Live In Ranch Hand Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

Work in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway, AK assisting biologists and natural resource managers with inventory, monitoring, and control of invasive terrestrial plants. This position is focused on working to stop the spread of invasive species in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and support healthy ecosystems. You will work primarily with a small field crew to complete these surveys but will also work with community partners and volunteers to complete this work. This position will require occasional overnight travel and camping to access more remote locations within the park.

Location

Skagway, AK

Schedule

July 6, 2026 - September 5, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Perform identification of native and non-native plants.

Perform invasive plant removal using both hand pulling and chemical herbicide treatments (you will be trained on the proper methods).

Perform revegetation treatments in disturbed habitats.

Record data in both digital and paper formats with a high degree of precision.

Work in remote environments often in cold/hot/rainy/and buggy conditions. Often you will access sites by driving and hiking, but you may also travel to some remote field sites by small airplane.

Work closely with a small team towards a shared goal, with occasional time spent working alone.

Hike up to 10 miles per day on rough terrain where there are no trails, and may be thick brush and steep hills, while carrying a pack weighing up to 30 pounds.

Work, travel, and camp in bear habitat safely (you will receive proper training on best practices and carry bear deterrent in the field)

Members will:

Demonstrate a commitment to service in environmental conditions that will include: cold/heat, smoke, bugs, high winds, wildlife, and a lot of precipitation.

Be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities.

Be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member, which includes:

o Be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;

o Be at least 18 years or older;

o Have a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to obtain one;

o Be willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks;

Ability to lift 50 lbs and walk/hike on uneven terrain, uphill or downhill, physical work for 8-10 hours per day

Ability to pass SCA's background check

Marginal Duties

Perform GIS data management and analysis.

Use technical flora to identify terrestrial plants.

Assist leading youth and adult volunteers in habitat restoration

Assist with writing reports and completing other documents related to work done.

Required Qualifications

Ability to live and work in remote areas with limited amenities.

Personal, work, or academic knowledge related to botanical identification or natural history.

Competency using Microsoft word and excel programs, and general computer literacy.

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 collecting scientific data.

Experience hiking and camping.

Knowledge of ESRI GIS mapping and data collection products.

Experience collecting botanical vouchers and using technical flora for plant identification.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Private or shared room (depending on availability) in a park bunkhouse in Skagway, AK with a shared kitchen.

There is cell phone service through several major carriers in Skagway, but there is no internet at the bunkhouse. There is free internet available at the public library a short walk away.

There is a small grocery store in town and several restaurants, but few other amenities. Park staff will work with you to make sure you are fully prepared to live in this rural setting.

Compensation

$350/week living allowance

$1,500 one-time roundtrip travel allowance

$1,050 duty-related reimbursements (to use for in-season travel)

During training in Anchorage, lodging will be booked by SCA

AmeriCorps Award (acceptance required) of $1,956.35 (450 hours required)

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits

Bear Safety

AmeriCorps: Eligible, Required

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.