Natural Resource Management Assistant - AmeriCorps

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Natural Resource Management Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Grand Teton National Park, Moose, Wyoming

Can this position be fully remote: No

Number of positions available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE

Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)

Flexible Start Date: Yes

Start Date: 01/05/2026

End Date: 03/30/2026

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve.

BENEFITS

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.35 upon successful completion of position.
• Living Allowance of $600.00 per week.
• Relocation Allowance of $450.00 (distributed as a one-time lump sum with first paycheck)
• Student Loan Forbearance if applicable (administered by MyAmeriCorps, directly).
  • Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable (administered through MyAmeriCorps, directly).

APPLICATION TIMELINE

The position will close after receiving 60 applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, 12 October, 2025, whichever occurs first. The review of applications will begin after Sunday, 12 October, 2025. Preference given to applicants who submit applications before Sunday, 12 October, 2025.

PURPOSE

This Natural Resource Management Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This position directly supports natural resource management within the Biological Sciences and Communication & Education disciplines by contributing to the protection and stewardship of a small, native, and isolated population of bighorn sheep in Grand Teton National Park. These sheep represent a significant biological resource due to their ecological uniqueness, sensitivity to disturbance, and conservation concern. The population’s persistence is threatened by increasing winter recreational pressure in high-elevation habitats that the sheep rely on for survival during the most energetically demanding time of year.

The SIP participant’s primary responsibilities—developing and deploying stewardship communication tools, maintaining trailhead signage, producing educational materials, and supporting targeted outreach—are essential to advancing non-regulatory, voluntary compliance with winter closures. These efforts are grounded in biological science (understanding species-specific winter ecology and disturbance responses) but implemented through an integrated, interdisciplinary approach that includes elements of communication strategy, visitor use management, and spatial data analysis (e.g., mapping closures and trail use patterns).

to minimize human disturbance in critical winter habitat, this position addresses a key wildlife management issue while also contributing to broader goals related to soundscapes, wilderness character, and visitor experience. It exemplifies how thoughtful communication and public engagement can be leveraged to support science-based conservation outcomes, making it a strong fit within the SIP Program’s scope and priorities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The Teton Range is home to a small, isolated, and native population of bighorn sheep that reside year-round at high elevations. Due to limited winter range and the energetic demands of surviving deep snow and cold temperatures, these sheep are particularly vulnerable to disturbance during the winter months. Beginning in the 2021–2022 season, Grand Teton National Park began requesting that backcountry winter recreationists voluntarily avoid key bighorn sheep wintering areas to help minimize disturbance and support the herd’s survival.

The SIP participant will support the park’s bighorn sheep stewardship efforts. Primary responsibilities include deploying and maintaining winter closure signage at key trailheads and access points, developing and distributing a seasonal guide to bighorn sheep closures, and identifying opportunities to improve stewardship messaging. The SIP participant may also assist in designing and updating maps, creating content for outreach materials and social media, collaborating with partners and local user groups, and analyzing visitation or trail use data to help inform targeted communication strategies. Projects will involve both field and office tasks and may include occasional interaction with the public or stakeholder organizations. There may also be opportunities to assist with other winter field projects or data management and analysis for ongoing spatial projects.

KEYWORDS: Wildlife Stewardship, Public Outreach

DELIVERABLES

Deliverables for this project include:

Trailhead Signage Log

– A detailed record documenting the installation, condition, location, and maintenance of seasonal bighorn sheep winter closure signage.

Winter 2025/2026 Bighorn Sheep Winter Closure Guide

– A comprehensive, user-friendly guide (print and digital) clearly depicting closure areas and associated stewardship messaging for public distribution.

Stewardship Communication Toolkit

– A suite of at least two new outreach materials (e.g., maps, infographics, social media content, or partner handouts) designed to improve public understanding and voluntary compliance.

End-of-Season Project Summary

– A final written summary detailing key accomplishments, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for improving future bighorn sheep stewardship efforts.

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 AmeriCorps 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 NPS site location.
• The applicant must be available to participate for 12 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background and/or practical experience in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resource management, environmental communication, or a related field. This position requires a combination of field readiness, communication skills, and a commitment to wildlife conservation.

Required Qualifications:

Interest in wildlife conservation, public land stewardship, and human-wildlife interactions.

Proficiency with GIS, cartography, and mapping tools (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online) for creating and editing spatial data and visitor-facing maps.

Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex resource issues in approachable ways.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.

Comfortable conducting fieldwork in winter conditions, including uneven terrain and extended outdoor exposure in cold, snowy, and windy environments.

Familiarity with Microsoft Office and basic design tools for outreach material creation.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with or understanding of backcountry skiing, splitboarding, or snowshoe-based winter recreation to better connect with target audiences.

Coursework or experience in wildlife biology, recreation ecology, cartography, conservation communication, or environmental science.

Additional Requirements:

Comfortable working in remote or rural settings with limited amenities.

Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation strongly preferred.

Must provide personal winter-appropriate field gear (e.g., insulated boots, outerwear); field-specific equipment will be provided.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

Project Setting:

This position includes both office and field-based projects. Office duties are performed indoors at a computer workstation and may require sitting for extended periods, data entry, and other repetitive tasks. Field projects involve working outdoors in a mountainous environment, sometimes for extended durations and in challenging conditions. SIP participants should be prepared for occasional strenuous physical activity, including hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing over uneven terrain, and exposure to extreme weather, including sub-zero temperatures, wind, and snow. Appropriate training and safety gear will be provided for field activities.

Location and Local Conditions:

The position is based at Grand Teton National Park Headquarters in Moose, Wyoming, approximately 12 miles north of the town of Jackson. Winter in this region is long and harsh, typically lasting from November through April. Temperatures often range from the teens to below zero (°F), with heavy snowfall and frequent high winds. Jackson and the surrounding area offer a range of amenities including grocery stores, restaurants, gear shops, and medical facilities. Public transportation between Jackson and Moose is limited, so access to a personal vehicle is highly recommended for commuting and errands. Recreational opportunities abound, with world-class skiing, snowshoeing, and winter wildlife viewing available throughout the region.

VEHICLE AND DRIVER’S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
• A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position.

HOUSING

Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant. Furnished park housing may be available and could include a private or shared bedroom in a dorm-style or apartment unit with a shared kitchen and living area. SIP participants are responsible for bringing all personal items, including cookware, utensils, toiletries, laundry detergent, pillows, and linens. Wi-Fi is available in housing.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online, all Scientists in Parks positions are listed at: https://conservation-legacy.breezy.hr/. Complete the application for this position, highlighting why you are interested in the position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position. Be prepared to upload your resume and unofficial transcript as part of completing the application questionnaire.

Once you begin applying for a position, the application must be completed in one sitting. You cannot save and return later to complete it. Applicants can apply for up to five Scientists in Parks positions per season. You need to complete a separate application for each position in order to be considered. You should receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting an application. Sometimes institutional email filters/settings can redirect or block emails related to the application. We recommend watching spam, junk, and promotional email folders in case your email service delivers messages there. Please visit How to Apply for additional resources and information about applying (i.e., learn what materials to have ready for applying, find a worksheet that previews application questions, etc.). Learn more about Scientists in Parks at: https://www.scientistsinparks.org/.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions.

TIME REQUIREMENTS

• This position is expected to serve full time each week, but exact service schedules may vary.
• Lunch breaks will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service hours.
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

• Orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Pertinent training from the NPS site location throughout the term of service.
• Free professional development webinars led by Conservation Legacy staff.

EVALUATION AND REPORTING

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards), a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with AmeriCorps service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits to provide institutional capacity, develop community relationships, and support ecosystem health. Stewards in partnership with the Grand Teton National Park will host a Natural Resource Management Assistant.

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Scientists in Parks using the email address at the base of the home page, under “Questions? Contact us!”