Individual Placement-alaska- Natural Resources Assistant (forestry)

The Student Conservation Association is hiring a Natural Resources Assistant (forestry) in Seward, AK, for a seasonal role from May to October 2026. Responsibilities include data collection, ground surveys, and vegetation management support. Candidates must be able to operate a vehicle, lift 50 pounds, and work in challenging terrain. Dormitory housing is provided on-site, and the position offers a living allowance and travel stipend.
Position Summary


The position performs a variety of technical duties in support of the unit’s timber, silviculture, wildlife, and fuels programs, primarily focused on activities to support the vegetation management program.



Forestry duties will comprise most of this position and include survey plots, collection and compiling of data, unit layout and boundary marking, collection of seed and cone for reforestation and other related activities.



Wildlife surveys, stand improvement treatments, and other duties pertaining to wildlife and fuels will comprise the remainder of the position. Occasional work with recreation, fisheries and other departments may be assigned as needed.



Location


Seward, AK



Schedule


May 11, 2026 – October 24, 2026



Key Duties and Responsibilities


– Data Collection


– Ground surveys


– Unit layout and boundary marking


– Goshawk surveys


– Seed and cone collection



Marginal Duties


– Invasives species surveys and mitigation


– Nest box maintenance


– Stream mapping and classification


– Manual stand improvement


– Work with other shops such as fisheries, recreation etc. to fill staffing gaps



Required Qualifications


– Ability to operate a motor vehicle


– Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds


– Ability to hike and work in adverse terrain and weather conditions


– Ability to perform repetitive tasks



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


– Hiking or trails experience in arduous terrain


– Orienteering skills, including use of maps and compass


– Use of chainsaws and hand tools


– Plot based data collection and data analysis


– Forest measurements experience


– Experience with Alaska trees and plant identification


– First aid



Hours


40 per week


This staff group primarily works 40-hour weeks on 4 days a week, 10 hours a day, Monday to Thursday schedule. Occasionally, this schedule will shift and may be up to 50 hours a week.



Living Accommodations


Dormitory housing is provided on site with access to shared kitchen, living room, laundry facilities, workout space and more.


Rooms may be private or shared between 2 people of the same gender, depending on staffing levels. The dormitory building is located at the USFS Office in Crown Point, Alaska on the shores of Kenai Lake, providing exceptional outdoor opportunities at the front door.



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


Off-Road Vehicle 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.