As a crewmember you will work with a Forest Service fisheries biologist and technicians conducting a spectrum of fisheries projects on the beautiful Chugach National Forest. These range from monitoring a rotary screw trap and assisting with monitoring of resident fish populations in Cooper Creek just west of Cooper landing, AK. The primary role for the position is to be a member of a fisheries field crew sampling different habitat units using electrofishing and snorkeling for resident fish, and to monitor juvenile fish populations using the screw trap in Cooper Creek. Data from the projects are used to understand how fish use different habitat in a system with a hydroelectric dam. In addition, the crewmember may take part in a wide variety of other projects as needed. The crewmember also will assist with habitat delineation on an ongoing restoration project and other fisheries related projects.
This position is an opportunity to develop skills in electrofishing, habitat assessment, and fish identification. Experience in these areas is desirable but not required. The field sites for the projects are accessed via hiking both on and off trail, and members may be expected to spend some nights in the field. The field conditions often include wet and inclement weather, working around brown bears, and hiking in challenging and uneven terrain.
Specific duties include:
· Prepping equipment and tools for fieldwork
· Assisting with mark recapture of fish
· Operating a rotary screw trap
· Electrofishing
· Snorkel Surveys
· Assisting with Kids Fishing Day
· Carrying heavy loads (i.e., 60 lb. batteries) during field work
· Working with other Forest Service programs as needed
Compensation amounts:
· $1,300 – RT travel allowance to work site and back
· $300 – weekly living allowance
· AmeriCorps eligibility (Education award $1,718.25)
· $550 – monthly housing allowance (to pay for USFS bunkhouse housing)
*All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes
*Start date is somewhat flexible and may be able to be moved to later in May if a candidate is unable to start May 7.
Please provide a 1-2 page professional resume as an attachment to your SCA application. A cover letter is encouraged.
It is SCA's policy that all AmeriCorps-required background checks must return cleared prior to the position's start; this includes being fingerprinted for the FBI check. Otherwise, the AmeriCorps award will be removed or the position's start date will be delayed due to non-compliance.
*For SCA's COVID-19 guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid
Position ID: PO-00735242
Expected Dates: May 7, 2023 - August 26, 2023
Location:
33599 Ranger Station Spur
Seward, AK 99664
US
Training Provided: Training is provided for all technical aspects of the job. In addition, the intern will participate in a week-long training in May for all seasonal employees that includes CPR/First Aid, Bear Safety, safe boating, etc.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: There are numerous recreational opportunities in the Chugach National Forest, from front country recreation to backcountry, numerous multi-purpose trials, camping sites, fishing, wildlife viewing, whitewater and other boating opportunities.
Handicap Accessible?: Yes
Main Area of Focus: Wildlife Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Not needed
Housing or Stipend Provided?
C.Partner will pay the SCA to provide housing allowance for the member.
Housing is available in a US Forest Service bunkhouse in Moose Pass, AK. There are two bunkhouses, one male and one female, each with shared bathrooms, common areas, and kitchens.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: No
