Scientists in Parks
POSITION DETAILS
Position Title:
Planning Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program:
Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location:
Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate, Fort Collins, Colorado
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 : 01/05/2026
End Date : 01/04/2027
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 $700.00 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 Planning Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This opportunity is hosted by the National Park Service Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate(NRSS). The NRSS helps advance park efforts in support of the servicewide resource management goals. The SIP participant will serve on several projects to advance both servicewide and park-level environmental change response efforts. The opportunity also will provide outstanding developmental opportunities to cultivate relevant knowledge, skills, and experience in related projects, and provide a possible pathway to future employment. The NRSS Climate Science & Adaptation Coordinator will serve as the SIP opportunity mentor. The selected SIP participant will serve alongside CCRP subject matter experts, communication specialists, and park leads on a series of key projects to advance CCRP efforts.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The SIP participant will serve with the NPS Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate on projects to advance response efforts to changing environmental conditions:
1) Natural Disaster Planning and Recovery Project: The SIP participant will serve on one or more projects to advance the incorporation of shifting environment considerations into planning for and/or recovery from extreme events (hurricanes, floods, wildfires, droughts, etc.). The goal is to help parks improve planning for and recovering from natural disasters with a focus on adapting to changing conditions. This could include:
Develop technical tool(s) to provide usable and relevant data (near-term or longer-term environmental/hydrologic projections) for parks facing and recovering from extreme events and their impacts. Develop case studies of disaster planning and/or recovery projects that incorporate environmental change adaptation. Serve directly with park(s) on adapted disaster preparation or recovery plans. Develop a guide to help parks incorporate considerations for a changing environment into disaster planning and recovery. 2) Adaptation Case Studies: The SIP participant will serve with NPS staff to identify and document adaptation implementation projects in parks, which could include natural, cultural, facility, fire, or visitor management and safety. The SIP participant will develop original content that interprets the environmental change impact(s) to parks and planned, ongoing or completed adaptation activities and their intended or actual outcomes.
3) Journal Publication: The SIP participant will collaborate with their mentors to write an article, which incorporates content from at least one the above projects, for the journal Park Science.
4) NPS Data Store: The selected SIP participant will serve alongside CCRP staff to make existing and forthcoming products usable through the NPS Data Store application. The SIP participant will create new records, set permissions and metadata, and upload products for publication. The SIP participant will serve to organize resources for optimal access by target audiences.
5) Professional Growth and Development: The SIP participant will be encouraged to identify learning opportunities as they are made available, for which service time will be reserved to participate. The SIP participant also will be afforded opportunities to participate in this applied service.
6) CCRP Support: On an as-needed basis, the selected SIP participant will assist on miscellaneous CCRP projects as education, skills, and experience allow.
KEYWORDS : adaptation, resilience, planning and recovery for natural disasters, extreme events
DELIVERABLES
During the 52-week position, the SIP participant will produce: 1) one or more NPS-focused products (to be negotiated) about adapted disaster planning and recovery, 2) at least 10 new park environmental change adaptation case studies, 3) a journal article submitted to Park Science, 4) at least 10 new Data Store collections of park-specific environmental science, and 5) well-organized files carefully documenting the development of all deliverables.
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 Upper level undergraduate or graduate student with course work in the environmental sciences/engineering or public lands management; strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to serve independently and with a team; and working knowledge of national parks, environmental change impacts, adaptation, natural disasters, and related issues. Strong proficiency in writing for interdisciplinary audiences will be critical for success in this position. Preferred Qualifications: coursework and/or experience in environmental science and adaptation, science communications, Additional education or experience in indigenous knowledge, cultural resources, facility management, fire management, or recreation management is welcome!
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Fort Collins is a midsize college town with a population of 170,000 people. The city is situated at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills of the northern Front Range, approximately 60 miles north of Denver. Restaurants and retail outlets are abundant, and community services are easily accessed. Fort Collins is located at about 5000 ft above sea-level and experiences four distinct seasons and low annual precipitation. The city receives 300 days of sunshine annually, and 29 days of 90°+ weather. Opportunities for outdoor pursuits are abundant.
VEHICLE AND DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle. A personal vehicle is recommended for this position. HOUSING
Park housing is NOT available. The SIP participant will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area.
Park housing is unavailable. The selected SIP participant will be responsible for arranging housing for the length of the project. Several rental options are available within biking distance of the project site, and many additional options are available within a reasonable commuting distance. Costs for a 1-bedroom, 1 bath apartment run between $1,200 and $1,600 per month.
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 Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate will host a Planning 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:
Planning Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program:
Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location:
Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate, Fort Collins, Colorado
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 : 01/05/2026
End Date : 01/04/2027
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 $700.00 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 Planning Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This opportunity is hosted by the National Park Service Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate(NRSS). The NRSS helps advance park efforts in support of the servicewide resource management goals. The SIP participant will serve on several projects to advance both servicewide and park-level environmental change response efforts. The opportunity also will provide outstanding developmental opportunities to cultivate relevant knowledge, skills, and experience in related projects, and provide a possible pathway to future employment. The NRSS Climate Science & Adaptation Coordinator will serve as the SIP opportunity mentor. The selected SIP participant will serve alongside CCRP subject matter experts, communication specialists, and park leads on a series of key projects to advance CCRP efforts.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The SIP participant will serve with the NPS Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate on projects to advance response efforts to changing environmental conditions:
1) Natural Disaster Planning and Recovery Project: The SIP participant will serve on one or more projects to advance the incorporation of shifting environment considerations into planning for and/or recovery from extreme events (hurricanes, floods, wildfires, droughts, etc.). The goal is to help parks improve planning for and recovering from natural disasters with a focus on adapting to changing conditions. This could include:
Develop technical tool(s) to provide usable and relevant data (near-term or longer-term environmental/hydrologic projections) for parks facing and recovering from extreme events and their impacts. Develop case studies of disaster planning and/or recovery projects that incorporate environmental change adaptation. Serve directly with park(s) on adapted disaster preparation or recovery plans. Develop a guide to help parks incorporate considerations for a changing environment into disaster planning and recovery. 2) Adaptation Case Studies: The SIP participant will serve with NPS staff to identify and document adaptation implementation projects in parks, which could include natural, cultural, facility, fire, or visitor management and safety. The SIP participant will develop original content that interprets the environmental change impact(s) to parks and planned, ongoing or completed adaptation activities and their intended or actual outcomes.
3) Journal Publication: The SIP participant will collaborate with their mentors to write an article, which incorporates content from at least one the above projects, for the journal Park Science.
4) NPS Data Store: The selected SIP participant will serve alongside CCRP staff to make existing and forthcoming products usable through the NPS Data Store application. The SIP participant will create new records, set permissions and metadata, and upload products for publication. The SIP participant will serve to organize resources for optimal access by target audiences.
5) Professional Growth and Development: The SIP participant will be encouraged to identify learning opportunities as they are made available, for which service time will be reserved to participate. The SIP participant also will be afforded opportunities to participate in this applied service.
6) CCRP Support: On an as-needed basis, the selected SIP participant will assist on miscellaneous CCRP projects as education, skills, and experience allow.
KEYWORDS : adaptation, resilience, planning and recovery for natural disasters, extreme events
DELIVERABLES
During the 52-week position, the SIP participant will produce: 1) one or more NPS-focused products (to be negotiated) about adapted disaster planning and recovery, 2) at least 10 new park environmental change adaptation case studies, 3) a journal article submitted to Park Science, 4) at least 10 new Data Store collections of park-specific environmental science, and 5) well-organized files carefully documenting the development of all deliverables.
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 Upper level undergraduate or graduate student with course work in the environmental sciences/engineering or public lands management; strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to serve independently and with a team; and working knowledge of national parks, environmental change impacts, adaptation, natural disasters, and related issues. Strong proficiency in writing for interdisciplinary audiences will be critical for success in this position. Preferred Qualifications: coursework and/or experience in environmental science and adaptation, science communications, Additional education or experience in indigenous knowledge, cultural resources, facility management, fire management, or recreation management is welcome!
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Fort Collins is a midsize college town with a population of 170,000 people. The city is situated at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills of the northern Front Range, approximately 60 miles north of Denver. Restaurants and retail outlets are abundant, and community services are easily accessed. Fort Collins is located at about 5000 ft above sea-level and experiences four distinct seasons and low annual precipitation. The city receives 300 days of sunshine annually, and 29 days of 90°+ weather. Opportunities for outdoor pursuits are abundant.
VEHICLE AND DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle. A personal vehicle is recommended for this position. HOUSING
Park housing is NOT available. The SIP participant will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area.
Park housing is unavailable. The selected SIP participant will be responsible for arranging housing for the length of the project. Several rental options are available within biking distance of the project site, and many additional options are available within a reasonable commuting distance. Costs for a 1-bedroom, 1 bath apartment run between $1,200 and $1,600 per month.
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 Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate will host a Planning 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!"