Denali Education Intern
Alaska Geographic is the primary partner working with the National Park Service to manage the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC), a consortium of park partners supporting and disseminating park science in the entrance area of Denali. The MSLC provides informal and formal education programs and assists visiting researchers to the park with financial assistance and logistical support. The center has a public exhibit area, a classroom and office space. Like other field institutes within a National Park, Alaska Geographic’s field courses are a signature experience in Denali.
The MSLC is located in the entrance area of Denali and within walking distance to many local services and the Intern housing unit. A bike is also provided for the intern.
Denali is remote. Though there are many shops, restaurants and hotels in the immediate area it is a two hour drive to get to a substantial town (Fairbanks) with grocery stores and amenities. It is a five hour drive to get to the state’s major airport hub in Anchorage.
The intern will have a private room in a four-plex cabin. Meals are provided in the employee dining hall that is used by more than a hundred other employees with the park concessionaire and the National Park Service. There is a shared bathhouse and recreation facility that includes a laundry facility. Internet service and cell service is available in the area.
Alaska Geographic is seeking a motivated and outgoing individual with a passion for helping our park visitors develop an appreciation for wildlands and park science. The candidate will live and work in Denali National Park and Preserve, and be a member of a small education team with one of Alaska’s oldest nonprofit organizations. Alaska Geographic is the primary partner working with the National Park Service to manage the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC), a consortium of park partners supporting and disseminating park science in the entrance area of Denali. The MSLC provides informal and formal education programs and assists visiting researchers to the park with financial assistance and logistical support. Like other field institutes within a National Park, Alaska Geographic’s field courses are a signature experience in Denali. The Education Intern is involved in many facets of our education programs and nonprofit operations. These duties include administrative tasks, managing program logistics, staffing the information desk and hosting guest speaker events. Other duties may include leading science walks, assisting multi-day seminars and giving presentations. On multi-day seminars, the intern would be responsible for group management, driving, and field camp management. Throughout the summer the intern will work on projects that may involve program development, producing graphical and promotional materials, and making improvements to our science exhibits. Interns work with a mentor, have monthly performance reviews, and have opportunities to learn and experience other aspects of Denali National Park and Preserve based on interest. Intern will not be required to handle money. Alaska Geographic seeks an intern with strong skills or experience in the following areas:
- Ability to manage and complete a list of detailed tasks each day
- Confidence and experience with public speaking
- Comfortable hiking and camping in remote wilderness
- Experience planning and packing for wilderness trips
- A driver’s license and safe driving record (background check is required)
- Guiding and/or group management experience
- Basic First Aid (or higher) and CPR certifications
- Experience teaching adult and/or kid populations
- Naturalist/Environmental Education experience
- Knowledge of wildlife research and the natural history of Alaska
- Basic Computer skills (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.)
- Experience with desktop publishing (MsPublisher & Indesign)
Interns work a 14-16 week summer season (between May and late August) with 40-hours per week schedule. Housing and a meal plan is provided by Alaska Geographic. The intern will have a private room in a four-plex cabin. Meals are provided in the employee dining hall that is used by more than a hundred other employees with the park concessionaire and the National Park Service. There is a shared bathhouse and recreation facility that includes a laundry facility. Internet service and cell service is available in the area. Denali is remote. Though there are many shops, restaurants and hotels in the immediate area it is a two hour drive to get to a substantial town (Fairbanks) with grocery stores and amenities. It is a five hour drive to get to the state’s major airport hub in Anchorage. To learn more about our programs and operations, visit our websites at www.alaskageographic.org and www.murieslc.org
