Biology Assistant AmeriCorps

Biology Assistant (20 Weeks) - Ameri Corps

• Biology Assistant (20 Weeks) - Ameri Corps

Position (s): 4396

Position Title: Biology Assistant - Ameri Corps

Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements

Site

Location:

Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division, Waynesville, North Carolina

Number of positions available: 1

Duration: 20 Weeks (not flexible)

Flexible

Start Date:

Yes

Start Date: 5/4/2026

End Date: 9/21/2026

Ameri Corps Slot Classification: 675 hours – This is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.

• Segal Ameri Corps Education Award: $2,817.14 upon successful completion of position
• Weekly Living Allowance: $700.00 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)

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.

Acoustics, Night Skies, Soundscapes, Biology, Data Collection, Data Management, Data Entry

This Biology Assistant is an Ameri Corps position. This participant will be essential to the completion of Natural Sounds & Night Skies conservation projects within the Eastern regions. There is an excess of existing projects that have been delayed due to staffing gaps & capacity that this participant will be integral in progressing. This project will enhance our acoustic & photic resources in Service-protected lands as well as educate park-goers on the importance of protection of all resources.

This position is assigned to the Natural Sounds & Night Skies Division supporting 75 parks across nine states & two territories within the Southeast Region as well as some project opportunities in the Northeast Region. They will be working with the NSNS Biologist located on projects that focus on the protection of acoustic & natural night sky resources. This position will support park units as they seek to increase scientific understanding & public appreciation of these resources.

Responsibilities will include field collection of Acoustic & Night Sky data with the accompanying data management & reporting, developing & presenting educational materials, reviewing & reporting on NSNS standards, and working with appropriate staff & researchers to enhance the protection & monitoring activities related to these resources. This position may be extended to 26 weeks if funding is available.

Expected products of this service opportunity are the co-creation of scientific reports, NSNSD internal guidance and educational materials as well as the contribution to Natural Sounds & Night Skies databases. Data collected from these projects will assist park staff in making informed decisions about natural and cultural resource management.

• 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 20 Weeks in order to be considered.

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, Social Sciences, or a related field is REQUIRED. Resumes with expected completion dates will not be reviewed so please do not apply unless your graduation date is before the Start Date. Experience in the field that demonstrates an awareness of field safety & Leave No Trace principles is also required and can be from professional, academic or personal experiences.

Experience with technical writing or reporting is preferred. Basic and/or Wilderness First Aid is preferred.

Local Area Details:
The Purchase is based on 535 acres in Haywood County, North Carolina and contiguous with the rest of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is at 5086 elevation and consists of a historic cabin, two buildings with offices, a laboratory, a classroom and temporary housing for up to eight visiting scientists. Waynesville is a town about 45 minutes west of Asheville.

Service Setting:
Office tasks will take place at a shared working space with other NPS employees with…