Job Description

As a crewmember you will work with a Forest Service fisheries biologist and technicians conducting a spectrum of fisheries projects on the beautiful Chugach National Forest. The main task is helping operate a rotary screw trap and assisting with monitoring of resident fish populations in Cooper Creek just west of Cooper landing, AK.

This involves identifying, counting, and marking juvenile salmon. Data from the projects are used to enumerate salmonid production the Cooper Creek watershed. In addition, the crewmember may take part in a wide variety of other projects as needed. Including salmon escapements, habitat restoration, aquatic invasive species eradication, habitat delineation, public outreach, and other natural resource related projects.

This position is an opportunity to develop skills in fish identification and habitat assessment. Experience in these areas is desirable but not required. The field sites for the projects are accessed via driving, hiking both on and off trail, biking, and members may be expected to spend some nights in the field. The field conditions often include wet and inclement weather, working around brown bears, and hiking in challenging and uneven terrain. You would be working in one of the most majestic landscapes in the country.

Location

Seward, AK

Schedule

May 11, 2026 - August 29, 2026

*Start and end dates may be flexible, please inquire during interview

Key Duties and Responsibilities

· Prepping equipment and tools for fieldwork

· Operating a rotary screw trap

· Assisting with mark recapture of fish

· Assisting with Kids Fishing Day

· Carrying heavy loads (i.e., 60 lb. batteries) during field work

Marginal Duties

· Assist in aquatic habitat restoration

· Assist in aquatic invasive species eradication

· Assist in aquatic habitat delineation

Required Qualifications

The field sites for the projects are accessed via hiking both on and off trail, and members may be expected to spend some nights in the field. The field conditions often include wet and inclement weather, working around brown bears, and hiking in challenging and uneven terrain.

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

This position is an opportunity to develop skills in electrofishing, habitat assessment, and fish identification. Experience in these areas is desirable but not required.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

USFS bunkhouse/cabin is shared accommodations. Placement may share a room with one other person. Common areas are shared. Placement may camp during field work days.

Compensation

$450/week living allowance

$310/month housing stipend

$1,300 one-time roundtrip travel allowance

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state,and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits

Bear Safety

Defensive Driving Training

First Aid/CPR

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

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.