Individual Placement-Alaska- Winter Kennels

Student Conservation Association • Healy, AK

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This placement will serve with the Sled Dog Kennel at Denali National Park in Alaska. Placements will be given additional training, mentoring and hands on practice with all aspects of dog team travel and winter camping. Ideal candidates 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.

Requirements

• Some experience working with dogs.
• Some experience with winter travel.
• Cross-country skiing skills.
• Must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger.
• Must be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.
• Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
• Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
• Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.
• Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 45% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
• Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 45% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
• Able to grip a third point of contact for balance while crossing rivers/streams or ascending/descending sloped trails.
• Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
• Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
• Able to move on cross-country skis or snowshoes over a variety of snow, ice, and trail conditions.
• Able to move equipment and supplies by sled and/or backpack over a variety of snow, ice, and trail conditions while using cross-country skis, snowshoes, or winter boots.

Nice To Haves

• Strong cross-country skiing skills.
• Some experience with working dogs.
• Some experience with wilderness travel in summer and/or winter.
• Experience in remote living situations.
• Strong cross-country skiing experience.

Responsibilities

• Learn dryland training and conditioning programs to build dogs' fitness.
• Learn about traveling by dog sled and single day training runs.
• Learn about multi day and multi week travel by dog team.
• Be trained in and/or exposed to breaking trail on skis, snowshoes and dog team.
• Learn safe travel on snow, ice, tundra, forested, hilly terrain.
• Learn how to recognize and avoid or mitigate potential avalanche hazards.
• Receive specialized training and hands on practice with veterinary care, nutrition and feeding.
• Receive specialized training and hands on practice with sled dog and puppy training.
• Receive specialized training and hands on practice with winter gear use and care.
• Receive specialized training and hands on practice with education and interpretation for the public.
• Assist with special programs for the public.
• Assist during special events such as community festivals and dogsled events.

Benefits

• Additional training
• Mentoring
• Hands on practice with all aspects of dog team travel and winter camping
• Accommodations at the Park
• Bear Safety
• AmeriCorps eligible

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed