The posting
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.
Hosting Organization
Denali National Park and Preserve
Location
Denali National Park, AK
Schedule
December 13, 2026 - April 3, 2027
Key Duties and Responsibilities
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.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with strong cross-country skiing experience will be given preference.
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
$600/week - living allowance
$1,200 - travel stipend
$1,200 - duty-related reimbursements for winter gear
AmeriCorps eligible
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Not needed
Additional Benefits
Bear Safety
AmeriCorps: Eligible
Equal Opportunity Statement
SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.



