Internship- Sled Dog Kennels

Internship- Sled Dog Kennels

#PO-00800245-MEM

Location: Sled Dog Kennel at Denali National Park in Alaska

Job Description

Position Summary 

This internship will serve with the Sled Dog Kennel at Denali National Park in Alaska. Interns will be given additional training, mentoring and hands on practice with all aspects of dog team travel and winter camping. Ideal interns 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.

Schedule 

October 6, 2024 - April 20, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

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

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

From January-April, interns 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 Interns, 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 interns 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 

Interns may have opportunities to assist with special programs for the public and/or to assist during special events such as the Iditarod and Yukon Quest sled dog races.

Required Qualifications 

Winter kennels interns should have some experience working with dogs, winter travel and solid cross-country skiing skills.

Preferred Qualifications 

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Interns will be provided with shared 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
• $225 - weekly living allowance
• $1,300 - reimbursable gear allowance
• Housing included
• Eligible for a 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award upon completion of internship

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Additional Benefits 

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

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. 

 Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.