Conservation Legacy is hiring a Biology Assistant for a 36-week AmeriCorps position supporting the Cumberland Piedmont Network’s natural resource monitoring programs. You will assist with fieldwork and data processing for cave vital signs, forest vegetation, and water quality monitoring across multiple national park units.
What You'll Do
- Assist with fieldwork for monitoring cave vital signs (cave crickets, bats, aquatic biota), including navigating to and entering caves, setting up equipment, and recording data.
- Process field data by reviewing and scanning field forms, uploading digital forms, and analyzing images and videos.
- Assist crews with monitoring forest vegetation, ozone foliar injury, and invasive species early detection, including navigating to sites, setting up plots, and recording data.
- Assist with water quality monitoring via day trips for grab sample monitoring, recording data, and assisting the sampler.
- Correctly and legibly record data on field sheets and via digital entry, returning data to the office for processing per standard operating procedures.
- Accurately process images and other data as described in standard operating procedures.
- Regularly communicate with network staff on activities, accomplishments, and challenges.
- Provide a summary of accomplishments and recommendations to network staff near the conclusion of the service opportunity.
- Serve cooperatively with other field crew members, network, and park staff.
- Maintain a safe working environment.
What We're Looking For
- 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.
- Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check for Conservation Legacy and a separate government security background check for the host site prior to starting.
- Must be available to participate for the entire 36-week duration.
- Must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
Nice to Have
- Strong interest or experience in ecology, biology, or related natural resource fields.
- Caving skills are a plus but not required.
- Detail-oriented with legible handwriting for data collection and recording.
- Able to serve in conditions of heat, humidity, cold, rain, snow, darkness, biting or stinging insects, and venomous snakes.
- Capable of making long, off-trail bushwhacking trips into remote caves in rugged terrain, often after sunset.
- Comfortable working in remote areas and possess strong organizational skills.
- Experience with monitoring or identification of plants in the southeastern U.S. is a plus.
- Able to serve as part of a team as well as independently.
- Experience with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access data entry, ArcGIS Pro, and R is helpful.
Technical Stack
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Access
- ArcGIS Pro
- R
Team & Environment
You will work with field crews, network staff, and park staff.
Benefits & Compensation
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $5,176.50 upon successful completion.
- Weekly Living Allowance: $600.00 per week, fixed rate.
- Relocation Allowance: $450.00 one-time lump sum.
- Student Loan Forbearance if applicable.
- Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable.
- Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost.
- Access to free professional development webinars.
Work Mode
This is an on-site position based with the Cumberland Piedmont Network in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky.
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.
