Position Summary
Work in Lake Clark National Park out of Port Alsworth, AK assisting biologists and natural resource managers with inventory, monitoring, and control of invasive terrestrial plants. This position is focused on working to stop the spread of invasive species in Lake Clark National Park and support healthy ecosystems. You will work independently and with a small field crew to complete these surveys. This position will require occasional overnight travel and camping to access more remote locations within the park.
This position will also have duties beyond invasive plant work, predominately focused on assisting with fisheries and water resources. The additional work may account for up to 50% of the placement’s duties. Please inquire during the interview for more details.
Location
Port Alsworth, AK
Schedule
May 17, 2026 – September 5, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform identification of native and non-native plants.
- Perform invasive plant removal using both hand pulling (you will be trained on the proper methods).
- Record data in both digital and paper formats with a high degree of precision.
- Assisting with fisheries and water resources work.
- Work and camp in extremely remote environments often in cold/windy/rainy/and buggy conditions. You will access sites by hiking, driving, boating, or by small airplane. You will receive training on travel protocols via vehicle, boat, and airplane.
- Work closely with a small team towards a shared goal, with occasional time spent working alone.
- Hike up to 10 miles per day on rough terrain where there are no trails, and may be thick brush and steep hills, while carrying a pack weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Work, travel, and camp in bear habitat safely (you will receive proper training on best practices and carry bear deterrent in the field)
Members will:
• Demonstrate a commitment to service in environmental conditions that will include: cold/heat, smoke, bugs, high winds, wildlife, and a lot of precipitation.
• Be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities.
• Be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member, which includes:
o Be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
o Be at least 18 years or older;
o Have a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to obtain one;
o Be willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks;
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and walk/hike on uneven terrain, uphill or downhill, physical work for 8-10 hours per day
• Ability to pass SCA’s background check
Marginal Duties
- Perform GIS data management and analysis.
- Use technical flora to identify terrestrial plants.
- Assist leading youth and adult volunteers with invasive plant removal projects.
- Assist with writing reports and completing other documents related to work done.
- Assist with other projects as needed (i.e. inventory and monitoring of wildlife species).
Required Qualifications
- Ability to live and work in remote areas without cell phone or internet for extended periods of time.
- Ability to live and work in close quarters with coworkers (i.e. live in shared housing with coworkers)
- Personal, work, or academic knowledge related to botanical identification or natural history.
- Competency using Microsoft word and excel programs, and general computer literacy.
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience collecting scientific data.
- Experience hiking and camping.
- Knowledge of ESRI GIS mapping and data collection products.
- Experience collecting botanical vouchers and using technical flora for plant identification.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Shared Park dormitory or Park cabin, depending on availability.
Lake Clark National Park is very remote and there will be limited availability to access grocery stores and other amenities. Park staff will work with you to make sure you are fully prepared for the unique nature of living and working in such a remote area. Work will be based out of Port Alsworth (with potential for some backcountry camping). Port Alsworth has government provided internet at headquarters and internet available for personal use in the dormitory. In Port Alsworth, cell phone service is inconsistent and may not work for most common providers. The majority of Lake Clark National Park does not have cell phone service.
Compensation
$350/week living allowance
$1,500 one-time roundtrip travel allowance
$1,050 duty-related reimbursements (to use for in-season travel)
During training in Anchorage, lodging will be booked by SCA
AmeriCorps Award (acceptance required) of $1,956.35 (450 hours required)
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Not needed
Additional Benefits
Bear Safety
Defensive Driving Training
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.