*Winter Patrol Interns should have some diverse experience working with a sled dog operation, winter travel and solid cross-country skiing skills.*
The Winter Patrol Interns will work towards being an integral part of Denali National Park and Preserve's dogsled patrol operation – putting in winter routes, assisting with visitor contacts and helping with a variety of remote winter resource management projects. 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, significant experience working with a dog mushing kennel, experience with multi-day backcountry travel in summer and/or winter and experience in remote living situations. In October-November, interns will take part in the dryland training and conditioning to prepare the park dogs for the patrol season.
In December when enough snow falls, interns will learn the systems and protocols used by the park service with our dog mushing operation. From January-April, interns will begin going on multi-day and multi-week travel by dog team. Interns will assist with breaking trail via skis, snowshoes and dog team, and learn about safe travel on snow, ice, tundra, forested, hilly terrain as well as how to recognize and avoid or mitigate potential avalanche hazards.
Throughout the season Winter Patrol 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
- $495 – weekly living allowance
- $800 – 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.
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 guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid.
Position ID: PO-00735022
Expected Dates: October 1, 2023 - April 13, 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.
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