Length: Term of positions is 26 weeks; full-time 40 hrs/wk
Location: Boulder City, Nevada
Living Allowance: $665/week plus $185/week additional benefits (travel stipend)
AmeriCorps Award: Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of a 900-hour education award is $3,447 (pre-tax).
Start Date: 10/14/2024
Application Due Date: Preference given to applicants that submit application by Friday, 08/02/2023
Title of Position: Physical Science Assistant
Position DetailsStewards Individual Placements (Stewards) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health.
The Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring Program (MOJN) is one of 32 regional networks across the country that collect data on specific natural resources—the plants, animals, water, and ecosystems that can indicate the overall ecological health of our national parks. These data are collected for planning, research, and education, and to help guide decisions related to park resource management. For more information, visit our website: https://www.nps.gov/im/mojn/index.htm.
Stewards in partnership with MOJN are seeking an intern who will participate in monitoring the hydrology and ecology of desert springs across the network. Compared to the surrounding desert, spring and wetland environments in the Mojave and Great Basin regions support a greater abundance and diversity of plant and animal life. Reliable water sources are scarce, so springs are often vital to the distribution and connectivity of wildlife habitat across the landscape. We monitor water availability, water quality, and site condition at springs to identify threats and detect changes in their condition over time.
This position is primarily focused on field work, although office work will also be required. Springs monitoring will be carried out in five national park units: Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mojave National Preserve, and Parashant National Monument. Field work can be strenuous and involve long days on steep terrain. Regular overnight travel and car camping will occur, often in backcountry locations with no amenities. Long drives on highways and unimproved dirt roads are often necessary to access remote sites.
Position Responsibilities Will Include

• Collecting hydrological and ecological data at desert springs
• Conducting quality assurance and quality control of data, both in the field and office
• Locating and navigating to field sites using GPS and topo maps
• Hiking long distances off trail over challenging terrain
• Car camping in primitive conditions
• Driving 4WD vehicles on highways and unimproved dirt roads
• Maintaining and disinfecting field vehicles, sampling equipment, and camping gear
• Collaborating with MOJN staff on project planning, protocols, logistics, and safety
• Minimum Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in the natural sciences or engineering
• Valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record
• Ability to hike up to 10 miles per day for multiple days on steep or uneven terrain in variable weather
• Ability to car camp for multiple days in remote locations with no amenities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team to accomplish program goals
• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with team members and colleagues
• Strong organizational skills
• Attention to detail and data quality
• Must pass a federal background check prior to start date
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must be a US Citizen or permanent legal resident

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience hiking or working in desert environments
• Experience operating 4WD vehicles

Benefits

• Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $3,447 (pre-tax).
• Living allowance: $665/week (pre-tax)
• Additional Benefits: $185/week (travel stipend)
• Boot stipend: $150
• Training in hydrological and ecological methods, field safety and logistics, and data management and GIS software

How To ApplyApply on-line at: https://stewardslegacy.org/open-positions. In addition to your resume, please submit a one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position.
If you have questions about this position, please contact Jennifer Bailard (jennifer_bailard@nps.gov) or Stewards Program Coordinator Gillian Watson (gwatson@conservationlegacy.org)
Stewards Individual Placements Program does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.Required SkillsRequired Experience