1

Scientists In Parks Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree or higher in Parks and Recreation, Education, Public and Environmental Affairs, Natural Sciences, or related fields * Minimum of three years of relevant experience * Thorough ...

Bachelor's degree or higher in Parks and Recreation, Education, Public and Environmental Affairs, Natural Sciences, or related fields * Minimum of three years of relevant experience * Thorough ...

... in Police Science or a comparable degree program related to the work of the position, such as ... enforcement in parks, forests, or other natural resource or recreational environments; in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Scientists In Parks information

See Arizona salary details

$32.7K

$74.2K

$114.9K

How much do scientists in parks jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for scientists in parks in Arizona is $74,164.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,100.00 and $85,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do national parks hire geologists?

Scientists in parks, including geologists, are often employed by federal agencies such as the National Park Service to conduct geological surveys, assess landforms, and support conservation efforts. Geologists working in parks typically need relevant degrees, field experience, and may use tools like GIS and mapping software. These roles can involve fieldwork, research, and collaboration with other environmental specialists.

What are Scientists in Parks?

Scientists in Parks (SIP) is a program that places early career professionals, students, and recent graduates in temporary positions within the National Park Service. Participants work on natural resource management, research, and science-based projects in national parks across the United States. The program provides hands-on experience and training in fields such as ecology, geology, environmental science, and cultural resource management. SIP positions are designed to support park needs while offering valuable career development opportunities for aspiring scientists.

Do national parks hire environmental scientists?

Yes, national parks often employ environmental scientists to conduct research, monitor ecosystems, and support conservation efforts. These roles typically require knowledge of ecology, data collection skills, and sometimes specialized certifications, with work often conducted outdoors in natural settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Scientists In Parks participant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scientists In Parks participant, you typically need a background in natural sciences or environmental studies, with relevant coursework or a degree in biology, ecology, geology, or a similar field. Familiarity with field research tools, GIS mapping software, data collection methods, and sometimes certifications like Wilderness First Aid are important. Strong observational skills, adaptability, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in diverse outdoor settings and collaborative projects. These skills ensure accurate scientific contributions, safety, and meaningful engagement with park resource management and public outreach.

How do Scientists in Parks typically collaborate with National Park Service staff and other stakeholders during their projects?

Scientists in Parks usually work closely with National Park Service (NPS) staff, including park rangers, resource managers, and interpretive teams, to ensure their research aligns with park management goals. They may also coordinate with external partners such as universities, community organizations, and volunteers. Regular meetings, fieldwork, and presentations are common ways these collaborations happen, fostering a team-oriented environment and promoting knowledge sharing. This collaborative structure not only enhances research outcomes but also provides valuable networking and professional development opportunities.

What do scientists do in national parks?

Scientists in parks conduct research to monitor and understand ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources. They collect data through fieldwork, use tools like GPS and sampling equipment, and often collaborate with park staff to inform conservation efforts and park management decisions.

What is the highest paying national park job?

In the context of scientists working in parks, senior research scientists or park superintendents tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities within park management or scientific research projects.

What is the difference between Scientists In Parks vs Environmental Scientists?

AspectScientists In ParksEnvironmental Scientists
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in ecology, biology, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in environmental science, ecology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentNational or state parks, outdoor settings, fieldworkResearch labs, government agencies, fieldwork in various environments
Employer & IndustryPark services, conservation agenciesEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, research institutions
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Scientists In Parks and Environmental Scientists both focus on studying ecosystems and conservation. However, Scientists In Parks typically work directly within park environments, emphasizing fieldwork and conservation efforts in outdoor settings. Environmental Scientists often work in labs or offices, conducting research that supports environmental policies and solutions across various industries. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are vital for environmental protection, but their work settings and specific focus areas differ.

What are popular job titles related to Scientists In Parks jobs in Arizona? For Scientists In Parks jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Scientists In Parks jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Scientists In Parks jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Scientists In Parks jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Scientists In Parks job openings:
Infographic showing various Scientists In Parks job openings in Arizona as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,164 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Ecology Assistant (52 Weeks) - AmeriCorps

SCIENTISTS IN PARKS

Flagstaff, AZ • On-site

$42K - $48K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4521
Position Title: Ecology Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Intermountain Region Office, Flagstaff, Arizona
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 52 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 11/02/2026
End Date: 11/01/2027
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1700 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.
BENEFITS

  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $ 7,395.00 upon successful completion of position (pre-tax)
  • Weekly Living Allowance: $ 775.00 per week, fixed rate (pre-tax)
  • Relocation Allowance: $ 450.00 (distributed as a one-time lump sum with first paycheck) (pre-tax)
  • Student Loan Forbearance if applicable (administered by MyAmeriCorps, directly)
  • Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable (administered through MyAmeriCorps, directly)
  • For 52-week positions only:
    • Free Healthcare Coverage (opt in)
    • Childcare Coverage (opt in)

APPLICATION TIMELINE
Preference given to applicants who submit applications before Sunday, June 14, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the application deadline passes. Positions will close after receiving 60 complete applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on June 14, 2026, whichever occurs first.
KEYWORDS: fire management, ecological data, fire environment, planning, communication
PURPOSE
This Ecology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This position will support wildland fire management planning and decision-making in parks in the Intermountain West by helping to deliver relevant future fire conditions data and information to managers. The outcomes from the effort will help parks achieve management goals and objectives of reducing risk to irreplaceable resources and protecting natural ecosystem integrity and function for the enjoyment of future generations. The will also provide professional development experience being at the interface of science and land management which is important for future operate in the field of fire ecology and management.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
This position will support wildland fire management planning and decision-making in parks in the Intermountain West by helping to deliver relevant future fire conditions data and information to National Park Service (NPS) and wildland fire managers. The outcomes from the effort will help parks achieve management goals and objectives of reducing risk to irreplaceable resources and protecting natural ecosystem integrity and function for the enjoyment of future generations. The projects will also provide professional development experience collaborating at the interface of science and land management.

Project products will be designed to be directly incorporated into fire management plans, help prioritize and locate strategic fuels treatments, and inform preparedness, response, and recovery decisions in parks. Data and information products and tools used will be guided by regional or geographic area fire ecologists and fire planners. The SIP will collaborate with the regional and geographic area staff to determine the most effective way to communicate the resulting information for direct use by practitioners. The SIP will then projects directly with staff at multiple parks to present and discuss various resources and information that can assist managers.
DELIVERABLES
The primary products from this position will include fire regime and environmental data compilation and communication and training tools/guides for disseminating future fire conditions information to park and wildland fire managers. These products may include presentations, workshops, data visualizations, communication plans, job aids, training classes, reports, and resource briefs.
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 host site.
  • The applicant must be available to participate for the entire 52 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must have experience in written and oral communication. Candidates must also have the ability to participate in a collaborative team environment where communication between scientists and land managers is the focus. Candidates should have experience with, or a strong interest in, environment information, fire management processes, and ecological effects of fire. The ability to quickly become familiar with multiple types of information systems including databases, GIS, decision support tools, as well as previous collaborate with ecological and/or environment data, are also preferred.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
A majority of the project is performed in an office setting with adequate light, heat, and ventilation in a negotiated NPS office space. Occasional site visits to park units may create exposure to a variety of physical settings including extreme climatic conditions and rugged terrain. Local area details will vary based on office location.

HOUSING
Park housing is NOT available. The participant will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area.

Preferred station is the NPS office in Flagstaff, AZ. Other NPS locations near Intermountain Region parks or the Lakewood, CO or Santa Fe, NM regional offices may be considered upon negotiation with the chosen candidate. All locations with have options for rental housing - prices and conditions will vary based on location.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Applicant will not need to drive a government vehicle.
  • A personal vehicle is not required for this position.

OUR COMMITMENT
Stewards Individual Placements and Conservation Legacy are 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 Scientists in Parks using the email address at the base of the home page, under "Questions? Contact Us!"
TIME REQUIREMENTS

  • This position is expected to serve full time each week, but exact service schedules may vary based on project needs. Lunch breaks and days off 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

  • Member will receive pertinent project and site training from the host site throughout the term.
  • Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
  • Access to free professional development webinars led by Conservation Legacy staff.

EVALUATION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of minimum AmeriCorps 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, monthly accomplishment tracking, a mid-term report, and a final report.
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 (5) 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 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/.
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 Scientists in Parks program will host the Ecology Assistant at Intermountain Region Office.
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 Scientists in Parks using the email address at the base of the home page, under "Questions? Contact Us!"