Individual Placement-Alaska- Subsistence Monitoring Technician

Position Summary 

The ideal candidate for this position is looking for an immersive experience working in the fisheries field in remote Alaska. The work and field conditions will be challenging at times, but there will be no shortage of wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and rich culture along the way.

In this position, you will learn about salmon, freshwater ecology, remote fieldwork, fisheries data collection and management, boats, bears, Alaskans, and our rich way of life. Please submit an application, if that sounds like a fun summer for you.

Location 

Sitka, AK

Schedule 

May 11, 2026 - August 29, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The primary responsibilities for this position revolve around assisting our subsistence staff with fisheries monitoring and outreach. Regular duties will include construction and take down of fish weirs, sampling fish, calling harvesters, engaging youth and adults in subsistence activities and encouraging participation in the subsistence regulatory process.

Marginal Duties 

The placement may be asked to help with other Forest Service projects, not associated with weir work, which include working with Forest Service staff to help conduct wildlife, fish, or habitat surveys, implement watershed and fish habitat improvement projects, removal of old structures, cabin and trails maintenance, assisting with the kids’ fishing derby and other educational outreach programs.

Required Qualifications 

A candidate must be willing to serve in the conditions present in Sitka, AK. Typically, SCA interns and USFS staff will work 8-10 hours a day with a maximum of 12 hours per day. Work is conducted in all weather conditions (Sitka is nestled in a rainforest), around coastal brown bears and pesky bugs.

Much of our work requires walking on uneven surfaces that can be wet and slippery, standing or snorkeling in cold, sometimes fast-moving water (waders and drysuits will be provided), and carrying up to 40 pounds over moderate distances. The candidate must be a proficient swimmer.

This is a rifle carrying position. ALL candidates will be required to take a drug test and carry a rifle in the field (bear and rifle safety training will be provided).

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications 

Willingness to learn

Good communication

Ability to maintain a positive attitude in adverse conditions

Ability to work and live with a diverse team

Good sense of humor

Emotional intelligence to resolve social and emotional disagreements with field crew members

Previous firearm experience is a plus, but not required

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

This position is based out of Sitka Alaska, but much of the work for this position will be based at remote field camps. Field stints will typically last 6-10 days with a maximum of 12 days in the field.

The SCA interns will live with other forest service staff in a mixed-gender, one-room cabins or wall tents. The cabin amenities include limited electricity, an outhouse with a view, and wood heating, but there is no running water or shower.

Cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent and there is no internet, while in the field. Field camps are provided with USFS radios and inreach devices for communication with the USFS office and in case of emergencies.

While in Sitka, shared living accommodations will be provided in one of our bunkhouses. The bunkhouse often provides rooms that might be shared with one other individual.

However, all living spaces (full kitchen, living room, laundry, and bathrooms) will be shared with many. A bicycle will also be provided for transportation.

Compensation  

$450/week living allowance

$1500 one-time roundtrip travel stipend

$2400 duty-related reimbursements ($400 for Personal Protective Equipment; $2000 for gear and in-season travel)

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits 

Bear Safety

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

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.