Conservation Corps - 2026 Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Team Member

Position Summary

The  SCA Alaska Corps- Kenai National Wildlife Refuge team is a 14 week AmeriCorps program focused on leadership development, completing trail work projects, and building a sense of community. As a member of a 4 person crew you will be led by one SCA Project Leader. 

This team will be based out of Soldotna, AK. They will be working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service on the Swan and Swanson River Canoe Systems using cross cut saw or in non-wilderness areas with chainsaws(tbd). The projects for this crew will include but not be limited to trail maintenance, new trail construction, and boardwalk repair projects. These projects may be accessed by canoe via the lake and rivers within the system. Members should be comfortable traveling in a canoe with gear over open water or in motorized boats.

Schedule 

May 15, 2026 - August 22, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

This Corps Team will be working with the US Forest Service 6 weeks in the Wrangell RD and with the City of Wrangell where they will perform a variety of trail maintenance and recreation maintenance tasks. They will work for 6 weeks in the Thorne Bay RD on the Karta River Wilderness Trail building and maintaining trail, performing wilderness monitoring, and cabin maintenance. Crosscut is required for the Thorne Bay portion.

Members will:

• Ensure project, basecamp, community, and general safety standards are upheld; full engagement is expected in all service projects and community activities.

• Uniform: AmeriCorps Member will be required to wear the AmeriCorps and SCA logo daily

• Interfacing with general public and partner organizations in a manner that reflects positively upon the crew, organization, and agency.

• Play an active role in learning and executing the logistics of a project, cooking meals, understanding emergency response plans, critically thinking about risk and hazard mitigation, and completing all necessary paperwork related to member service activities.

• Comply with all SCA, USFWS, and AmeriCorps policies and refrain from any prohibited activities.

The team will live in close proximity and eat meals together; they will spend most of the program camping, but may also have access to a bunkhouse. The team will work with each other to resolve conflict and build relationships in a remote area. Cell service and modern amenities will be limited or unavailable during the work week. This team will work in small, tight-knit community, and positive representation of SCA is expected during days off as well as during the work week.

While working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the team will be able to network with professionals in natural resources and recreation management. The crew will have unique opportunities to learn about different career paths in recreation and natural resources and see first-hand what their work consists of.

Members should be prepared to camp throughout the summer and face the challenges of weather, insects, remoteness and wildlife typical of outdoor work in Alaska. This is an opportunity to learn the hard and soft skills required for work in the outdoor industry; folks will walk away with experience in conservation trail work, leadership, interpersonal skills, and outdoor living skills.

Marginal Duties 

Any other assistance needed by agency partners, pre/post-work communal camp chores, material/supply runs to nearby towns

Required Qualifications 

• Interest and investment in leadership development and teamwork is required • Commitment to living and serving within an intensive crew environment; interpersonal skills and community living experience are pluses.

• Commitment to service in environmental conditions that will include: cold/heat, smoke, bugs, high winds, wildlife, and a lot of precipitation.

• Must be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities.

• Must be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member:

o Be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;

o Be at least 18 years or older;

o Have a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to obtain one;

o Be willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks;

• Ability to lift 50 lbs and walk/hike on uneven terrain, uphill or downhill, physical work for 8-10 hours per day

• Ability to pass SCA’s background check.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience working in an outdoor setting;

• Positive communication skills and ability to work with a team;

• Resiliency;

• Ability to take initiative;

• Ability to complete tasks independently and with others.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Members should expect to camp for the entire duration of the season. Housing during work projects will be provided in the form of tents or communal bunkhouses depending on project location and availability. SCA will supply the tents, and members will provide their own sleep system (sleeping bag and pad). Guidance on what to bring will be provided.

Compensation  

• $300/week living allowance;*

• $1150 travel allowance;*

• AmeriCorps Education Award eligibility upon completion of the full season ($1956*);

• Food & Transportation provided for duration of program

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Additional Benefits 

Bear Safety

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

Wilderness First Aid Training

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

 Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description. 

Salary : $300