M.S. Graduate Assistantship in Shorebird Ecology

The AmeriCorps Cape Cod Member position involves serving in coastal ecosystem protection, environmental education, and community outreach on Cape Cod, MA. Members will complete 1,700 hours of service over 11 months, participating in various activities including trail management and marine mammal rescue. The role offers a living stipend, free housing, and an education award. Applicants should have a background in relevant fields and a commitment to community service.
AmeriCorps Cape Cod Member Position Description

20 Available Spots for the Year 27 Term of Service

Protect coastal ecosystems, teach environmental stewardship, engage communities, and respond to critical disaster needs—all while gaining hands-on experience and top-notch training in a renowned national service program.

Year 27 AmeriCorps Cape Cod service members will serve 1,700 hours over 11 months in the areas of natural resource management, disaster preparedness and response, environmental education, and community outreach. The Year 27 term runs from September 2, 2025 to July 23, 2026. Applicants must be available to serve the full term (vacation time provided) and live in provided (free) residential housing.

Why Apply?

✅ $16,500 living stipend & potential gas and food assistance

✅ FREE housing & supplies (only a few AmeriCorps programs in the country provide housing…and we're one of them!)

✅ $7,395 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for student loans or future education costs

✅ Extensive training/credentialling & a strong alumni network

✅ Live and serve on beautiful Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Summary

Professional, field, and administrative service activities directly related to the AmeriCorps Cape Cod program; all other related service activities as required. Members will participate in training, weekly Group Service projects, educational programs, retreats, event planning, emergency sheltering, marine mammal rescue, and other activities as required.

Essential Functions
• Performs trail and land management including invasive species removal, as required
• Performs shell fishing and aquaculture activities for required projects
• Provides wildland fire management with supervision and support as required
• Participates and teaches in environmental school programs including WET Fest and leads educational and outreach events
• Performs various activities in the field and office as required for assigned Individual Placements with a local service partner
• Assists with marine mammal rescue events with partnering organizations as required
• Maintains readiness for emergency response deployment as indicated and deploys for emergency response sheltering operations as required
• Participates, plans, and leads efforts for events as required
• Responsible for timely record keeping, weekly timesheets, and program evaluations as required
• Coordinate and lead select weekly Group Service projects
• May deploy nationally in the event of a disaster with short notice

Recommended minimum requirements:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree, associate degree, or some college preferred; background or experience in Biology, Environmental Science, Social/Community Services, Emergency Response, and/or related field preferred. A high school diploma or GED is required.

Knowledge: Willingness to learn. Knowledge of volunteer and service programs a plus. Knowledge or interest related to environmental studies, biology, or other science or education, disaster response or related/applicable fields is a plus.

Ability: Demonstrates a commitment to community service and environmental service. Demonstrates ability to work well in a team setting and independently.

Essential skills: All training including tools and attire are provided. Some experience working with children or young people, in disaster response, leading volunteers, with power tools, and Microsoft Suite are a plus.

Special Requirements:
• Must meet federal AmeriCorps eligibility requirements including clearance on all required national service criminal history checks (National Sex Offender Public Website, State Criminal History Check, and FBI)
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must be a United States citizen or a legal permanent resident
• Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain by hire date
• Reliable vehicle preferred; if unattainable, accommodation may be available
• Must complete a successful pre-employment physical exam before term of service begins Must reside in an assigned residence throughout the term of service

Please visit our website for the full position description!

How to apply:

Have questions? Want to shadow a current service member? Contact Program Manager Misty Niemeyer (misty.niemeyer@capecod.gov).

Other important items to know:

AmeriCorps Cape Cod is committed to the inclusion of all people with all abilities and can provide reasonable accommodations upon request. This includes during the application and interview process. Please contact Justyna Marczak with any questions regarding the requirements at jmarczak@capecod.gov.

We are an EOE/AA Employer. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution will not discriminate against a member or applicant based on race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, or disability.

All AmeriCorps members must adhere to all AmeriCorps, Barnstable County, and AmeriCorps Cape Cod policies, rules, and regulations including following all standards set by AmeriCorps the Agency regarding prohibited member activities.

The AmeriCorps Cape Cod program is funded through grants from AmeriCorps the Agency and matching funds from Barnstable County. Housing is provided by Barnstable County, the Town of Barnstable, and the Cape Cod National Seashore.