Scientists in Parks
Natural Resource Management Assistant - AmeriCorps
Scientists in Parks, Texas City, Texas, us, 77592
POSITION DETAILS
Position Title:
Natural Resource Management Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program:
Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location:
Big Thicket National Preserve, Woodville, Texas
Can this position be fully remote : No
Number of positions available : 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration : 52 Weeks
(not flexible)
Flexible Start Date : Yes
Start Date : 02/01/2026
End Date : 01/31/2027
AmeriCorps Slot Classification : 1700 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve.
BENEFITS Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
of $7,395.00 upon successful completion of position. Living Allowance
of $600.00 per week. Relocation Allowance
of $450.00 (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).
For 52-week-long positions only:
Healthcare Coverage (opt in) Childcare Coverage (opt in)
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 Natural Resource Management Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. Big Thicket National Preserve was established to preserve the environment of Southeast Texas. This position will serve to assist data collection/analyst roles within the fire ecology program to assess the efficacy of ecosystem restoration efforts within the Preserve. Candidate will help establish and collect data at a network of new monitoring plots to assess the Fire Management Program at Big Thicket National Preserve. Candidate will also aid in developing a Communication/Interpretation strategy for Fire Ecology program products to be distributed SIP participantally among park staff and externally among partners/visitors.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The focus of this position will be the collection and analysis of Terrestrial Laser Scans in support of the BITH fire ecology program. They will also be responsible for mapping extant longleaf pine populations throughout BITH, finalization of a Local Unit Resource Advisor Guide, and creating a fire management interpretation program for the park. Additional duties will be to collects and report live and dead fuel load and fuel moisture, and vegetation quantity and conditions.
SIP participant will also collect geospatial data, and record microhabitat and plant association data. Collect, organize, and manage field data using standardized data collection procedures. Ensure quality control of data collected. Independently identify grasses, herbs, shrubs, and trees to species. Lead and/or participates in fire prevention and educational activities such as conducting field trips, attending and presenting for public education and special events, and explaining fire management activities to visitors, youth groups, schools, and other audiences. Assist with presentation of results of data analysis to SIP participantal and external partners
KEYWORDS : Fire, Ecology, Monitoring, Forestry, Interpretation
DELIVERABLES
The primary deliverables will be (1) the physical (30+) TLS scans and reports - scans will be submitted for analysis to the Interagency Ecosystem LiDAR Monitoring program and depending on candidate's skill level, park level analysis of trends will ensue (2) mapping products in support of fire and resource management, (3) a Local Unit Resource Advisor Guide (LURG), (4) a fire management interpretation program to be used at events or guided tours, (5) a brief presentation of position accomplishments to Preserve staff at the end of their term.
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 52 Weeks in order to be considered and participate. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Preference for applicants with a forestry degree/experience. Natural Resource management degree fields required. Candidates should have experience with or a strong interest in vegetation monitoring, fire management processes, ecological effects of fire management, data interpretation, and delivery. Other desired skills include GIS, statistical analysis of natural resource data sets, familiarity with LiDAR/Terrestrial Laser Scanning.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Primary service location will be at the Big Thicket Fire Management Office in Woodville, TX. Service will be 75% field based in the Big Thicket Region of Southeast Texas. Big Thicket National Preserve is a ~113,000 acre preserve split across 9 land management units and 6 river corridors ranging in size from 500 - 25,000 acres. The Preserve is composed of Cypress/Tupelo swamps, upland pine savannahs, and every ecosystem in between the two. Project conditions will be hot and humid with summertime heat index values well over 100 deg. F starting in May/June and lasting through September. Terrain is generally flat with some areas of rolling hills. Vegetation conditions range from restored pine savannahs to dense brush thickets. Candidate will be subjected to full sun, high heat/humidity, biting/stinging insects, venomous snakes, stump holes, and the potential for heat related injuries during field projects. Big Thicket park housing is located ~15 from the town of Warren, TX which has small convenience stores but is within 1 hour of Beaumont, TX which has a population of over 100,000.
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.
Shared housing is available in the preserve for SIP participants. Travel time from housing units to the duty station varies from 30-40 minutes. All units provide bedrooms, bathrooms, full kitchen, and Wi-Fi. Cellphone reception is spotty but varies depending on provider. Housing units are accessed by unpaved roads, but a 4WD vehicle is not required. Travel time to the nearest amenities including groceries, gas, and medical care varies from 30-40 minutes. Travel time to the nearest large cities (Beaumont, TX) is approximately 1 hour or (Houston, TX) 1.5 hours.
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 Big Thicket National Preserve will host a Natural Resource Management 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!"
Position Title:
Natural Resource Management Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program:
Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location:
Big Thicket National Preserve, Woodville, Texas
Can this position be fully remote : No
Number of positions available : 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration : 52 Weeks
(not flexible)
Flexible Start Date : Yes
Start Date : 02/01/2026
End Date : 01/31/2027
AmeriCorps Slot Classification : 1700 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve.
BENEFITS Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
of $7,395.00 upon successful completion of position. Living Allowance
of $600.00 per week. Relocation Allowance
of $450.00 (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).
For 52-week-long positions only:
Healthcare Coverage (opt in) Childcare Coverage (opt in)
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 Natural Resource Management Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. Big Thicket National Preserve was established to preserve the environment of Southeast Texas. This position will serve to assist data collection/analyst roles within the fire ecology program to assess the efficacy of ecosystem restoration efforts within the Preserve. Candidate will help establish and collect data at a network of new monitoring plots to assess the Fire Management Program at Big Thicket National Preserve. Candidate will also aid in developing a Communication/Interpretation strategy for Fire Ecology program products to be distributed SIP participantally among park staff and externally among partners/visitors.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The focus of this position will be the collection and analysis of Terrestrial Laser Scans in support of the BITH fire ecology program. They will also be responsible for mapping extant longleaf pine populations throughout BITH, finalization of a Local Unit Resource Advisor Guide, and creating a fire management interpretation program for the park. Additional duties will be to collects and report live and dead fuel load and fuel moisture, and vegetation quantity and conditions.
SIP participant will also collect geospatial data, and record microhabitat and plant association data. Collect, organize, and manage field data using standardized data collection procedures. Ensure quality control of data collected. Independently identify grasses, herbs, shrubs, and trees to species. Lead and/or participates in fire prevention and educational activities such as conducting field trips, attending and presenting for public education and special events, and explaining fire management activities to visitors, youth groups, schools, and other audiences. Assist with presentation of results of data analysis to SIP participantal and external partners
KEYWORDS : Fire, Ecology, Monitoring, Forestry, Interpretation
DELIVERABLES
The primary deliverables will be (1) the physical (30+) TLS scans and reports - scans will be submitted for analysis to the Interagency Ecosystem LiDAR Monitoring program and depending on candidate's skill level, park level analysis of trends will ensue (2) mapping products in support of fire and resource management, (3) a Local Unit Resource Advisor Guide (LURG), (4) a fire management interpretation program to be used at events or guided tours, (5) a brief presentation of position accomplishments to Preserve staff at the end of their term.
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 52 Weeks in order to be considered and participate. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Preference for applicants with a forestry degree/experience. Natural Resource management degree fields required. Candidates should have experience with or a strong interest in vegetation monitoring, fire management processes, ecological effects of fire management, data interpretation, and delivery. Other desired skills include GIS, statistical analysis of natural resource data sets, familiarity with LiDAR/Terrestrial Laser Scanning.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Primary service location will be at the Big Thicket Fire Management Office in Woodville, TX. Service will be 75% field based in the Big Thicket Region of Southeast Texas. Big Thicket National Preserve is a ~113,000 acre preserve split across 9 land management units and 6 river corridors ranging in size from 500 - 25,000 acres. The Preserve is composed of Cypress/Tupelo swamps, upland pine savannahs, and every ecosystem in between the two. Project conditions will be hot and humid with summertime heat index values well over 100 deg. F starting in May/June and lasting through September. Terrain is generally flat with some areas of rolling hills. Vegetation conditions range from restored pine savannahs to dense brush thickets. Candidate will be subjected to full sun, high heat/humidity, biting/stinging insects, venomous snakes, stump holes, and the potential for heat related injuries during field projects. Big Thicket park housing is located ~15 from the town of Warren, TX which has small convenience stores but is within 1 hour of Beaumont, TX which has a population of over 100,000.
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.
Shared housing is available in the preserve for SIP participants. Travel time from housing units to the duty station varies from 30-40 minutes. All units provide bedrooms, bathrooms, full kitchen, and Wi-Fi. Cellphone reception is spotty but varies depending on provider. Housing units are accessed by unpaved roads, but a 4WD vehicle is not required. Travel time to the nearest amenities including groceries, gas, and medical care varies from 30-40 minutes. Travel time to the nearest large cities (Beaumont, TX) is approximately 1 hour or (Houston, TX) 1.5 hours.
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 Big Thicket National Preserve will host a Natural Resource Management 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!"