POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Science Communication Assistant
Park Unit: Denali National Park and Preserve
Location: Denali Park, Alaska
Number of positions available: 1
Can this position be fully remote: YES
INTERNSHIP DATES AND LENGTH
Duration: 12 Weeks (not flexible)
Start Date: 01/12/2025
Flexible Start Date: YES
LIVING AND RELOCATION ALLOWANCE:
Weekly Stipend: $565.00
Relocation Allowance: $1,050.00
CURRENT NUMBER OF APPLICANTS: Under 75 (This posting will close after receiving 75 complete applications or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, 16 June, whichever occurs first.)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Wildland fire is one of the most widespread and significant disturbances in Alaska’s boreal forests. Fire profoundly influences ecological processes, restarts successional sequences, and contributes to a complex mosaic of vegetation communities throughout Alaska. Changes in climate have contributed to a changing fire regime in Alaska. Recent climate change is increasing size and severity of fire events and prolonging fire seasons.
Additionally, increased fire suppression around settlements has allowed the buildup of fuel loads (i.e., dense woody vegetation and ladder fuels) that likely require fuels mitigation actions such as mechanical thinning or prescribed fire. Thus, there is a need for scientifically-based information and a strong communication-education campaign on the effects of wildland fire and fuels mitigation to evaluate fire management objectives and actions.
The SIP will include relevant regional and ecological information as well as messaging on relevant National Park Service wildland fire management subjects in the creation of robust communication-education products that will be used to inform NPS staff and public audiences. Examples: talking points, flyers, press releases, posters, outreach events, site-visits to local schools and (age-appropriate) interpretative programs, presentations, social media posts, digital content for website and social media, etc.
POSITION IMPACT
The purpose of this position is to create written and digital content for external and internal National Park Service audiences related to fire management (wildland and prescribed fire), fuels management and fire ecology and monitoring efforts in and around Denali’s visitor service area. The SIP's work will increase our ability to effectively communicate program goals to our staff and public.
Strong communication and education are essential for successful implementation of fire management program goals and objectives. The products created at Denali will likely be shared broadly as ‘success stories’ throughout the Alaska Region and may serve to inform park management planning documents to better manage fire potential and visitor and resident safety.
DELIVERABLES
Proposed deliverables include utilizing existing communication and education processes (guided by the Regional Comm-Ed Specialist) to create relevant and engaging print and digital media content in support of fire and fuels program management goals. Dependent on SIP skills and interests, deliverables may include outreach products designed to engage and inspire community residents (both internal and external audiences) to consider fire as an important part of Denali’s boreal landscape.
The SIP will include relevant regional and ecological information as well as messaging about National Park Service wildland fire management techniques and projects into the creation of robust communication-education products. Once the participant has been selected, we will collaborate to agree upon an appropriate independent project before, or immediately after the start of the term. This written agreement will clearly define the scope and methodologies to be employed as well as final deliverables expected.
Potential products include: talking points, flyers, press releases, posters, outreach events, educational workshops, site-visits to local schools and (age-appropriate) interpretative programs, ranger talks, presentations, social media posts, digital content for website, etc.
DESIRED INTERN QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must have completed at least three years toward a degree in the biological, ecological, or natural resource management sciences with a preference for those candidates with coursework in communications, graphic design, or video & media production. Additional coursework or experience in public relations, journalism, photography, videography, digital design, marketing, and strong written and oral communication skills will make the applicant most competitive. A working knowledge of and experience with social media, desktop publishing software, facilitation and project management skills are required. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite or other similar applications and website editing experience is preferred. The applicant should be able to work well independently, troubleshoot technological challenges, create robust communication and education products (both written and digital), and articulate and interpret complex scientific concepts for both internal and external audiences.
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. legal permanent resident (“Green Card holder”). Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required. The applicant must be available to participate for 12 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
WORK SETTING
This position offers the chance to immerse oneself in the extremity of subarctic winter, experience the northern lights, view natural landscapes in transition, and live in one of the least populated areas of the country. Denali National Park and Preserve offers unparalleled opportunities for solitude and exploration in a largely untouched landscape. Skiing, snowshoeing, and otherwise enjoying Denali's wild landscape in the least visited season –winter– is an opportunity of a lifetime. Some food and community services are available in Healy (15 miles north of park) year-round.
The work for this project is primarily computer based, in an office building shared with fire management and resource protection staff. Although direct supervision is provided by the Park’s Fire Ecologist, and supported remotely by the Regional Comm-Ed Specialist, it is critical that applicants be self-motivated, innovative, and willing to ask for help promptly when assistance is needed. For extenuating circumstances, an applicant may opt to work remotely for part of the internship but must be present in Denali for at least the first half of the internship.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is recommended for this position.
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant. Housing can be provided at no cost to the participant and is a short walk from the office. Housing consists of a comfortable 20’ x 20’ cabin shared with one other person. The kitchen, dining, and living space are shared and bedrooms are private. The cabin is furnished, and the kitchen is stocked with dishes and basic cookware. Bedding for a twin mattress is needed (i.e., sheets and blanket or sleeping bag). As is common in interior Alaska, the cabins are “dry” meaning without running water, but water is available in the nearby communal bathroom/laundry/shower house.
KEYWORDS
Fire and fuels management, science communication, education, visual information, fire ecology, climate change
IMPORTANT NOTICES
This posting will close after receiving 75 complete applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, 16 June, whichever occurs first. Once you begin applying for a position, the application must be completed in one sitting. You cannot save and return later to complete it. Applicants can apply for up to five Scientists in Parks Intern positions per winter. You need to complete a separate application for each position in order to be considered. You should receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting an application. Sometimes institutional email filters/settings can redirect or block emails related to the application. We recommend watching spam, junk, and promotional email folders in case your service delivers messages there. Please visit How to Apply for additional resources and information about applying (i.e., learn what materials to have ready for applying, find a worksheet that previews application questions, etc.)
LEARN MORE
https://www.scientistsinparks.org/