Ecological Assistant

National Park Service Mojave Desert Network

This is a 20-week term position, with full-time hours of 40 per week.

The work will take place in Boulder City, NV.

Compensation includes a living allowance of $665 per week and an additional housing allowance of $185 per week.

A boot allowance of $150 is also provided.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants are eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award worth $2,817 (pre-tax).

Position Details

Stewards Individual Placements provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health. We are seeking four Ecological Assistants to assist with collecting long-term monitoring data on vegetation communities and target invasive species.

The field work is dynamic and may be carried out across MOJN parks. This position requires regular travel and camping during the field season, and may involve long hours including nights, early mornings, and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Assist with vegetation monitoring protocols designed to address MOJN I&Ms vital signs.
• Hike long distances (10 mi), on and off trail, over uneven terrain.
• Hike with backpacks weighing 30 pounds.
• Establish permanent monitoring sites.
• Collect vegetation data using established procedures.
• Collect GPS points and photos at work sites.
• Conduct quality assurance/control for all data collected, either in the field or in the office.
• Collaborate with MOJN staff in field safety, logistics, data QA/QC, and equipment organization/maintenance.

Requirements

• Be willing to camp for multiple days in front and backcountry settings.
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Pass a criminal background check, which requires fingerprinting by park law enforcement or local police department prior to start date.
• Be willing and able to temporarily live and work in remote locations.
• Be willing and able to work safely and productively in harsh and variable desert conditions, including extreme heat.
• Be willing and able to hike long distances (10 mi), on and off trail, carrying up to 30-40 pounds of field gear.
• Be 18 years or older.
• Be a US Citizen or legal permanent resident.
• Be able to pass federal background checks at approved locations for both Conservation Legacy and the NPS.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hold a valid, state-issued driver's license.
• Have a bachelor's degree in biology or one of the major natural sciences, with experience in vegetation monitoring preferred.
• Have experience hiking in desert environments.
• Have experience identifying plants of the Mojave and Great Basin Deserts, including upland and riparian species.
• Have experience with data entry and quality assurance using database programs such as MS Access.
• Have experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation, including Survey123 and Field Maps.

Benefits

• Eligibility for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program, worth $2,817 (pre-tax).
• Living allowance of $665 per week (pre-tax).
• Boot allowance of $150.
• Wilderness First Aid Training.

Salary : $185 - $665