What are the responsibilities and job description for the Individual Placement-Alaska-Yukon-Charley Rivers Wildlife Biology and Invasive Plants position at Student Conservation Association, Inc?
Position Summary
This SCA position will support a variety of natural resource field research projects in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve (YUCH), Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve (DENA) and Central Alaska (CAKN) and Arctic (ARCN) Inventory and Monitoring Networks. Field projects may include conducting songbird surveys in DENA and ARCN parks, peregrine falcon surveys along the upper Yukon River in YUCH, small mammal live trapping in DENA, aerial Dall’s sheep surveys in ARCN parks, and aquatic ecology work in CAKN and ARCN parks, and/or invasive plants management in YUCH. Project preparation and demobilization will be part of the placement’s tasks. The placement will assist in data entry and proofing for a variety of wildlife projects.
Location
Fairbanks, AK
Based at the Fairbanks Administrative Center, but the placement will support multiple natural resources projects in several parks and conduct a lot of field work.
Schedule
May 18, 2026 - August 30, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
• Record bird data for bird observers in remote parklands.
• Conduct small mammal trapping surveys in Denali National Park.
• Conduct peregrine falcon surveys by motorboat in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve using binoculars and spotting scopes.
• Perform invasive plant removal by hand pulling (you will be trained on the proper methods).
• Record data in both digital and paper formats with a high degree of precision.
• Work and camp in extremely remote environments often in cold/hot/rainy/and buggy conditions for up to four weeks. You will primarily access sites by hiking and boating.
• Work closely with a small team towards a shared goal, with occasional time spent working alone.
• Hike up to 10 miles per day on rough terrain where there are no trails, and may be thick brush and steep hills, while carrying a pack weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Work, travel, and camp in bear habitat safely (you will receive proper training on best practices and carry bear deterrent in the field).
Members will:
• Demonstrate a commitment to service in environmental conditions that will include: cold/heat, smoke, bugs, high winds, wildlife, and a lot of precipitation.
• Be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities.
• Be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member, which includes:
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
Marginal Duties
• Prepare and demobilize projects.
• Assist with science communication projects on natural resources research.
Required Qualifications
• Ability to live and work in remote areas without cell phone or internet for extended periods of time.
• Personal, work, or academic knowledge related to biology or natural resource fields.
• Competency using Microsoft word and excel programs, and general computer literacy.
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
• Experience collecting scientific data.
• Experience hiking and camping.
• Knowledge of ESRI GIS mapping and data collection products.
• Experience in and around boats, particularly small paddle craft like canoes and kayaks and small motorized boats.
• Experience with bird identification.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
No housing is provided. The placement will need to arrange their own housing Fairbanks, AK.
Fairbanks is the second largest city in Alaska with approximately 90,000 people living in the area. Grocery stores, restaurants and other amenities are available. A bus system provides transportation in town. Rentals are available for lodging ranging from $900-$1400/month for dry cabins, efficiencies and one bedroom apartments. Room rentals in homes may be less ($700-$900/mo). National Park Service in Fairbanks does not have lodging or a bunkhouse available. NPS has bikes available for placements to use.
Compensation
$350/week living allowance
$1,250/month housing stipend
$1,500 one-time roundtrip travel allowance
$2,300 duty-related reimbursements for in-season travel
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Not needed
Additional Benefits
Bear Safety
First Aid/CPR
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
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.