The crew leader will manage a crew of 3-5 individuals collecting field data for the Tongass-Wide Young Growth Studies (TWYGS) project, a research-management partnership investigating forestry practices, plant communities, and wildlife habitat on the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska. Crew members will apply established field data collection protocols that encompass site conditions, overstory tree characteristics, and understory vascular plant cover. Crewmembers must be prepared for physically demanding work in a remote setting with cool wet weather. Field sites require off-trail travel in steep terrain, dense vegetation, and slash. All crewmembers will ensure the quality, efficiency, and safety of the work done by the team. Housing will be provided at US Forest Service bunkhouses and camping will be required to access some work sites. This position lasts 16 weeks and includes 90% field and 10% office work.
Qualifications:
– Knowledge of basic professional ecology and forestry concepts and principles, such as would be acquired through a bachelor's degree program in forestry, ecology, botany, wildlife biology, biology, or related natural resources field.
– Education or experience using basic forestry and ecology field tools, including compass or GPS, measuring tapes, tablets or dataloggers, clinometer, laser range finder, digital camera, or remote sensing tools.
– The ability to lead and work as part of a team in the field with the goal of high-quality data collection and based on the values of interdependence, inclusivity, safety, and mutual respect. Prior experience as a crew member on a field crew.
– Skills or experience using tablets/dataloggers and spreadsheets (such as Excel).
– Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
– Physical ability to enjoy working in a forested environment, with prolonged walking over rough, uneven, or steep terrain under all weather conditions (from hot and dry to cold and wet including rain and wind); recurring periods of standing; recurring periods of bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, and reaching; encountering biting or stinging insects; lifting of moderately heavy items weighing up to 50 pounds.
– The work requires substantial travel by motor vehicle and requires a valid state driver’s license and clean driving record.
Minimum Requirements:
– Completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in forestry, ecology, botany, wildlife biology, biology, or related natural resources field.
– US citizenship or permanent residency. Participant must undergo a government background check if selected.
– Must submit a resume and cover letter describing interest in the program and qualifications.
Compensation amounts:
- $1,600 – one time RT travel allowance
- $315 – weekly living allowance
- $300 – work related PPE gear allowance
- AmeriCorps eligible ($1,718.25 education award)
- Housing
*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-00734049
Expected Dates: May 14, 2023 - September 2, 2023
Location:
11175 Auke Lake Way
Juneau, AK 99801
US
Training Provided: Interns will receive training in wilderness first aid, CPR, aircraft and boat safety, ATV use, shoreline survival, defensive driving, bear behavior, pepper spray use, and radio use. Additional training is provided on the use of field research equipment.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Interns will be able to interact with scientists and professionals at the Juneau Forestry Sciences Lab. Outdoor recreational opportunities are abundant and include hiking, camping, fishing, biking, kayaking/canoeing, wildlife viewing
Handicap Accessible?: Yes
Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Not needed
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: No