*Winter kennels interns should have some experience working with dogs, winter travel and solid cross-country skiing skills.*
Interns will be given additional training, mentoring and hands on practice with all aspects of dog team travel and winter camping. Ideal interns will have strong cross-country skiing skills, some experience with working dogs, some experience with wilderness travel in summer and/or winter and experience in remote living situations. In October-November, interns will learn about dryland training and conditioning programs to build dogs' fitness.
In December when enough snow falls, interns will learn about traveling by dog sled and single day training runs. From January-April, interns will learn about multi day and multi week travel by dog team. They will be trained in and/or exposed to breaking trail on skis, snowshoes and dog team, safe travel on snow, ice, tundra, forested, hilly terrain as well as how to recognize and avoid or mitigate potential avalanche hazards. As Kennel Interns, the amount of time they go on multi-day patrols may be limited, based on their experience and the kennel staff capacity.
Throughout the season interns will receive specialized training and hands on practice with veterinary care, nutrition and feeding, sled dog and puppy training, winter gear use and care, and education and interpretation for the public. Interns may have opportunities to assist with special programs for the public and/or to assist during special events such as the Iditarod and Yukon Quest sled dog races.
Compensation includes:
- $1,200 – one time travel allowance, to be reimbursed after position starts
- $225 – weekly living allowance
- $1,300 – reimbursable gear allowance
- Housing included
- Eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award upon completion of internship ($3,447.50)
*All compensation amounts subject to applicable local, state and federal taxes.
For SCA’s COVID guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid.
Position ID: PO-00734445
Expected Dates: October 8, 2023 - April 20, 2024
Training Provided: The kennels will provide extensive hands on training and mentoring in all skills areas related to dog mushing including feeding, vet care, training, sled building/ repair, and risk management on the job and in the backcountry.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Denali in winter is a small, tight knit community. Common outdoor winter recreation in Denali includes skiing, snowshoeing, skijoring and other forms of enjoying snow and cold. Indoor activities include games, books, movies, arts and crafts, etc.
Professional Development Opportunities: Interns will have the opportunity to take DOI online courses and will also be able to work with experienced kennel managers.
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Backcountry/Trail work
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Not needed
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
Housing is in cabins in Denali's "C-Camp" seasonal housing area. Two people live in each cabin, each
individual having their own room and sharing a small kitchen and living space. There is no plumbing to the
cabins in the winter; but there is a bathhouse and a common kitchen just a few feet away. There is also a
communal living space with TV, games, and books nearby. When interns are in the backcountry they are sheltered in historic ranger patrol cabins or winter tents.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes