National Park Service – JELA - Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center - Citizen Science Coordinator - Amer

Position Title: National Park Service – JELA - Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center - Citizen Science Coordinator - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve - Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center

314 St. Mary Street, Thibodaux, LA, 70301

Terms of Service:

• Anticipated Start Date: 9/28/2026
• Anticipated End Date: 8/13/2027 (46 weeks)
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1700 Hours

Purpose:

Stewards Individual Placements is an AmeriCorps Program which provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and protect our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting the conservation of natural areas. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (JELA) protects and interprets significant examples of the Louisiana Mississippi River Delta’s rich cultural and natural resources that demonstrate the interaction of the region's distinctive natural areas, complex history, varied communities, lifeways, and traditions. The Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center interprets the culture and history of the lower Mississippi Delta region through the lens of Wetlands Cajun Country. Stewards, in partnership with JELA - Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, are seeking an AmeriCorps member who will support the rapid expansion of off-site educational programming for area schools. This position helps connect thousands of students - especially those from underserved communities - to the National Park Service through hands-on science, cultural heritage learning, and stewardship activities.

The Citizen Science Coordinator is an AmeriCorps position that will develop and deliver curriculum-based programs, support community outreach, and strengthen partnerships with educators. The AmeriCorps member will also help organize events, develop social media strategy, speak and lead programming, conduct student and teacher evaluations, and learn about the National Park Service mission and operations. The member and student participants will learn about water quality, migratory birds, exotic species, and other cultural, economic, and ecological stewardship concerns. The Citizen Science Coordinator will present programming in local elementary and high schools that address issues such as natural area stewardship, wildlife habitat restoration and protection, and opportunities with the National Park Service.

If you are ready to embark on a fulfilling journey with Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, apply now at NPS – Conservation Steward - AmeriCorps by uploading your resume and cover letter, and take the first step towards a rewarding career with the National Park Service! 

To learn more about Stewards, please visit: Homepage | Stewards Individual Placement Program

To learn more about Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center please visit: Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center - Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)

Description of Duties:

As an AmeriCorps member serving with Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve - Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux, LA, your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering engaging off-site programs in local schools.
• Serving closely with teachers by developing relationships, going into classrooms, aiding with curriculum, and reaching students.  
• Supporting curriculum development and educator collaboration.
• Helping teachers develop two new curriculum-based programs and collecting and evaluating student/teacher feedback.
• Producing monthly program reports with narrative descriptions to include numbers reached, age of students, feedback results, supplies required, photo releases, and waivers to JELA on-site mentor.
• Inspiring the next generation of natural areaec stewards while expanding the reach and impact of Jean Lafitte’s education mission.
• Collaborating with rangers and partners to reach 6,000 students annually at primarily Title 1 schools.

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.

• Between the ages of 18 – 30, or up to age 35 with Veteran status.

• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or 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.

• Must have a valid Driver’s License.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience working with youth is preferred.

Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work 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. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager. 

Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve 40 hours a week, Tuesday - Saturday, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• The member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
• The member will serve fully in person on site.

Orientation and Training:

• The member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• The member will receive training and mentoring from park rangers and partner agencies to learn how best to meet and provide service and assistance to teachers.
• The member will receive safety training and participate in available occupational, interpretive, and educational programing opportunities.
• The member will gain experience partnering with multiple agencies, schools, and non-profits to reach stewardship goals

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395.
• Living Allowance of $680 per week.
• AmeriCorps health insurance if eligible.
• Loan forbearance if eligible.
• Interest payments if eligible.
• Eligible for Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority upon successful completion of term.

• Training and Professional Development opportunities.
• Employee wellness program (connect with a licensed professional counselor and 24/7 support).

• Networking and mentorship.

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps volunteer, performance will be evaluated on whether the volunteer has completed the required number of hours, the volunteer has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the volunteer 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.

Recruiter & Program Coordinator Contact Information:

Meaghan Hall

Stewards Individual Placements Program Coordinator

mhall@conservationlegacy.org

681-666-3266  

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 reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager. 

Salary : $680