Individual Placement-Alaska- Forest Service Fisheries and Aquatic Ecology

Position Summary 

This SCA position will be part of the Cordova Ranger District team working primarily with the Fisheries and Aquatic Ecology programs. The position will focus on collecting data in the field for both fisheries and aquatic ecology as part of a project to monitor culvert replacements and fisheries habitat. The replaced culverts are being monitored for fish passage, biotic usage and hydrologic capacity. Tasks will be focused on culvert assessments, data management, report writing, and stewardship engagement (outreach/education).

Benefits:

· Hands on learning and job training experience

· Site travel and housing stipend eligible

· Career Mentorin

Work Environment:

May be required to travel and work in the backcountry and other remote locations on the forest, independently, and in teams.

Hosting Organization

Chugach National Forest

Location 

Cordova, AK

Schedule 

June 29, 2026 - August 1, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

This placement would be a fisheries position within the PWSZ fish and aquatic ecology program working in Prince William Sound and the Copper River Delta. 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 is also a priority. 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, boat 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.

· Assist team lead with field logistics and field gear preparation

· Fisheries and Aquatic Ecology data collection

· Write scientifically-sound reports and article

Marginal Duties 

Fisheries and Aquatic Ecology data analysis

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. In general work can also be conducted from an ocean-going vessel or based out of a remote field camp for multiple days. 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!

· Biology/Environmental Science major. With interest in salmon habitat management, hydrology, water resources, or Biology (fish/wildlife).

· 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).

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 traveling and working in the backcountry.

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 workdays.

Compensation  

$600/week living allowance

$300/month housing allowance

$1,500 travel stipend

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits 

Bear Safety

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.