This SCA position will be part of the ecology and wildlife teams on the Chugach National Forest, Prince William Sound management Zone (PWSZ). This is a dynamic program that covers a large landscape with a wide variety of projects. The PWSZ totals 4.1 million acres and includes the areas of both Prince William Sound and The Copper River Delta. This position will be based out of the Cordova Ranger District in Cordova, Alaska. The PWSZ ecology program is diverse and includes outreach, planning, and participation in ongoing projects such as the elodea monitoring project, fungus festival, invasive plant work, vegetation monitoring, as well as interdisciplinary projects (wildlife, fisheries, recreation, and subsistence).
The main focus for this position will be working with the elodea monitoring project. This program includes aquatic plant identification, snorkeling in dry suits to complete transects and data management. This position will be part of a field crew (2-3 people) going to areas only accessible by boat, in the heart of the Copper River Delta. The incumbent will collaborate with ecologists and other field technicians to complete field logistics, collect data, enter data, analyze data, and write articles/reports on results.
Additional projects may include: fungus festival, assessment and removal of invasive species, dusky Canada goose nest island monitoring and other biological survey work.
This position will work in a variety of landscapes including but not limited to wetlands, forests, intertidal zones, and streams. Much of the field work is conducted from remote field camps and boats and planes are common modes of transportation. Much of the work can be physically demanding and may require long days carrying packs weighing up to 30 lbs and walking through wetlands and other challenging terrain. Coastal Alaska weather may be inclement and field crews can expect multiple day rain events in the middle of summer. Although challenging, this position will be the adventure of a lifetime!
Compensation amounts:
- $1,500 – one time RT travel allowance
- $475 – weekly living allowance
- $300 – monthly housing allowance (to be used for USFS housing)
- AmeriCorps Education Award ($2,474.27)
*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes
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-00735220
Expected Dates: May 15, 2023 - October 1, 2023
Training Provided: Provide USFS training which may include but not limited to: aviation user, bear and moose safety, bear spray, first aid.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Cordova has a wide range of services for a small town. Paddle sports, fishing, hiking, and small music festivals are all popular there.
Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Housing or Stipend Provided?
C.Partner will pay the SCA to provide housing allowance for the member.
Indoor/Outdoor: Combination
US Citizenship: Yes
