Individual Placement-Alaska- Winter Kennels

Student Conservation Association•Healy, AK

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This placement serves with the Sled Dog Kennel at Denali National Park in Alaska. Participants receive training, mentoring, and hands-on practice in dog-team travel and winter camping. The season runs from December 13, 2026, through April 3, 2027, and the schedule is 40 hours per week. In December, when sufficient snow has fallen, participants learn dog-sled travel and take single-day training runs. From January through April, they learn multi-day and multi-week travel by dog team and receive training or exposure to breaking trail on skis, snowshoes, and dog team; safe travel on snow, ice, tundra, forested areas, and hilly terrain; and recognizing, avoiding, or mitigating potential avalanche hazards. Multi-day patrol opportunities may be limited according to participants’ experience and kennel staff capacity. Throughout the season, participants receive specialized training and practical experience in veterinary care, nutrition and feeding, sled dog and puppy training, winter gear use and care, and public education and interpretation. They may also help with public programs and special events, including community festivals and dogsled events. Park accommodations are provided. Accommodations may not have running water, but a shower and restroom or outhouse will be available; candidates should ask about details during the interview. A personal vehicle is not needed. Compensation includes a $600 weekly living allowance, a $1,200 travel stipend, and $1,200 in duty-related winter-gear reimbursements. The placement is AmeriCorps eligible, and allowances are subject to applicable taxes. The position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. Participants must be U.S. citizens or nationals or lawful permanent resident aliens, and must be ages 16–30 inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Hours served may count toward the Public Land Corps hiring authority.

Requirements

Must be 16–30 years old inclusive, or a veteran age 35 or younger.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, or a lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
Some experience working with dogs, winter travel, and cross-country skiing skills are strongly desired.

Nice To Haves

Strong cross-country skiing experience is preferred.
Some experience with working dogs, wilderness travel in summer and/or winter, and remote living situations is identified as ideal.

Responsibilities

Learn dog-sled travel and participate in single-day training runs when sufficient snow falls.
Learn multi-day and multi-week travel by dog team.
Receive training or exposure to breaking trail on skis, snowshoes, and dog team.
Learn safe travel on snow, ice, tundra, forested areas, and hilly terrain, including recognizing, avoiding, or mitigating potential avalanche hazards.
Participate in specialized training and hands-on practice in veterinary care, nutrition and feeding, sled dog and puppy training, winter gear use and care, and public education and interpretation.
As opportunities arise, assist with public programs and special events such as community festivals and dogsled events.