The Natural Resources Intern will assist the Natural Resources department with reviewing and implementation of department initiatives.  Intern will learn about the various phases of responsible natural resource development such as; environmental sampling, geology and core sampling, the mineral exploration process, mining engineering and participation in scoping studies and understanding of the permitting process and financial limitations of modern mining development.  Work may include field visits to various resource projects within the NANA Region and/or placement at one of the mineral development projects in the field.  Position will be based in Anchorage with potential supervised trips to Kotzebue, villages in the NWAB, and remote project sites within the NANA Region.

The Natural Resources Intern will also assist with reviewing the closure scenarios for Red Dog Mine.  Where possible, these will be tailored to the successful candidate’s area of study.  The position will also focus on the historical context of the importance of Red Dog to NANA and its legacy for future generations.  Multiple mentors will assist with focusing the topics and engagement to ensure that the intern will be able to document their progress and understanding as it applies to NANA’s responsibilities and interests pertaining to Red Dog.  Additionally, regular reporting and presentations will be completed by the intern to demonstrate continual growth and learning through the program.  Position is based in Anchorage with potential supervised trip(s) to Kotzebue and villages in the NANA Region.  Intern will receive regular feedback about their performance including a mid-term and final performance evaluation.  If an intern’s performance falls below a satisfactory level, you may be separated from the program. 

NANA will provide lodging and transportation for applicants outside the Anchorage/Matsu Valley area. For more details, feel free to reach out! Internships will run from June 2, 2025, to August 3, 2025, with some flexibility based on individual availability.

• Statistical data interpretation, including the calculation of basic statistical parameters and the application of basic statistical tests.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as demonstrated with a writing sample
• Ability to analyze and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data, identify data gaps, and infer trends.
• Ability to research methods and protocols.
• Attention to detail.
• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
• Other duties that are pertinent to the department or unit’s success also may be assigned.

• Must be a NANA shareholder. NANA shareholders own stock in NANA Regional Corporation, Inc.
• Must be 18 years or older.

• This may be waived for the appropriate candidate willing to accept temporary relocation to Anchorage during the program duration.
• Must be currently enrolled in a degree in, or have completed two years of college-level Science Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM), including one college level or advanced placement (high school) statistics course. Specifically Environmental Science, Geoscience or mining/geological engineering will be useful majors.
• Possess intermediate to advanced computer skills in Microsoft Excel and/or Access.

Preferred Qualifications

• The following are highly desirable:
• Familiarity with basic statistical parameters, such as standard deviation and relative percent difference.
• Familiarity with basic statistical tests, such as the one-sample t-test and ANOVA.
• Experience working with data visualization software. Familiarity with a statistical software program, such as SPSS, SAS, R, etc. is highly desirable.
• Past participation in ANSEP, GeoFORCE, or Alaska Resource Education programs

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Weather: Occasionally exposed to moderate/harsh weather conditions; requires work be done both inside and outside.

Noise level: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but the employee may be exposed to varying levels of noise at times when in the field or at project sites.

Description of environment: Intern must be able to work in less-than-ideal offices, facilities, or situations. In the field the employee will be required to walk over uneven terrain, for periods up to an hour or longer, and may be exposed to loud machinery. The overnight accommodations in villages are limited and the employee may be required to sleep on the floor or cot in a local school, or tent camping outdoors.

Physical requirements:  Employee is required to occasionally lift and/or move up to 45 lbs. Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands/fingers to handle or feel, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk/hear, see, taste/smell, and carry weight/lift.

Travel: Employee may travel up to 25% to various locations within the U.S. and/or remote locations and may be required to use alternative modes of transportation, including but not limited to snow machines, boats, small airplanes and ATVs.  If travel to village flight / accommodations to be covered. 

Competencies

Qualified candidates will possess the following skills:

• Desire to work with people
• Ability to work with a moderate level of supervision.
• Ability to encourage, motivate, and engage people.
• Ability to analyze and problem solve.
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal and listening skills.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to change.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Ability to prioritize and organize.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Curiosity and the ability to ask questions.