Internships with St. Elias Alpine Guides
WORK FOR AND LEARN FROM AN ESTABLISHED GUIDE SERVICE IN REMOTE ALASKA.
Goal:
The goal of our internship program is to provide participants with the unique and exciting opportunity to experience many facets of working for and the operations involved in running a guide service in the remote community of McCarthy, Alaska.
 Location:
St. Elias Alpine Guides is located in the heart of the largest National Park in the United States - Wrangell – St. Elias National Park. For the past 30 years we have been based out of the historic Motherlode Powerhouse in the charming and unique, tiny mountain community of McCarthy, Alaska. Our staff currently numbers approximately 30 outdoor professionals dedicated to giving our customers the ultimate outdoor experience.
Program Highlights:
Participants will take part in guide training for: glacier hikes, alpine hikes, Historical tours, local flora/fauna/geology, and, depending on experience and motivation, ice climbing seminars. Focus will be placed on safety, leadership, and client experience.
Depending on experience and ability, participants may have the opportunity to work as primary or secondary guides for these day adventures.
Participants will live with our guides at our rustic compound, centered around the historic Motherlode Powerhouse, in McCarthy, AK. Along with the guides, they will take part in a wide variety of duties unique to operating a guide service in a remote, Alaskan bush community.
Depending on experience, participants will have the opportunity to take part in at least one multi-day, backpacking or mountaineering trip to a wide variety of destinations within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. These trips range from 4 to 12 days and will be paid for by the company.
Throughout the program, participants will be exposed to a wide variety of tasks and issues surrounding the operation of a long established guide service in a National Park that is relatively new, rapidly evolving, and very remote.
Expectations:
 As in many outdoor programs, the work is generally mentally andphysically demanding with long hours spent working in challenging environments. Those looking for a glamorous mountain guiding job should look elsewhere. As with any experience, you get out of it what you put into it and the rewards can be spectacular. Interns are expected to come prepared with a good attitude and a willingness to work hard at any task they are given. These tasks can range from repairing broken gear or helping with vehicle repairs to giving slideshows to guests of the local lodge or general maintenance like cleaning the outhouse. While we realize that all staff members want good day and backcountry trips, promotion and reward within the company is entirely based on merit. Additionally, interns are expected to make every effort to be positive, contributing members of our community.
Compensation:
Round trip transportation between Anchorage, AK and McCarthy, AK.
$450/month stipend
Room and board provided by St. Elias Alpine Guides.
Opportunity to participate in our pro-purchase program.
Training including: guiding techniques, natural history, Alaskan backcountry travel skills, rope work, and rescue skills.
Time:
For our 2010 season, St. Elias Alpine Guides will be leading trips starting May 21st and ending September 12th. Guide training is usually conducted during mid-May and again in mid-June. Intern program participants are asked for a minimum commitment of two months.
To apply, send a detailed resume and cover letter explaining why you want to work for a guide service in remote Alaska to jobs@steliasguides.com. If we think you might be a good fit for the position we with then send you a series of emails with a detailed job description and explanation of life in McCarthy. |
