Information

Thank you for your interest in applying for the Juneau Icefield Research Program’s Medical Faculty. This application is for an Expedition Medic position; with the expedition in the field, although often (not always) in camp and not out on the glacier.


Job Description

The Medic volunteers to support JIRP teams by providing instruction in wilderness medicine and first aid, as well as treating minor injuries in the field as they feel comfortable.

Potential teaching topics include:

  • Patient assessment and emergency care

  • Blister prevention and care

  • Sunburn prevention and general burn care

  • Treatment of musculoskeletal injuries

  • Wound management

  • Environmental exposure illnesses and injuries (hypothermia, heat exhaustion, etc.)

  • Nutrition and hydration management (macronutrients, dehydration, etc.)

Common medical problems we encounter in the field include:

  • Blister care

  • Immersion foot prevention

  • Sunburns and minor kitchen burns

  • Wound management, including limited application of stitches

  • Muscle strains

  • Environmental exposure illnesses and injuries

  • Triage of more serious musculoskeletal injuries and medical problems, including managing evacuations by foot, snowmachine, and helicopter

In addition to addressing medical/medical teaching needs, the expedition medic will participate in larger expedition activities. This may involve:

  • Working under the Field Operations Manager(s) to meet the physical, emotional, logistic, and academic/scientific needs of the 60+ person team.

  • Pitching in on camp chores (cook crew, minor camp maintenance, etc.).

  • Attending safety training exercises to learn basic and intermediate technical alpine skills (skiing, steep snow terrain techniques, roped team travel, glacier rescue systems, etc.).

  • Participating in single-day field trips with team members to explore different parts of the Icefield.

Qualifications

Required

  • EMT or higher level training in medicine.

  • Agreement to abide by program policies, including the Code of Conduct, Romantic Relationship Policy, and Alcohol and Drug Policy.

  • Dedication to support the mission of JIRP, including field education and Earth science research.

Preferred

  • RN, PA, or MD, with a specialty in wilderness medicine, emergency medicine, or primary care.

  • Backcountry experience, especially in climbing and/or skiing.


Application

To apply, please answer the application questions below and upload a resume (PDF format). We will review applications on a rolling basis through late Winter and early Spring. Suitable candidates will advance to a second round of the application process, which will involve references and an interview with JIRP Leadership Team.