Individual Placement-Alaska-Denali Winter Kennel's Placement

Position Summary

This placement will serve with the Sled Dog Kennel at Denali National Park in Alaska. Placements will be given additional training, mentoring and hands on practice with all aspects of dog team travel and winter camping. Ideal candidates will have strong cross-country skiing skills, some experience with working dogs, some experience with wilderness travel in summer and/or winter and experience in remote living situations.

Location

Denali National Park, AK

Schedule

October 13, 2025 - April 3, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

In October-November, placements will learn about dryland training and conditioning programs to build dogs' fitness.

In December when enough snow falls, placements will learn about traveling by dog sled and single day training runs.

From January-April, placements will learn about multi day and multi week travel by dog team. They will be trained in and/or exposed to breaking trail on skis, snowshoes and dog team, safe travel on snow, ice, tundra, forested, hilly terrain as well as how to recognize and avoid or mitigate potential avalanche hazards. As Kennel placements, the amount of time they go on multi-day patrols may be limited, based on their experience and the kennel staff capacity.

Throughout the season placements will receive specialized training and hands on practice with veterinary care, nutrition and feeding, sled dog and puppy training, winter gear use and care, and education and interpretation for the public.

Marginal Duties

Placements may have opportunities to assist with special programs for the public and/or to assist during special events such as community festivals and dogsled events.

Required Qualifications

It is strongly desired that the Winter kennels placements have some experience working with dogs, winter travel and cross-country skiing skills.

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.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Placements will be provided with accommodations at the Park. Accommodations may or may not have running water, but a shower and restroom/outhouse will be available. Please inquire about specifics during the interview.

Compensation

• $1,200 - one time travel allowance, to be disbursed after position starts
• $495 - weekly living allowance
• $1,200 - reimbursable gear allowance
• Housing included
• This position is not eligible for an AmeriCorps Award

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits

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.