Conservation Legacy is hiring an Ecology Assistant (52 Weeks) - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy is hiring an Ecology Assistant for a 52-week AmeriCorps position through the Scientists in Parks program. You will be hosted by the Southwest Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network in Anchorage, Alaska. The focus is on mapping and characterizing thermal refuges in salmon habitats using aerial infrared imagery and thermistor data to directly inform conservation management strategies.

What You'll Do

• Plan and conduct aerial surveys of thermal refuges.
• Process and interpret aerial thermal and RGB imagery.
• Quantify key characteristics of thermal refuges, including distribution, frequency, connectivity, extent, and persistence.
• Estimate frequency of temperature threshold exceedances within and adjacent to sampled refugia.
• Communicate results through presentations, briefs, and technical papers.
• Publish orthorectified thermal imagery with identified refugia through the regional GIS team.
• Correct and grade water temperature data for intensively studied sites and publish on the NPS DataStore.
• Create fully commented R code for project transparency and reproducibility.
• Produce maps and briefs for each park documenting methods and results in layperson's terms.
• Deliver presentations at local subsistence council meetings and regional or national scientific meetings.

What We're Looking For

• United States citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien.
• High school diploma or equivalency certificate (or agree to obtain one before using the education award).
• Agreement to provide information for eligibility and complete a National Service Criminal History Check and government security background check.
• Availability to participate for the entire 52-week term.
• Valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.

Nice to Have

• Bachelor's degree (minimum requirement).
• Working understanding of surveying, multibeam processing, and/or non-satellite remote sensing data and processing.
• General knowledge of river ecology and hydrological processes.
• Experience communicating scientific information verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work comfortably in remote outdoor areas.
• Solid background and working knowledge of GIS, including making/editing map layers and geodatabases, and creating metadata.
• Familiarity with Correlator 3D software.
• Understanding of Pacific salmon ecology.

Technical Stack

• GIS
• R
• Correlator 3D software

Team & Environment

You will be hosted by the Southwest Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network (SWAN).

Benefits & Compensation

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $7,395.00 upon successful completion.
• Weekly Living Allowance: $700.00 per week.
• Relocation Allowance: $1,100.00 lump sum.
• Student Loan Forbearance (if applicable).
• Student Loan Interest Payments (if applicable).
• Free Healthcare Coverage (opt in).
• Childcare Coverage (opt in).
• Access to free professional development webinars.
• Orientation and training from host site and Conservation Legacy.

Work Mode

This is an onsite position located in Anchorage, Alaska.

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.