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How much do scientists in parks jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for scientists in parks in the United States is $90,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $100,000.00 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.

More about Scientists In Parks jobs
What cities are hiring for Scientists In Parks jobs? Cities with the most Scientists In Parks job openings:
What states have the most Scientists In Parks jobs? States with the most job openings for Scientists In Parks jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Scientists In Parks jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Scientists In Parks jobs are:
Scientists In Parks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientists In Parks job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,961 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Cave and Karst Assistant (26 Weeks) - AmeriCorps

Scientists in Parks

Monument, OR • On-site

$38K - $48K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4519
Position Title: Cave and Karst Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Oregon Caves National Monument, Cave Junction, Oregon
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 04/19/2027
End Date: 10/18/2027
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.
BENEFITS
  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $ 3,697.00 upon successful completion of position (pre-tax)
  • Weekly Living Allowance: $ 675.00 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)

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: Cave, Karst, Hydrology, Bats, GIS
PURPOSE
This Cave and Karst Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This position will assist a small park staff in meeting natural resource management needs through inventory and monitoring activities related to biology, hydrology, geology, and geography, supporting the restoration of lands and waters and the protection of species and natural resources. The project will directly result in maintaining public available to the park's Cave Tour, and wildfire pre-survey project approval. The project leaders will directly train and mentor the participant while completing tasks that require assistance for data collection, analysis, and safety protocols, contributing to the delivery of reliable scientific information to inform resource management decisions. Project leaders will collaborate with SIP participant to support career development and collaborative stewardship aligned with Department of the Interior priorities. The position will assist the park in completing its yearly integrated natural resource monitoring field projects, processing, and reporting. Oregon Caves will provide SIP participant with a meaningful, engaging resource management experience while contributing to the conservation and stewardship of public lands.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
This position is an interdisciplinary natural resource management position that involves inventory, monitoring, and processing of various scientific data using tablets, computers and other technology. This position will provide training and experience in subjects of natural resources including but not limited to cave ecology, geology, wildlife biology, hydrology, and botany. The participant will assist in cave resource monitoring, hydrology monitoring, invasive weeds database management, bat acoustic identification, bat mist netting, GIS & GPS inventory and mapping, database management, and report writing. The participant must be able to operate in an office setting and backcountry setting to traverse varied terrain including slopes, uneven trails, cross-country areas, wet areas, caves and snow-covered areas. The projects schedule will vary from day to day with a focus on completing assigned natural resource tasks.
DELIVERABLES
Deliverables include supporting the completion of parkwide inventory and monitoring efforts including pre-surveys for wildfire risk reduction projects. Responsibilities also include processing hydrological, geological, biological, and GIS data, and contributing to associated reports and map products. The SIP will develop one or more science education programs for the public, complete an independent project based on their interests and park priorities, and assist in updating Standard Operating Procedures, Job Hazard Analyses, and other safety documentation.
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 26 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
This position is ideally suited for a recent college graduate in the sciences, although other levels of education will be considered. Desired qualifications include experience with cave and karst resource management, caving experience, or a demonstrated interest in pursuing jobs in cave and karst environments. Additional qualifications include the ability to complete projects effectively as part of a team, lead projects independently, collaborate to solve problems, collect data following established protocols, and analyze and communicate scientific information. The position requires the ability to complete projects in both rugged field and office settings and proficiency with Microsoft software products. Candidates with experience in GIS/GPS mapping are preferred.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
This position will be a combination of office-based activities using computers, field activities, and cave projects in rugged conditions. Oregon Caves is located in a mountainous forest setting at 4000' elevation, with a 3-mile-long cave toured by the public. The park housing, offices and visitor center are clustered together in a historic district just outside the cave entrance creating a central, social atmosphere. The town of Cave Junction is 20 miles away with two grocery stores, a dollar store, health clinic and numerous restaurants and activities. Grants Pass and Medford are large cities located 1 to 1.5 hours away with all amenities and the closest hospital. Redwood National and State Parks and beautiful beaches are within a 2-hour drive from the park. Weather will likely be mild with a mix of sun and rain. Heavy rain and snow are also possible, along with hot temperatures, depending on the time of year.
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.
Park housing will be in a shared or private room, in a shared dorm or shared house. Park housing supplies full kitchen appliances, furnished living room, dishes, bathroom/shower, laundry, wifi, food storage, closet, chest of drawers, desk, and twin bed/mattress. SIP participant will need to bring clothing, personal items, hiking boots, bedding, pillow and food.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
  • Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
  • A personal vehicle is recommended 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 Cave and Karst Assistant at Oregon Caves National Monument.
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!"

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