Science Communication Assistant

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Science Communication Assistant
Park Unit: Chihuahuan Desert Network, Sonoran Desert Network, Southern Plains Network
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Number of positions available: 1
Can this position be fully remote: NO

INTERNSHIP DATES AND LENGTH
Duration: 52 weeks
Start Date: 10/2/2023
Flexible Start Date: YES

LIVING AND RELOCATION ALLOWANCE:
Weekly Stipend: $525.00
Relocation Allowance: $400.00

POSITION DESCRIPTION
This position would support the Southwest Network Collaborative with technical editing, writing, and variety of science communication projects. Ecologists, biologists, and physical scientists in the NPS Inventory & Monitoring Division need assistance in updating science planning documents, developing newsletters, and communicating results of our long-term ecological monitoring programs to park staff and the public. The information produced through our monitoring programs is critical to understanding the current status and long-term trends in the health, diversity, and resilience of park ecosystems.

The individual in this position would have the opportunity to interact with a variety of specialists to carryout revisions to science protocols, assist with the formatting and publication of NPS reports, and support the production of web-based or digital products that present text, tables, and charts within browsers. Ideally the intern will have strong background or strong interest in ecological sciences and a demonstrated ability in scientific writing.

This is a unique opportunity to work with the National Park Service on the composition of articles for NPS web pages, assist with publication of scientific results, produce briefing statements for park managers (including graphics, layout, and writing), and develop social media posts. Opportunities to create ArcGIS StoryMaps and develop infographics on a variety of different data sets may also be available. The position will support multiple I&M networks but will be stationed at and supported primarily by the Sonoran Desert Network in Tucson, Arizona.

POSITION IMPACT

The position will assist in raising awareness of the current status and long-term trends of natural resource condition from three NPS Inventory and Monitoring networks (totaling 29 national park units) using a variety of media. This position will work directly with science communication professionals and convey information to park staff, NPS partners, and the public. The person in the position will also assist with the production of a variety of publications that provide scientific information on resource condition used by decision makers to conserve park resources. The translation of scientific information in reports and other publications is an essential part of the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division. For nearly two decades we have collected scientific information on NPS natural resources but the translation and dissemination of this information into report or web summaries has not always kept pace with the production of scientific data. Yet, science communication is essential for significant conservation impact.

This position will work alongside science communication professionals to assist with the translation and dissemination of information. There will be an opportunity to build templates and content that can further increase capacity within our team, while creating various articles and media to highlight work ongoing in the networks.

DELIVERABLES

1) Technical writing contributing to the revision or completion of science protocols and reports; review of documents for clarity; editing documents to comply with specific NPS formatting requirements.

2) Creation of digital content: composition of articles for web pages, development or revision of ArcGIS StoryMaps to convey the meaning of ecological monitoring results and designs; graphic layout and infographics; review of websites for content gaps to help ensure the full range of science results from network programs are publicly accessible; coordination with specialists on development of web-based briefing statements to share results of ecological monitoring.

3) Participation in periodic field outings to learn about data collection methods and the implementation of NPS science in the field.

4) Potential coordination of and participation in science symposia, planning sessions, and science communication workshops.

DESIRED INTERN QUALIFICATIONS

• Science writing experience is essential, with exceptional command of American English grammar. Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style is preferred.
• Strong web graphics and composition skills are desirable.
• A background (formal coursework) or strong interest in ecological sciences or nature is preferred.
• Honesty, openness to experience, creativity, and collegiality are essential for this position.
• A commitment to, and ability to convey, the meaning of ecological science in the 21st century is desired.
• An interest in the National Park Service and learning and innovating while working alongside a team of NPS and partnering scientists is essential.
• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident (“green-card-holder”). Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required.

WORK SETTING
A majority of the work is performed in an office setting with temperature controls, adequate light, and ventilation. Occasional field visits may create exposure to a variety of physical settings including extreme climatic conditions and rugged terrain. Summer temperatures can exceed 100˚F, with mild fall and winter conditions. The Desert Research Learning Center is located on the eastern edge of Tucson, a vibrant city with numerous amenities. Shopping is approximately 10 minutes (driving) away.

VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Yes, applicant will need a valid driver's license in order to drive a government vehicle.
• A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position.

HOUSING
Yes. Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.

Fully furnished private room at the Desert Research Learning Center. Shared kitchen, restrooms, and laundry facilities are on-site.

KEYWORDS
science communication, climate change, writing, editing, web articles, outreach, ecology, publications, accessibility, invasive species