Individual Placement-Alaska-Fisheries and Wildlife Technician

Student Conservation Association•Sitka, AK

20d•Onsite

About The Position

The ideal candidate for this position is looking for an immersive experience working in the fisheries field in remote Alaska. The work and field conditions will be challenging at times, but there will be no shortage of wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and rich culture along the way. In this position, you will learn about salmon, freshwater ecology, remote fieldwork, fisheries data collection, boats, bears, Alaskans, and our rich way of life. Please submit an application, if that sounds like a fun summer for you.

Requirements

A candidate must be willing to serve in the conditions present in Sitka, AK. Typically, SCA interns and USFS staff will work 8-10 hours a day with a maximum of 12 hours per day.
Work is conducted in all weather conditions (Sitka is nestled in a rainforest), around coastal brown bears and pesky bugs.
Weir work requires walking on uneven surfaces that can be wet and slippery, standing or snorkeling in cold, sometimes fast-moving water (waders and drysuits will be provided), and carrying up to 40 pounds over moderate distances.
This is a rifle carrying position. ALL candidates will be required to take a drug test and carry a rifle in the field (bear and rifle safety training will be provided).
Proficiency in swimming
Willingness to learn
Good communication
Ability to maintain a positive attitude in adverse conditions
Ability to work and live with a diverse team
Good sense of humor
Emotional intelligence to resolve social and emotional disagreements with field crew members
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.

Nice To Haves

Previous firearm experience is a plus, but not required

Responsibilities

Operating a remote fish weir to enumerate adult salmon escapement.
Construction and take down of fish weirs
Collection of fish scale, length, and weight samples
Recording field data
Operating outboard motorboats on the ocean and lakes
Data quality control
Collect zooplankton and phytoplankton samples
Collect water samples for nutrient analysis
Collect limnological field data, such as, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and light penetration profiles
Helping with field camp maintenance and operations which will include operation of equipment (pumps, gasoline and propane fueled equipment and power tools), cutting firewood, etc.
Helping with other Sitka Ranger District projects, not associated with weir work, which may include working with Sitka Ranger District staff to help conduct wildlife, fish, or habitat surveys, implement watershed and fish habitat improvement projects, removal of old structures, assisting with the kids’ fishing derby and other educational outreach programs.