Natural Resource Management Assistant - AmeriCorps

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Natural Resource Management Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Midwest Region Office, Mississippi National River and Recreation Areas, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Can this position be fully remote: No - Must be within commuting distance to office location.

Number of positions available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE

Duration: 52 Weeks (not flexible)

Flexible Start Date: Yes

Start Date: 01/05/2026

End Date: 01/04/2027

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1700 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve.

BENEFITS

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395.00 upon successful completion of position.
• Living Allowance of $700.00 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).
• For 52-week-long positions only:
  • Healthcare Coverage (opt in)
  • Childcare Coverage (opt in)

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 plays a key role in advancing the goals of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), a vital program focused on restoring the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem. The SIP will directly support efforts to tackle critical environmental challenges, including invasive species, wetland degradation, endangered species conservation, and toxic site remediation.

By assisting in the planning, research, and communication of restoration projects, the SIP will contribute to reducing the ecological impacts of pollution, habitat loss, and contaminants like toxic sediments. Toxic site remediation, in particular, is a high-priority area within GLRI efforts, addressing contaminated areas that pose significant threats to both ecological and human health.

The SIP's efforts in data collection and analysis will help track the progress and effectiveness of restoration activities, providing important insights into how these projects are improving water quality and ecological variety across the region. Additionally, by contributing to project reporting and outreach materials, the SIP will help increase public understanding of the importance of these remediation efforts and the overall restoration program.

This position will provide the SIP participant with a unique opportunity to understand how federal and state agencies collaborate on large-scale restoration projects, especially when it comes to complex issues like toxic site remediation. The SIP's contributions will help ensure the continued success of these efforts, making a lasting positive impact on the Great Lakes and the communities that depend on them.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

This position will involve supporting the National Park Service in managing and administering the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) within the Midwest Regional Office. The role provides an opportunity for an SIP participant to engage in the management and coordination of federal restoration efforts aimed at protecting and enhancing the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Key tasks include:

- Assisting with research and data collection on restoration topics, including invasive species management, habitat restoration, and species conservation.

- Supporting project planning, monitoring, and reporting to ensure timely completion and effectiveness of ongoing GLRI projects.

- Helping develop outreach materials to communicate project progress, successes, and environmental impacts to the public, stakeholders, and partners.

- Participating in meetings and collaboration with federal and state agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Environmental Protection Agency.

- Gaining insight into the administrative and management aspects of large-scale environmental restoration projects.

This position offers the SIP participant the opportunity to explore various aspects of natural resource management and environmental restoration, with the ability to focus on specific areas of interest, such as invasive species or endangered species conservation. By participating in a multi-agency initiative like the GLRI, the SIP participant will gain experience in project coordination, interagency collaboration, and the larger landscape of federal environmental policy.

The SIP will be supervised by the GLRI Program Manager, who will provide guidance, mentorship, and support throughout their position.

KEYWORDS: Management, Conservation, Hydrology, Invasives, Endangered

DELIVERABLES

The deliverables for this position are designed to be flexible, allowing the selected candidate to tailor their contributions based on project needs and personal interests. Key deliverables include:

- Research and Data Summaries: Assisting in the collection and analysis of data related to invasive species, wetland restoration, toxic site remediation, and endangered species.

- Progress Reports: Contributing to the preparation of status updates that communicate project progress, challenges, and successes to SIP participantal and external stakeholders.

- Outreach Materials: Developing communication materials such as newsletters, fact sheets, and social media content to inform the public and partners about restoration efforts.

- Visuals and Data Presentations: Helping create charts, maps, and graphs that visualize project outcomes and data findings.

- Field Project Assistance: Participating in site visits to collect field data, assess restoration progress, and observe environmental conditions.

- Project Documentation: Maintaining comprehensive records of project activities, including data logs, photos, and other relevant materials for future reference.

The deliverables will be aligned with the SIP's areas of focus, ensuring that they gain meaningful experience while contributing to the GLRI’s broader goals. Whether the SIP focuses on specific restoration areas like toxic site cleanup or invasive species management, their deliverables will have a tangible impact on the success of ongoing projects.

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 52 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate should be nearing completion of a bachelor’s degree or have recently completed a degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Biology, Environmental Policy, or a related field.

Additional qualifications include:

- Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree (or close to completion) in Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Biology, Environmental Policy, or a related field.

-Interest in Restoration: A strong interest in environmental restoration, particularly in invasive species management, habitat restoration, or endangered species conservation.

-Research Skills: Experience or willingness to assist with data collection, research, and analysis. Familiarity with GIS or data management is a plus.

-Environmental Policy Knowledge: Understanding of environmental policy, regulatory frameworks, and the principles behind restoration efforts.

-Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare reports and outreach materials.

-Organizational Skills: Ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and stay organized.

-Adaptability: Willingness to learn new concepts and work on a wide variety projects in natural resource management.

-Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

- Fieldwork: Comfort with occasional field visits for data collection, despite the primary office-based role.

This position is ideal for a proactive, adaptable individual eager to gain hands-on experience in environmental restoration and policy within a multi-agency initiative.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

This position is primarily office-based, with the majority of tasks taking place in a comfortable, collaborative office setting. SIPs will work on research, data analysis, project planning, and reporting. While field visits are occasional, they are not the primary focus of the role. SIPs should be comfortable being in an office environment, but also be prepared for occasional outdoor activities, such as monitoring and data collection, where they may be around heavy equipment and watercraft.

VEHICLE AND DRIVER’S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

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

HOUSING

Park housing is NOT available. The SIP participant will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area. This position will be stationed at Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (Minneapolis–Saint Paul), which has a population of about 2.5 million. Housing is not provided by the National Park Service, so SIPs will need to arrange their own accommodations. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the area is approximately $1,200 per month, though shared housing options are available and may reduce monthly expenses. The area is home to numerous colleges and universities, contributing to a vibrant student community and a variety of rental options. Residents benefit from extensive public transportation, including bus and light rail service, and have convenient access to basic amenities such as grocery stores, banks, and shopping centers. The region offers a wealth of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities. Winters can be harsh (with temperatures as low as –30°F and snowfall between 36–60 inches), while spring and fall are mild, and summers can be hot and humid. For more information about the park and area, visit: https://www.nps.gov/miss/index...

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 Midwest Region Office, Mississippi National River and Recreation Areas 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!”