About this role
Position Summary
Join the team at the Tongass National Forest’s Southeast Alaska Discovery Center in Ketchikan, AK to work in the largest visitor centers in Alaska. We’re looking for people enthusiastic about sharing the cultural heritage, economic diversity and natural beauty of the Tongass with Ketchikan visitors.
From our landmark downtown visitor center near the cruise ship docks, participants work alongside permanent staff to serve visitors from around the world. Ketchikan may be a remote slice of Alaska but is one of the largest cities in the state. Our center is often the first stop for many visitors to Alaska and we pride ourselves in teaching them about the state, our city, and the largest intact temperate rainforests in the world.
Location
Ketchikan, AK
Schedule
May 10, 2026 - August 29, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
• Welcome and orient visitors, open and close visitor center, provide information, and show refuge film.
• Participates in the development and management of a high-quality Interpretative Center by orienting and guiding visitors along their trip. Create and present interpretive programs on a variety of Southeast Alaska topics.
• Run the day-to-day operations of the Discovery Center, including checking admission tickets, answering visitor questions, maintaining the grounds, and operating audio-visual equipment.
• Curate interpretive content for exhibits. Maintain museum exhibits.
• Assist with planning and presenting special events and activities within the Discovery Center.
• Assist the Discovery Center’s lead ranger with creating programs and activities.
Marginal Duties
While this is a front-country position focused in the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, we will try our best to offer chances to explore other professions and projects within the Tongass National Forest and with our partners. The following is a list of activities that may be offered based on the participant’s interest and schedule.
• Create and present outdoor Interpretative programs at our Ward Lake location.
• Develop content for the Discovery Center’s strategic marketing, including updating the Forest’s social media streams.
• Assist with Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District events, and activities.
• Participate in local Forest Service employees’ research and work.
• Identify potential partnership activities within the local community. Maintain relationships with local partners (such as museums, state and local government, schools, and non-profit organizations).
Required Qualifications
Strong communication and public speaking skills.
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
Familiarity with the geography, cultures, and ecology of Ketchikan and Southeast Alaska.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
USFS housing in Ketchikan, AK may be available; inquire during interview.
Housing includes a fully furnished bunkhouse with multiple housemates. Rooms may be shared with one other person of the same gender. Common areas, including the kitchen, living room, and bathroom are shared. There are two separate gendered multi-person bathrooms and one private unisex bathroom. The bunkhouse includes laundry facilities. Bedding and towels are provided.
Housing is located within walking distance of two grocery stores, a mall, a few restaurants, and a hospital. Outside of the bunkhouse is a bus stop on Ketchikan’s public transit system. It takes about 10-15 minutes to navigate to the Discovery Center from the bunkhouse by bus.
Compensation
$450/week living allowance
$400/month housing stipend (for local candidates not needing USFS housing)
$1500 one-time roundtrip travel stipend
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Not needed
Additional Benefits
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
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.
Other facts
About Student Conservation Association
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
What you'll do
- Participants will welcome and orient visitors, provide information, and create interpretive programs about Southeast Alaska. They will also manage day-to-day operations of the Discovery Center and assist with special events.
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