Internship-Interpretation Ranger Participant

Position Summary

Come join our staff at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center!

The Mendenhall Glacier, in Juneau Alaska, is one of the state's top attractions with over 550,000 visitors a year, primarily in the summer. In the winter, operations shift to be more community focused and include conservation education programming for the local school district. The visitor center is open to the public 3 days/week in the winter months, but staff are onsite and operations occur 7 days/week.

Come join our team as we overhaul our conservation education program to better align with education standards and the needs of our local school district. You'll have the opportunity to help develop new programs, revise current programs, and assist with ongoing onsite programming.

As an intern, you will be integrated into our visitor center program and wear a Forest Service uniform. You will receive conservation education and resource training at the beginning of your internship. There will be opportunities for both formal and informal mentoring as you gain experience in the field. The work week is 5 days/week, 8 hours/day, and could include evening and weekend work. Conditions require long periods of standing each day and working outside in winter weather, including snow, rain and icy conditions. Winter weather in Juneau, AK experiences average daily temperatures in the mid 20°s to mid 30°s Fahrenheit, with temperatures in the visitor center area typically 5°-10° degrees colder. Winter snow levels average 92.6 inches per year. Throughout the winter, Juneau has between 6.5 and 10 hours of daylight, with the shortest day of the year, winter solstice, approximately 6 hours and 22 minutes of daylight.

We employ SCA interns, permanent seasonal interpretive park rangers, custodial/maintenance staff, and leadership. In addition, we

share the building with our partner Discovery Southeast, a local environmental education non-profit who operates the Mendenhall

Glacier interpretive bookstore.

Schedule

December 9, 2024 - April 25, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Revise current and develop new educational programming to better align with educational standards and school district priorities.

Lead curriculum-based conservation education field trip programs.

Develop and present public-facing early childhood programming.

Staff information stations to answer visitor questions

Marginal Duties

Additional interpretive program opportunities may exist including adult-focused programs and contributing to social media

Required Qualifications

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 aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. 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

Customer service experience.

Experience working with children.

Some coursework or experience in biology, earth sciences, communications, education, and history.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Bunkhouse is adjacent to Forest Service office and approximately 2 miles from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The bunkhouse consists of apartments with 2 bedrooms, each with two beds. Each bedroom has a full bath. Apartments also have fully furnished kitchens, living room with cable tv, internet, and phone for local calls only. The bunkhouse is near a bus stop for shopping, etc. You will be sharing the apartment with up to three others.

Compensation

$450/week living allowance

$1500 one-time RT travel stipend

$2800 reimbursable duty-related expenses ($400 for PPE and $2400 for duty travel or end-of-term performance bonus)

USFS bunkhouse housing provided

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

General Physical Requirements

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
• Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.
• Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
• Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
• Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.
• Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others.

Working Conditions

Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.;Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying cultures and perspectives.;Natural environments and culturally significant locations that require respect to the land and indigenous peoples.;Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events.;Cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.;Exposure and potential contact to bear habitat and wildlife.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.