PO-00801969-MEM – Individual Placement-Alaska- Interpretation Ranger

Austin Community College; Juneau (AK); On-site; USD 20,475; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bear Safety

Interpretive Skills

Job summary

A conservation organization seeks participants for a summer position at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Juneau, AK. The role involves answering visitor queries, developing interpretation programs, and supporting youth activities. Applicants should be aged 16-30 or veterans under 35, able to work in various weather conditions. Compensation includes a $450 weekly allowance and travel stipends. Shared living accommodations offered. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain field experience in environmental education and conservation.

Qualifications

• Participants must be aged 16-30 or veterans age 35 or younger.
• Citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States.
• Participants must be able to work in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Staff the information desk and rove trails to answer visitor questions.
• Develop and present interpretation programs and hands-on activities.
• Support youth-focused programming.

Skills

Willingness to work indoors and outdoors

Some coursework or experience in biology

Some coursework or experience in earth sciences

Some coursework or experience in communications

Some coursework or experience in education

Some coursework or experience in history

Job description

Come join our staff at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center!

The Mendenhall Glacier, in Juneau Alaska, is one of the state’s top attractions with nearly a million visitors a year, primarily in the summer. As a placement, you will be integrated into our visitor center program and wear a Forest Service uniform.

You will receive interpretation and resource training at the beginning of your position. There will be opportunities for both formal and informal mentoring as you gain experience in the field. The work week is 4 days/week, 10 hours/day, including evening and weekend work. Conditions require long periods of standing each day.

We employ SCA participants, 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.

Location

Juneau, AK

Schedule

April 6, 2026 - September 19, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Staff the information desk and rove trails to answer visitor questions.
• Develop and present interpretation programs and hands‑on activities.
• Staff stations and support youth focused programming.

Marginal Duties

• Additional interpretive program opportunities may exist including longer‑form program development, contributing to social media, and natural resource care.

Required Qualifications

• Willingness to work both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in rainy weather.
• 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

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

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 roundtrip travel stipend
• $1700 duty‑related reimbursements ($1500 duty‑travel and gear; $200 for Personal Protective Equipment)

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits

• Bear Safety
• Interpretive Skills

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.