This position is based out of Anchorage, Alaska. You will travel to national parks across Alaska assisting biologists and natural resource managers with identification of native plants and collection of their seeds to be used for revegetation projects. This position is focused on working to support habitat restoration in Alaska’s national parks and support healthy ecosystems in the state. You will also cross train and conduct some work surveying for and controlling invasive terrestrial and water weeds. This position will take you to many beautiful and remote locations across the state while helping to protect our national parks.
Location
Anchorage, AK
Schedule
May 17, 2026 - September 5, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
• Perform identification of native and non-native plants.
• Identify seeds that are ready for collection and collect and store them in accordance with established protocols.
• Record data in both digital and paper formats with a high degree of precision.
• Travel and camp in extremely remote environments often in hot/cold/rainy/and buggy conditions. After training is completed, you will spend the rest of the summer primarily camping during work time. Often you will access sites by driving, but you may also travel to field sites by small airplane or boat depending on project needs.
• Work closely with a small team towards a shared goal, with occasional time spent working alone.
• Hike 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.
• Use small paddle powered boats to perform aquatic plant surveys.
• Assist with writing reports and completing other documents related to work done.
• Perform invasive plant removal using both hand pulling and herbicide treatments (you will be trained on the proper methods).
Required Qualifications
• Experience hiking and camping.
• Personal, work, or academic knowledge related to botanical identification or natural history.
• Comfort working in very remote environments for extended periods of time.
• 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.
• Knowledge of ESRI GIS mapping and data collection products.
• Experience in small boats (i.e. canoes, kayaks, rafts).
• Experience collecting botanical vouchers and using technical flora for plant identification.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Housing in Anchorage is not provided, but the Anchorage based staff will make efforts to assist with finding housing if possible. A housing stipend is provided.
Compensation
$350/week living allowance
$800/month housing allowance
$1,300 one-time roundtrip travel allowance
$1,050 duty-related reimbursements (to use for in-season travel)
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
Recommended
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.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
