $700 per week
• Relocation Allowance: $1,100 (one-time lump sum)
• Student Loan Forbearance (administered through My Ameri Corps )
• Student Loan Interest Payments (administered through My Ameri Corps )
• For 52-week positions only:
  • Free Healthcare Coverage (opt in)
  • Childcare Coverage (opt in)

APPLICATION TIMELINE
Preference for applications before Sunday, February 15, 2026. Positions close after receiving 60 complete applications or at 11:59 p.m. EST on February 15, 2026, whichever first.

KEYWORDS
Marine birds and mammals, boat-based surveys, long-term monitoring, Gulf of Alaska, nearshore ecosystems

PURPOSE
The Ecology Assistant conducts analyses of nearshore marine bird and mammal survey data from KEFJ and KATM to evaluate ecosystem structure, habitat suitability, and seasonal trends across parks and from 2006–2025/26. Findings inform park managers about regional dynamics, broad-scale phenomena such as marine heatwaves, and park-specific changes influencing local management actions.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Collect field data along Gulf of Alaska coasts of partners and parks during summer field seasons.
• Assemble and proof existing nearshore survey data for 2006–2025/26 to quantify marine bird and mammal communities across coastal parks.
• Support boat-based nearshore surveys (winter and summer 2026). Field trips are 10–14 days starting May through July (≈40 days).
• Lead data analysis, transform data into a consistent format, and publish results as agency reports and peer‑reviewed manuscripts.
• Examine differences in community composition among parks (KEFJ vs. KATM) and between seasons (summer vs. winter) to identify drivers of observed trends.
• Format data consistently and distribute to parks, NPS, USGS sites, and internal stakeholder resources.

DELIVERABLES
Agency report and peer‑reviewed publication describing spatial‑temporal variation in nearshore marine bird and mammal communities; assembled historical and contemporary data in consistent format; publicly available data on NPS and USGS platforms; highlighted resources to Resource Management staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

• United States citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien.
• High school diploma or equivalency; or enrollment as an Ameri Corps participant with commitment to obtain a high school diploma before using the education award.
• Eligibility background checks:
  National Service Criminal History Check and a separate government security background check for the host site.
• Availability for the entire 52‑week term.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Academic background in ecology with emphasis on predator/prey dynamics, avian ecology, survey design, or food web studies. MS in biology or ecology is desired. Strong background in marine ecosystems and field data collection, familiarity with R software, and support from seasoned ecologists and collaborators at UAF and the Alaska Sea Life Center.

POSITION SETTING
Duty stationed in Anchorage, AK. Office at 240 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501. Park housing may be available during winter months (October–April) in Seward, AK near Kenai Fjords National Park headquarters. Field field operations involve boat‑based surveys with live aboard boats; lodging and food provided.

VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver’s license to drive a government vehicle.
• Personal vehicle recommended.

HOUSING
Park housing is NOT available. Applicants responsible for finding nearby housing.

OUR COMMITMENT
Conservation Legacy ensures inclusion of all qualified individuals, provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, and requires periodic travel, non‑traditional hours, and use of program tools and…