Individual Placement-Alaska- Fisheries and Wildlife Technician

Position Summary 

As a crewmember, you will work with Forest Service biologists conducting a range of wildlife and fisheries projects in the Juneau Ranger District of the Tongass National Forest. Data from the projects are used to help manage salmon runs that are an important subsistence resource for local residents.

For the first half of the season, the intern will assist with the Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey in remote sites around the Tongass NF. These point count surveys are conducted in the early morning hours and may involve off-trail hiking and backpacking. The primary role for the position in the latter half of the season is to assist in assembling and installing remotely monitored video weirs used to count salmon.

Location 

Juneau, AK

Schedule 

April 13, 2026 - September 26, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The field sites for some projects are in remote areas, and accessing them will require travel by floatplane, boats, and by foot. The field conditions often include wet and inclement weather, working around bears, and hiking in wet and uneven terrain. Field trips usually last several days and require staying in small cabins or camping. Other work is conducted adjacent to the Juneau road system.

Specific Duties include:

· Assisting with logistics and fieldwork for bird surveys.

· Monitor nesting seabird colonies.

· Prepping equipment and tools for field trips.

· Assisting with assembly of weirs and electronics in the field.

· Carrying heavy weights (i.e., 60 lb. batteries) during field work.

· Reviewing recorded video to identify and count Sockeye Salmon or nesting Arctic Terns.

· Record and manage data from video counts, depth and temperature loggers, etc.

· Assisting with outreach efforts in small southeast Alaska communities.

· Working with other Forest Service programs as needed.

Marginal Duties 

The crewmember also will take primary responsibility for a video weir project monitoring salmon escapement in a recent stream restoration project.

Required Qualifications 

Willingness to travel and camp in wet and inclement weather, among bears and other wildlife.

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 

This position is an opportunity to develop skills in bird identification by sight and sound, data management, solar power, electronics, computer networking, and recording of underwater video. Experience in these areas is desirable but not required.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

The Forest Service has an apartment style bunkhouse that is available for use by the intern. The intern will share one apartment with up to three other individuals, sharing a room with up to one other individual. Standards of cleanliness will be required along with restrictions on alcohol and drugs when staying in the Forest Service Bunkhouse. We can also provide a bicycle for use by the intern during the timeframe they will be working for the Forest Service.

Compensation  

$450/week living allowance

$1,300 one-time roundtrip travel stipend

$300 duty-related reimbursements for personal protective equipment

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.