Be a part of our staff this summer in welcoming and educating visitors from around the world about Tetlin Refuge. If you like interacting with people and are interested in connecting them to the wildlife and habitats of Alaska – this position is for you!
Tetlin Refuge is within the boreal forest ecosystem of Interior Alaska and provides habitat for numerous migratory bird species, moose, caribou, and bears. Tetlin also has a unique cultural tie to the indigenous Athabascan people who live within the region. The intern will be working with Native Park Rangers who share their traditional uses of local plants and animals as part of the interpretation of Tetlin. The intern will also be involved in other aspects of refuge management including bird, plant, and water flow surveys as well as field maintenance and restoration projects for a well-rounded experience. Requirements for this position include the ability to communicate both orally and in writing and possession of a valid driver’s license. It is desirable for the person to have some academic background in basic biology and public relations/communications and experience in the outdoors. The person should be of good physical condition and be able to lift loads weighing up to 40 lbs. and walk at least 3 miles on uneven terrain.
The intern will be staying in nice, but remote refuge quarters, 50 miles from the closest town of Tok. There is some phone and potentially limited internet service in Northway but no cell phone coverage. A government vehicle will be available to conduct government business and for making trips into Tok for supplies, etc. There may be opportunities to spend more time in Tok during off hours. This situation is best suited for someone who is comfortable with spending time alone in the outdoors, yet is interested in joining others for new experiences.
*Please include an attached 1-2 page resume with your SCA application. Strong preference will be given to candidates who possess prior experience working with youth and young adults in environmental education settings
Compensation amounts:
- $1,500 – one time RT travel allowance
- $350 – weekly living allowance
- AmeriCorps eligible ($1,718.25 education award)
- Housing provided
*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-00734818
Expected Dates: May 21, 2023 - September 2, 2023
Location:
MP 1.3 Borealis Ave
Tok, AK 99780
US
Training Provided: Bear safety/firearms water safety first aid/CPR, computer access visitor center ops. interpretation plant and bird ID
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Educational opportunities will be through staff instruction, hands-on experience, and reference materials for study. Lots of hiking and canoeing opportunities and student will be given the equipment and training necessary.
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Visitor Services and Site Operations
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Not needed
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
The intern will be staying in nice, but remote refuge living quarters at the Northway Junction of the Alaska Highway which is 50 miles from the closest town of Tok. The living facilities (built in 2009) are a shared common building (bunkhouse) with kitchen, showers/bathrooms, living area and small office. The student will have their own individual cabin with two beds, a bureau, and a small desk/chair. Phone and Internet service may be available in the Northway bunkhouse commons building. There is no cell phone service in Northway.
The village of Northway, 9 miles from the Junction, has a population of about 120 people that are mostly Athabascan Indian. The intern may have to participate in some of their community culture activities. This position is best suited for someone who can live in a remote setting while enjoying a variety of outdoors activities on the Refuge. The individual will be able to make trips into Tok for food, supplies, and visits the refuge headquarters. There may opportunities for the intern to stay in refuge facilities in Tok during days off.
Indoor/Outdoor: Combination
US Citizenship: Yes