Science Communication Volunteer Jobs in Tennessee

Position Title: National Park Service - Ecological Conservation and Outreach Steward - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Stones River National Battlefield

3501 Old Nashville Highway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Terms of Service:

• Anticipated Start Date: 09/21/2026
• Anticipated End Date: 04/30/2027 (32 weeks)
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 Hours

Purpose:

Stewards Individual Placementsis an AmeriCorps Program which provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and protect our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting the conservation of natural areas. For nearly a century, Stones River National Battlefield has actively protected its historic areas to deepen visitor experience and foster meaningful engagement. Although the natural area has changed over time, the park's present-day vegetation patterns closely resemble those present during the historic events associated with the Battle of Stones River, fought during the American Civil War. These natural communities continue to influence how the battle is interpreted and understood, guiding the way visitors move through, learn from, and connect with the site. Stewards, in partnership with Stones River National Battlefield, are seeking an AmeriCorps member who will assist with the implementation of established natural resource and invasive species management to protect the cultural and natural resources of the park by providing outreach and education to visitors.

The Ecological Conservation & Outreach (ECO) Steward is an AmeriCorps position that will serve closely with Natural Resource Management (NRM) staff and Interpretation and Education staff as a part of an interdisciplinary team. The ECO Steward will assist NRM staff by taking photos and videos of management operations, and natural area conditions (before and after) to be used on the park's website and social media to improve the public's knowledge of the critical resources found in the park and the strategies used to conserve them. The ECO Steward will also have the opportunity to share Natural resource information with the public through the development of web pages, exhibits, interpretive publications, social media posts, and guided tours. The ECO Steward will receive training in preparing interpretive programs and media and will prepare and present at least one onsite or outreach interpretive program.

If you are ready to embark on a fulfilling journey with Stones River National Battlefield, apply now by uploading your resume and cover letter, and take the first step towards a rewarding career with the National Park Service!

To learn more about Stewards, please visit: Homepage | Stewards Individual Placement Program

To learn more about Stones River National Battlefield, please visit: Stones River National Battlefield (U.S. National Park Service)

Description of Duties:

As an AmeriCorps volunteer serving with Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro, TN, your responsibilities will include:

• Serving closely with Natural Resource Management staff to perform ecological conservation at the park.
• Engaging in limestone cedar glade restoration, native grasslands restoration, interseeding existing fields, and general invasive plant management.
• Assisting with the formation of fire lanes.
• Performing outreach tasks with Interpretation and Education staff to support conservation efforts.
• Creating positive visitor experiences through interpretation, NPS social media posts, and website design.
• Developing science communication and educational outreach tools in a variety of media forms to enhance visitor experiences and support conservation efforts.
• Leading volunteer crews in ecological conservation projects.

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.

• Between the ages of 18 - 30, or up to age 35 with Veteran status.

• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or 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.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.

• Must have a valid Driver's License.

• Demonstrates high motivation and can serve both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Experience with standard conservation methodology and tools and is adaptable to service projects that require flexibility.
• Possesses strong writing and communication skills.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office programs.
• Experience creating science communication materials, as well as expertise in digital publishing, photography, and video production.
• Bachelor's degree in science communication, biology, ecology or closely related field is preferred.

Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work 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. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve 40 hours a week Monday-Friday, but exact service schedules may vary. This position will also be required to serve one Saturday a month for volunteer events with a regular weekday off.A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service. Occasionally, service plans may change unexpectedly due to weather conditions or training opportunities.
• The volunteer may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
• The volunteer will serve fully in person on site.

Orientation and Training:

• The member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• The member will receive training in herbicide applications, operation of brushblades, polesaws, UTVs, tractors, bushhoggs, sprayer equipment, safe identification of hazards including fallen trees, limbs, debris, and poisonous plants, and standard data collection methodology.
• Additional training opportunities available to the member will include Operational Leadership, First AID CPR/AED, and ArcGIS mapping.
• The member will also have a broad range of professional development opportunities including shadowing NPS staff across different work groups to gain exposure to cultural resource management, resource stewardship, interpretation, facilities, and natural resources operations.

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50.
• Living Allowance of $580 per week.
• Additional Benefit of $100 per week.
• Professional Development Funds of $1,000.
• AmeriCorps Health Insurance if Eligible.
• On-site housing available.
• Student loan forbearance if Eligible.
• Student loan interest Payments if Eligible.
• Eligible for Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority upon successful completion of term.

• Training and Professional Development Opportunities.
• Employee Wellness Program (connect with a licensed professional counselor and 24/7 support).

• Networking and Mentorship.

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps volunteer, performance will be evaluated on whether the volunteer has completed the required number of hours, the volunteer has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the volunteer 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.

Recruiter & Program Coordinator Contact Information:

Meaghan Hall

Stewards Individual Placements Program Coordinator

mhall@conservationlegacy.org

681-666-3266

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 reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.