Field Leader - 2026 Alaska Corps Kenai National Wildlife Refuge bei The Student Conservation Association

Position Summary 

The SCA Alaska Corps- Kenai National Wildlife Refuge team is a 20 week AmeriCorps program focused on leadership development, completing trail work projects, and building a sense of community. The leader will lead a crew of 3 members.

This team will be based out of Soldotna, AK. They will be working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service on the Swan and Swanson River Wilderness Canoe Systems using cross cut saws or in non-wilderness areas with chainsaws(tbd). The projects for this crew will include but not be limited to trail maintenance, new trail construction, and boardwalk repair projects. These projects may be accessed by canoe via the lake and rivers within the system. Leaders should be comfortable traveling in a canoe with gear over open water or in motorized boats. Leaders should be comfortable guiding members over open water via canoe.

Schedule 

April 5, 2026 - August 29, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing trail-work and camp maintenance tasks, and keeping the team operating in an efficient and timely manner • Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, facilitating conflict resolution, and teaching environmental stewardship • Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency partners and SCA staff, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA • Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, such as organizing logistics; completing documentation such as: incident reports, Emergency Response Plans, and health checks; managing a budget; and communicating regularly with SCA staff; • Working with SCA Alaska Program Coordinators and Program Manager to successfully implement the position program

Marginal Duties 

Potential for using cross-cut saw, invasive plant removal, bunkhouse cleaning, after hours member check-ins, equipment maintenance, brushing, and any other assistance needed by agency partners.

Required Qualifications 

Experience working with young adults (especially 18-25 years old); teaching or environmental education a plus • Experience with conservation work skills or related skills– i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening • Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 10 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more • Wilderness First Responder certification or ability to obtain one before 4/12/25 • Must be able to attend the entire Crew Leader training and entire duration of the season. Travel outside of Alaska will not be possible during the season for leaders or members due to remote locations of crews • Must be a minimum of 21 years of age • Must have the ability to legally work in the US • Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards • Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 18 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.

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 

USFS Thinking Sawyer B level Cross-Cut or Chainsaw Certification, Backcountry leading experience, WFR or WEMT; Leave No Trace Trainer; Experience working and/or living in Alaska preferred but not required; Alaska Residents preferred but not required

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

During off-time. the team will stay at USFWS bunkhouse in Soldotna. When on hitch the team will camp in backcountry camps using SCA provided tents.

Compensation  

$800-900 DOE weekly salary * • $1300 travel stipend * • Food & Transportation provided for duration of program • Cell phone reimbursement

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

Additional Benefits 

Bear Safety

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

Wilderness First Responder Training

Chainsaw or Cross Cut saw training (tbd)

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.

 Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.