Individual Placement-Alaska-Yukon-Charley Rivers Wildlife Biology and Invasive Plants

Student Conservation Association•Fairbanks, AK

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This SCA position will support a variety of natural resource field research projects in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve (YUCH), Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve (DENA) and Central Alaska (CAKN) and Arctic (ARCN) Inventory and Monitoring Networks. Field projects may include conducting songbird surveys in DENA and ARCN parks, peregrine falcon surveys along the upper Yukon River in YUCH, small mammal live trapping in DENA, aerial Dall’s sheep surveys in ARCN parks, and aquatic ecology work in CAKN and ARCN parks, and/or invasive plants management in YUCH. Project preparation and demobilization will be part of the placement’s tasks. The placement will assist in data entry and proofing for a variety of wildlife projects.

Requirements

Ability to live and work in remote areas without cell phone or internet for extended periods of time.
Personal, work, or academic knowledge related to biology or natural resource fields.
Competency using Microsoft word and excel programs, and general computer literacy.

Nice To Haves

Experience collecting scientific data.
Experience hiking and camping.
Knowledge of ESRI GIS mapping and data collection products.
Experience in and around boats, particularly small paddle craft like canoes and kayaks and small motorized boats.
Experience with bird identification.

Responsibilities

Record bird data for bird observers in remote parklands.
Conduct small mammal trapping surveys in Denali National Park.
Conduct peregrine falcon surveys by motorboat in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve using binoculars and spotting scopes.
Perform invasive plant removal by hand pulling (you will be trained on the proper methods).
Record data in both digital and paper formats with a high degree of precision.
Work and camp in extremely remote environments often in cold/hot/rainy/and buggy conditions for up to four weeks. You will primarily access sites by hiking and boating.
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).
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: Be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States; Be at least 18 years or older; Have a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to obtain one; 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
Prepare and demobilize projects.
Assist with science communication projects on natural resources research.