Individual Placement-Alaska- Fisheries and Aquatic Ecology Placement and Data Steward

Position Summary

This position is in Cordova in the beautiful Chugach National Forest. We are looking for an experienced fisheries technician to assist with the 2025 summer season tasks. These tasks could include data management, literature syntheses, field work and outreach events.

This SCA position will be part of the Cordova Ranger District (CDR) team working primarily with the Fisheries and Aquatic Ecology program. The position will focus on working with Forest Service Fisheries and Ecology staff for data management and literature synthesis. The position will also assist with data collection for field going projects and stewardship projects. Current field projects for the CRD include temperature downloads, culvert surveys, salmonid ecology and habitat use investigations, and fishpass monitoring. Stewardship projects are outreach events and opportunities.

Location

Cordova, AK

Schedule

June 1, 2025 - July 27, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The position will be a fisheries and aquatic ecology position within the PWSZ Fisheries and Aquatic Ecology programs working in the Cordova Ranger District office and in the field throughout the Prince William Sound Zone. The focus will be on data management, literature review and synthesis, and field work. We have a wide variety of work that includes, monitoring fish passes in the Prince William Sound, culvert assessments, temperature data downloads, monitoring and data management. Documenting salmonid species presence, life stages and other biological and fish habitat data collection.

The incumbent would work in a team setting in some of the most beautiful country Alaska has to offer. This area also hosts abundant wildlife, including bears. The incumbent will work in a team in the field as well as receive training to prepare for our robust field season (bear safety, flight safety, first aid…). We have a dynamic team and a lot of opportunity for learning new skills in collaboration with our District biologists and team leaders.

Duties include:

. Assist team lead with field logistics and field gear preparation

. Fisheries and Aquatic Ecology data collection and analysis

. Literature synthesis

. Write scientifically-sound reports and articles.

Marginal Duties

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

The incumbent should have some knowledge in aquatic ecology, data management, data analysis, and report writing. When not in the office field work will occur a variety of landscapes including but not limited to wetlands, intertidal zones, streams and the Prince William Sound. Work can also be conducted from an ocean-going vessel or based out of a remote field camp for multiple days.

Field work may be conducted from remote field camps accessed by boats and planes. Field work can be physically demanding and may require long days carrying packs weighing up to 30 lbs and walking through wetlands and other challenging terrain. Coastal Alaska weather may be inclement and field crews can expect multiple day rain events in the middle of summer. Although challenging, this position will be the adventure of a lifetime!

. Qualifications include a BS in Biology, Environmental Sciences or Studies.

. At least 1 previous season of experience in fisheries related field work in Region 10.

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 with USFS AqS data system.

. Knowledge of salmonid ecology as well as knowledge of life stages, species and basic habitat.

. Data collection: biological fisheries data, temperature data, aquatic habitat data

. Deep interest in environment/natural resource management and the US Forest Service.

. Ability to work both independently and with others collaboratively on Forest Service projects.

. Strong writing skills with demonstrated writing ability (writing sample may be required)

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Duty Station: The Chugach National Forest, 612 Second Street, Cordova, Alaska

USFS bunkhouse/cabin is shared accommodations. Placement may share a room with one other person. Common areas are shared. May be required to travel and work in the backcountry and other remote locations on the forest, independently, and in teams.

Compensation

$650/wk living allowance

$1500 one-time travel allowance

$300/month housing stipend

AmeriCorps eligible

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits

Bear Safety

First Aid/CPR

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

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.