Job Title: Natural Resources & Environmental Intern

Location: Juneau, AK

Job Summary

Join Tlingit & Haida’s team of environmental specialists and natural resource professionals this summer! You’ll learn about tribal environmental programing that integrates scientific research and traditional ecological knowledge to steward the air, lands, and sea of the Tlingit and Haida people. As the Natural Resources & Environmental Intern, you’ll help monitor the health of our lands and waters, promote environmental stewardship, and support the development of regional programs that advocate for community resilience.

Throughout the summer, you will conduct research, assist with database management, and help produce educational materials. You’ll learn about the impacts of mining on transboundary river systems and how Tribes are exercising their sovereignty to protect these important anadromous rivers. After you obtain on-the-job training in water sampling techniques, you’ll be able to travel with the Environmental Team and collect water quality samples from these rivers. Through this internship, you’ll also gain in-depth knowledge about the relationship between Indigenous people, shellfish, and harmful algal blooms. You’ll put this knowledge to use when you collect data that helps us understand paralytic shellfish toxin concentrations on important subsistence beaches. Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to provide ongoing support to the Taay Hít greenhouse, the Southeast Tribal Environmental Forum, the Alaska Youth Stewards program, landslide research, and a new composting program.

This internship will take place in-person in Juneau, Alaska, with short work trips around Southeast Alaska to assist with field work.

Duties/Responsibilities Could Include, But Are Not Limited To

Perform water sampling on transboundary rivers in Southeast Alaska.
Research mining activity and create informational materials.
Participate in landslide research across Southeast Alaska.
Gather shellfish from important subsistence beaches to test for paralytic shellfish toxins.
Assist with shellfish biomass surveys that will model clam population density and distribution.
Collect phytoplankton and ocean acidification samples.
Conduct microscopy and identify toxin-producing phytoplankton species.
Support
Assist with the development and implementation of a composting program.
Assist with planning the Southeast Tribal Environmental Forum.
Assist with the development of a newsletter or other educational outreach materials.
Collaborate with the Alaska Youth Stewards program.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

Interest
Willing
Able to collaborate with a team and work independently.
Self-starter with ability to adapt to a fast-paced work environment and meet deadlines.
Flexibility to work outside of normal work hours and travel to Southeast communities, as needed.
You will need a valid driver’s license to be able to drive company vehicles.
Must be a
Legally authorized to work in the United States

Education And Experience

Must be age 18 at time of hire.
Must be currently enrolled in post-secondary school/program or a recent graduate (1-2 years)

Preferred

Study in the field(s) of natural resources, environmental science, or cultural resources.
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite software, including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Strong critical thinking and research skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills
At least a 2.5 GPA

Application Process

Complete online application at Sealaska.com/careers by January 22, 2024.
Submit a resume and recent transcript (unofficial) with online application.
Submit a cover letter expressing your interest in this role with online application.
You may be asked to provide proof of your status as a Sealaska shareholder, shareholder descendant, or shareholder spouse.
You must successfully complete a background check prior to onboarding at Sealaska.

About Sealaska Intern Program

The Sealaska intern program exists to uplift Sealaska shareholders and their descendants pursuing post-secondary education with meaningful career experience, learning opportunities, and a supportive community. Interns explore career interests, grow professional skills, and connect with the unique and vibrant cultures of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people. You will spend the summer with peers who share an Alaska Native heritage, learning from each other and building a community as you venture into your careers. Learn more at sealaska.com/careers/summer-internships .

Working Conditions And Physical Demands

The physical and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 30 pounds regularly.
Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception.
Ability to bend, kneel, squat, or stand for extended periods of time.
Ability to hike short distances on challenging terrain.
Ability to get in and out of boats and/or float planes.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the intern will work in an office setting and outdoors.
The intern will be assisting with field work multiple times a week including work on unstable surfaces and, possibly, in inclement weather. The intern should have appropriate attire for performing field work in Southeast Alaska, including full rain gear.

This description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. It is intended to accurately reflect the activities and requirements of the position, but duties may be added, deleted, or modified, as necessary. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Who is Sealaska? Established in 1972, Sealaska is the Alaska Native regional corporation for Southeast Alaska. Our 23,000 shareholders are Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people with more than 10,000 years of ancestral ties to the oceans, forests and communities of Southeast Alaska. We serve the twin goals of economic prosperity and environmental protection.

We are committed to providing the best possible climate for maximum development and goal achievement for all our employees. As a Native-owned company, Sealaska Corporation is proud to promote an inclusive and diverse workplace, with respect for the cultural traditions in the communities where we operate.

Sealaska Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status or physical disability. However, preference may be extended to an enrolled member of a federally-recognized Indian Tribe*

“Indian Tribe” means an Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 668; 43 U.S.C. 1601) which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.

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Natural Resources & Environmental Intern