#PO-00802428-MEM - Individual Placement-Alaska- Visitor Services at The Student Conservation Association

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is seeking a Visitor Services Assistant based in Fairbanks, Alaska, with housing provided. This role supports visitor use management through administrative and data-related tasks.

About the role

As a visitor services assistant for the largest National Wildlife Refuge in America, you will assist the permit specialist with administrative paperwork and special use permit data entry. The visitor use data includes air taxi, guided recreation, and guided hunting trip records, contributing to a long-term dataset used to analyze trends over the last 10+ years. This data directly informs management decisions and changes within the special use permitting program.

Additional tasks include reorganizing office space, sorting field gear, and assisting with the development of informational pamphlets and materials regarding permit condition updates. Opportunities for travel to assist with training or field projects may also arise.

This position is primarily based in Fairbanks, AK, an urban setting with regular public interactions. Some work may occur in backcountry settings with limited emergency services, public transportation, or cell phone reception.

Responsibilities

• Assist with special use permit reporting and data entry
• Help with permit processing and filing documents
• Perform quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) for the permitting database
• Generate reports of visitor use from the permitting database
• Organize office space, files, and gear
• Develop informational pamphlets and materials regarding updates to permit conditions
• Check mail and permitting email as needed

Requirements

• High attention to detail
• Willingness to learn
• Proficient typing and writing skills
• Ability to work independently once trained
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well with others

This position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. Participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30 (inclusive) or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, or participants must agree to obtain one or be enrolled in higher education. Hours served may apply toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous data entry experience
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and/or Access
• Basic coding knowledge

General Physical Requirements

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate safety policies and hazards
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with available resources
• Able to wear required personal protective equipment (e.g., safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 masks)
• Able to refrain from disruptive behaviors and cooperate with others under variable conditions
• Able to self-regulate emotions and actions when distressed
• Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure in various weather conditions
• Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration
• Able to self-administer prescription medications, including injections if required
• Able to carry a backpack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied terrain for up to 15 miles per day
• Able to lift a backpack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance
• Able to move on cross-country skis or snowshoes over varied snow and ice conditions
• Able to transport equipment and supplies by sled or backpack in winter conditions

Working Conditions

• Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous
• Ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives
• Work may occur in natural environments requiring respect for the land and local peoples
• Exposure to inclement weather, including heavy rain, strong winds, fog, lightning, and wildfire smoke
• Work in cold temperatures, potentially as low as -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet
• Exposure to natural hazards such as poisonous plants, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife

Schedule

October 18, 2026 - April 17, 2027 (start and end dates flexible by 1-2 weeks). The internship includes 2 weeks of unpaid leave during the holidays, which can be flexed throughout the term. Hours: 40 per week.

Benefits

• $600/week living allowance
• $1,500 one-time roundtrip travel allowance
• AmeriCorps eligible (earn a $3,697.50 award upon completing 900 hours of service)
• Housing provided in the Arctic Refuge bunkhouse in Fairbanks, shared with other interns/seasonal workers and traveling FWS staff
• Defensive Driving Training

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

Location

The bunkhouse is a one-minute walk from the federal building where most work will take place. Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city, offers a rich history and a resilient community. Winter activities include skiing, snowshoeing, aurora viewing, hot springs, dog mushing, ice fishing, and community events.

Additional Information

Driving a motor vehicle for the partner agency is a requirement. Participants must fulfill all partner driving requirements.