Aquarium Stewardship & Education AmeriCorps Member

The Sitka Ameri Corps Program works to address the high rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in rural Alaska by fostering strong developmental relationships with youth. Members support this mission through enrichment activities, academic assistance, mentoring, mental health support, and capacity building efforts. Members typically serve 36–40 hours per week in roles such as tutors, mentors, outreach workers, and community organizers.

Members live in shared co‑housing and help maintain a cooperative living environment. Up to 10% of service hours may be spent participating in community activities beyond the primary site—such as clubs, cultural events, tribal organizations, or community groups—to broaden cultural understanding and strengthen community relationships. Given Alaska’s geography and the community based nature of service, members commit to a full term of service, with preference for local applicants.

Leadership development is integral and includes training in self‑leadership, conflict resolution, and effective service delivery. Sitka is a walkable community, and members primarily travel by foot, bicycle, or public transit. Successful members communicate well with staff, adapt to changing needs, and maintain a collaborative, supportive approach. Strong communication skills—and appropriate gear for local weather—are essential for a positive service experience.

The Aquarium Stewardship & Education Ameri Corps Member supports Sitka Sound Science Center’s mission to increase understanding of coastal ecosystems through aquarium care and environmental education. Under professional supervision, the member participates in hands‑on aquarium stewardship and informal science education while building skills in teamwork, communication, and interpretation. Service is split evenly between aquarium care and education. Aquarium care includes assisting with daily tank maintenance, maintaining lab cultures, supporting operation of
* Tutu’s Tidepool
* mobile touch tank, and contributing non‑commercial photos for outreach. Education duties include assisting with marine science programming in classrooms, at the aquarium, and outdoors; facilitating small‑group activities; and supporting coordinated outreach programs. Service occurs in cold, wet aquarium and coastal environments.

Childcare assistance if eligible;
Education award upon successful completion of service;
Housing;
Living Allowance;
Health Coverage;
Training.

None

• Education
• Children/Youth
• Community and Economic Development

• Trade/Construction
• Education
• Disaster Services
• Teaching/Tutoring
• Conflict Resolution
• Youth Development
• Architectural Planning
• Business/Entrepreneur
• Recruitment
• Non‑Profit Management
• Public Health
• Communications
• Environment
• Counseling
• Computers/Technology
• Medicine
• Community Organization
• Urban Planning
• Veterans
• Social Services
• Leadership
• Writing/Editing
• Fund raising/Grant Writing
• First Aid
• Public Speaking
• General Skills
• Fine Arts/Crafts
• Law
• Team Work