Conservation Legacy is hiring an Ecology Assistant - AmeriCorps to implement a natural resource protocol focused on pollinators. This role supports the Inventory and Monitoring Division within the National Park Service to meet park management needs, increase partner collaboration, and support a critical inventory project.

What You'll Do

Collect bumble bee, monarch, and vegetation data to support a pollinator inventory at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Sample for bumble bees and butterflies using non-lethal methods and document floral associations.
Take photographs of pollinators for the NPS photo gallery using macrophotography techniques.
Enter, clean, and analyze data, perform statistical analysis, and compile results.
Assist with ongoing NPS pollinator database projects.
Create science communication products including a report, a conference presentation, story maps, web articles, and social media blogs.
Present project findings at the Entomological Society of America Meeting in November 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
Complete training in sampling design, species occurrence, field protocols, bumble bee and monarch identification, and field safety.
Participate in outdoor field settings, hiking up to 3-4 miles per day in sunny conditions at elevations of 2000 ft or more.

What We're Looking For

United States citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien.
Possess a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, or agree to obtain one prior to using the education award.
Agree to complete a National Service Criminal History Check and a government security background check.
Available to participate for the full 52-week term of service.
Ability to work collaboratively on a team, solve problems, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Experience working outside during summer months is required.
Valid driver's license and ability to safely drive a government vehicle.
A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position.
Ability to collect data following protocols, analyze and translate scientific information, and work in a rugged field setting.
Ability to hike up to 3-4 miles per day at elevations of 2000 ft or more.

Nice to Have

Recent college graduate with an undergraduate or graduate degree in ecology, entomology, biology, zoology, botany, natural resource management, or related fields.
Coursework in statistics, entomology, and plant identification.
Experience in bumble bee identification, native plant identification, monarch surveys, statistical analysis, and data management.
Proficiency in Microsoft software products and R.
Willingness to relocate to Fort Collins by May 1, 2026.

Technical Stack

R
Microsoft software products

Team & Environment

You will serve with the Inventory and Monitoring Division within the Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate of the NPS.

Benefits & Compensation

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395.00 upon successful completion.
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 and Interest Payments if applicable.
Opt-in Healthcare Coverage and Childcare Coverage.
Orientation and training on AmeriCorps activities.
Pertinent training from the NPS site location throughout the term of service.
Free professional development webinars led by Conservation Legacy staff.