Aquatic Ecology Monitoring Member – Cape Cod National Seashore

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE 36-week Aquatic Ecology Monitoring Member to contribute to aquatic monitoring projects alongside Cape Cod National Seashore staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: 05/19/2025 or Mid-May/early June 2025

Estimated End Date: 01/23/2026 (or 36 weeks after start date)

*a 36-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description:The Cape Cod National Seashore is located in Wellfleet, MA.

Cape Cod is a large peninsula extending 60 miles into the Atlantic Ocean from the coast of Massachusetts. Located on the outer portion of the Cape, Cape Cod National Seashore's 44,600 acres encompass a rich mosaic of marine, estuarine, fresh water, and terrestrial ecosystems. These systems and their associated habitats reflect the Cape's glacial origin, dynamic natural processes, and at least 9,000 years of human activity. Geomorphic shoreline change, groundwater fluctuations, tidal dynamics including rising sea level, and atmospheric deposition are among the many physical processes that continue to shape the Seashore's ecosystems. Marine and estuarine systems include beaches, sand spits, tidal flats, salt marshes, and soft-bottom benthos. Freshwater ecosystems include kettle ponds, vernal pools, sphagnum bogs, and swamps. Terrestrial systems include pitch pine and scrub oak forests, heathlands, dunes, and sandplain grasslands. Many of these habitats are globally uncommon and the species that occupy them are correspondingly rare.

For more information about Cape Cod National Seashore, please visit the parks website.

Position Overview:

The main duties will be assisting with aquatic ecology monitoring and research projects in ponds, estuaries, and coastal wetlands focused on water quality, ecosystem monitoring, and habitat mapping, and will include serving in the field, lab, and on computers.

A rough breakdown of the member's time is 40% field, 30% lab, 20% data entry/management and 10% other duties as assigned. The duties are critical to the management and protection of water and submerged resources that are heavily impacted by human activities. The ACE member will serve as part of a team with interns, volunteers, technicians, and the Aquatic Ecologist.

Duties and projects include:

• Monitoring and research activities in the field as well as processing and analyzing samples in the laboratory.
• Involvement in both the field and lab for a variety of natural resource projects, including the Inventory and Monitoring program, and applied research to inform coastal and land management.
• Collecting biological and sediment samples in the field using standard techniques.
• Performing laboratory analysis and written documentation of activities.
• Gaining experience in a range of freshwater and coastal environments, on various monitoring to management-oriented projects, with a range of field and laboratory methods and equipment.
• Assisting with pond shoreline restoration projects.
• Science communication activities to promote resource stewardship.
• Field duties will involve wading in muddy and shrubby conditions, and snorkeling.
• Use of motorized and non-motorized (canoe/kayak) watercraft to assist with aquatic resource projects.

NPS training will be provided for non-motorized (canoe/kayak) and motorized watercraft to assist with aquatic resource monitoring projects. Additional safety training will be provided for field and laboratory work, as well as safe vehicle operation.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $500/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided park housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Housing is within 10 miles of the North Atlantic Coastal Lab work site. Housing varies but is usually a shared furnished house with a shared bedroom. Residents bring their own linens, kitchens are furnished with basics. Houses usually have other residents that are also seasonal employees or research technicians. Residents are responsible for cleaning, trash and utilities such as internet/cable/phone which are not otherwise provided.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $150 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include CPR, boating, and lab safety.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as ecology, marine biology, botany, wildlife sciences, biology, natural resources management, environmental science, or related disciplines.
• Ability to conduct field surveys under demanding weather in rough terrain and in water.
• Ability to use field guides and dichotomous keys for plant and invertebrate ID.
• Experience in water quality monitoring, instrumentation and laboratory analysis
• Knowledge of marine vegetation and invertebrates
• Knowledge of the natural history and scientific processes of the Northeastern United States; for example: ecology of marine ecosystems, dune and barrier beach ecosystems, coastal geologic processes, freshwater ecosystems, and marine biology.
• Deep interest in aquatic ecology/water quality and a respect for nature.
• Experience with GPS and GIS for spatial data acquisition, analysis, and presentation

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain and in water. Ability to transport and use canoes and kayaks, and spend time on boats.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 20 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Eastern Member Manager, Corinna Mokotoff.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Salary : $500