Individual Placement-Alaska- Winter Kennels

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 

October 11, 2026 - April 3, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

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

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.

General Physical Requirements

Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies. 

Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program. 

Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others. 

Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time. 

Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others. 

Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions. 

Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.

• If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.
• Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 45% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
• Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 45% of body weight with minimal assistance from others. 
• Able to grip a third point of contact for balance while crossing rivers/streams or ascending/descending sloped trails.
• Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
• Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
• Able to move on cross-country skis or snowshoes