Ecology Assistant - AmeriCorps

POSITION DETAILS Position Title: Ecology Assistant - AmeriCorps Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements Site Location: National Park of American Samoa, Pago Pago, American Samoa Can this position be fully remote: No Number of positions available: 1 TERMS OF SERVICE Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible) Flexible Start Date: Yes Start Date: 01/12/2026 End Date: 07/13/2026 AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve. BENEFITS • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50 upon successful completion of position. • Living Allowance of $600.00 per week. • Relocation Allowance of $1,100.00 (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 Ecology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This position directly supports the National Park of American Samoa’s mission to conserve and protect its unique marine ecosystems by providing essential assistance to the park’s Marine Program. The SIP will help address critical needs related to resource monitoring, field logistics, and public education, as outlined in the SIP Program Scope. By assisting with coral reef field projects, equipment maintenance, and inventory and monitoring (I&M) surveys, the SIP helps ensure the continuity of long-term monitoring programs essential for understanding environmental vulnerabilities, reef health, and ecosystem resilience. Their support improves data accuracy, field readiness, and the capacity of a small, remote park team to meet annual goals. The SIP also contributes to the park’s science communication and outreach goals by helping create educational materials and social media content. These products raise public awareness about marine conservation and connect local communities—especially youth—to the importance of protecting ocean resources. Located in one of the most remote units of the National Park System, this position helps address workforce limitations and builds capacity in a culturally and ecologically significant area. It also provides a pathway for young professionals to gain field experience and contribute to comprehensive, place-based conservation in alignment with SIP’s priorities. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES The National Park of American Samoa’s Marine Program is seeking a motivated SIP participant to assist with field logistics, marine operations, and resource management activities. This position offers hands-on experience supporting marine conservation work in a remote and culturally rich setting. The SIP participant will serve closely with the park’s marine staff on a variety of tasks, including fieldwork preparation, equipment maintenance, data support, and community engagement. The position will involve both office and field-based responsibilities, giving the SIP participant insight into the full scope of marine resource stewardship in a Pacific island national park. Duties and Responsibilities: - Field Preparation and Logistics: Assist staff with preparing and staging field gear for reef surveys, including organizing dive/snorkel equipment, marine debris tools, and small boat supplies. - Equipment Maintenance: Support the inspection, cleaning, and basic maintenance of SCUBA, snorkel, and boating gear after field deployments. Help with gear inventory tracking and restocking of field kits. - Data Entry and Management: Input and organize biological and environmental data collected during reef monitoring or marine debris surveys. Assist with basic QA/QC of datasheets and field logs. - Field Support: Depending on qualifications and certifications, the SIP participant may participate in snorkeling or boat-based fieldwork alongside staff. Field tasks may include reef observations, assisting with marine debris removal, deploying environmental monitoring instruments, and photographing field conditions. - Education and Outreach (as needed): Support marine education activities by helping with school visits, community outreach events, or interpretive materials (e.g., posters or presentations on marine issues). - Team Collaboration: Participate in a small interdisciplinary team that values teamwork, initiative, and cultural awareness. Participate in weekly planning meetings and field safety briefings. Tasks and Deliverables May Include: - Assembled and maintained marine field kits and organized supply inventory - Entered and summarized data from coral reef or marine debris surveys - Assisted in the deployment or retrieval of field monitoring instruments (e.g., water level loggers) - Supported a school outreach visit or created a marine education visual (e.g., flyer or social media graphic) Contributed to a short SIP participant summary report reflecting on projects supported and skills gained Skills Developed: - Practical experience in marine field operations - Exposure to reef monitoring and marine data collection - Equipment management and basic field logistics - Science communication and community engagement - Team-based problem-solving and planning in remote conditions This position offers a unique opportunity to learn marine conservation practices in a national park located in one of the most remote biologically and culturally unique areas of the United States. SIP participants will gain a deeper understanding of coral reef management, Pacific Island ecosystems, and the role of local and federal agencies in protecting marine and natural resources. KEYWORDS: Marine, Water Quality, Data Management, Stream, Field projects DELIVERABLES - Gear Inventory: Updated list of marine equipment and organized field kits. - Data Entry: Accurate entry and organization of monitoring and survey data. - SIP participant Report: 2–3 page summary of tasks completed, and skills gained. - Educational Social Media Post: Assist in creating a post or visual highlighting marine work for the park’s outreach channels. - Final Presentation (optional): Brief talk to staff summarizing the SIP participant’s experience. 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 26 Weeks in order to be considered and participate. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Academic background in marine biology, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field. - Experience with or interest in marine fieldwork, SCUBA/snorkeling, or boat-based operations. - Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, especially for equipment handling and data entry. - Comfortable working outdoors in hot, humid, and wet conditions, including on boats and uneven terrain. - Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and assist with gear transport. - Basic computer skills, especially Microsoft Word or Excel. - Communication and teamwork skills for working with a small, interdisciplinary team. - Interest in science communication or education; ability to help create outreach materials such as social media posts. - Cultural sensitivity and respect for Indigenous and Pacific Island communities. - Ability to speak or understand Samoan is a plus but not required. - SCUBA certification or boating experience is helpful but not required. ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION POSITION SETTING The position will involve a combination of office and field-based projects. Office duties are performed at the park’s marine operations office in Pago Pago, where the SIP will assist with data entry, equipment organization, and team planning. Field projects include assisting with marine surveys, snorkel/dive operations, and gear maintenance, often conducted from small boats or shoreline entry points. This position requires moderate physical activity, including: • Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs of field gear • Working in hot, humid, and wet conditions • Walking on uneven terrain such as reef flats and rocky shorelines • Riding in small boats in open ocean and lagoon conditions • Depending on certifications and experience, the SIP may also participate in snorkel or SCUBA-based activities. Local Area & Park Setting: NPSA office and visitor center is located on Tutuila Island, AS in the South Pacific and includes marine, coastal, and mountainous tropical rainforest environments. The marine team focus primarily on coral reefs and nearshore waters, with occasional travel to the park’s outer islands (Ofu and Ta‘ū in Manu‘a). Key characteristics of the area include: • Low elevation at field sites (sea level to <100 ft) • Hot, humid, tropical weather conditions year-round (temps ~80–90°F) • Heavy rainfall, especially during the wet season (Nov–Apr) Remote setting: American Samoa is a U.S. territory with limited infrastructure, located ~2,500 miles southwest of Hawai‘i • Limited public transportation and SIP participantet access in some areas. Aiga bus is affordable public transport running between Malaeimi and Pago Pago on weekdays. Rental car is available from several companies on island. Carpooling with park staff (if available and appropriate). • A vibrant, tight-knit Samoan community with deep cultural traditions and ties to the land and sea This setting provides a unique opportunity to experience place-based marine conservation in a culturally rich and ecologically varied environment. 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. The National Park of American Samoa (NPSA) provides a fully furnished, 2-bedroom apartment in Malaeimi, located approximately 14 kilometers (8.5 miles) from the park office in Pago Pago. This is the primary housing option for SIP participants, pending availability. Apartment Features: • 2-bedrooms with shared kitchen, 2-bathrooms, and living space • Basic furnishings and kitchen appliances provided • Utilities (electricity and water) included • SIP participantet access may be limited, depending on local service quality 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 National Park of American Samoa will host a Ecology 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!” Original job Ecology Assistant - AmeriCorps posted on GrabJobs ©. To flag any issues with this job please use the Report Job button on GrabJobs. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job