Trout Unlimited Fisheries Technician- Logan

Trout Unlimited Fisheries Technician Internship (1 position)

Description

The Fisheries Technician Intern is a paid position that gives undergraduate students practical experience and opportunities for hands-on education through fieldwork with Trout Unlimited (TU).  This position will support TU’s personnel who conduct fisheries conservation work in the Lower Bear River in northern Utah and Idaho. The individual selected for the position will help TU biologists with a variety of fieldwork including fish trap operation, stream flow monitoring, habitat and water quality surveys, electrofishing, and more.  TU seeks an individual capable of working independently to complete some of these tasks, while also working well as part of a small team to accomplish other tasks.

Duties

• Operate a fish trap on a fish ladder to assist Bonneville Cutthroat Trout spawning migrations on the Cub River (~ half the position hours).
• Assist with the measurement of stream flows at several project sites.
• Assist biologists with fishery surveys using equipment like backpack electrofishing.
• Conduct habitat and stream channel surveys to support fisheries research and restoration projects.
• Conduct redd count surveys to assess cutthroat trout spawning use of small stream habitat.
• Work with the local Trout Unlimited Cache Anglers chapter to support events like fish releases for Trout-In-the Classroom, Kid’s Fly Fishing Camp, and the Bear River Celebration, among others.
• Employ hook-and-line sampling where practical to qualitatively assess fish distribution and abundance.

Qualifications

Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at USU’s Quinney College of Natural Resources (QCNR). Applicants must have a general knowledge of biology and an interest in fisheries-related conservation. Knowledge of aquatic biology is a plus. Preference may be given to individuals who are interested in pursuing a degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. Applicants must be quick-learners and have a willingness to develop the skills needed to safely perform a wide-variety of tasks. Applicants must be able to work independently and capable of physical tasks such as netting and handling fish, wading in streams, and hiking. Individuals who demonstrate that they are hardworking, driven and a motivated team member are preferred.

A valid driver's license and use of their own personnel vehicle is required. Mileage is reimbursed at the current federal rate of $0.67/mile.

The successful applicant will be expected to conduct outdoor work in variable weather conditions and terrain for extended periods of time. There will be walking, hiking, standing, bending, carrying light items and occasional lifting of items that weigh up to 50 pounds.

This is a flexible-hours position, which will revolve around independently maintaining a fish trap on the Cub River (paid drive time). Hours may then be irregular, including evenings and weekends.

People and Culture Expectation

The successful applicant will be expected to uphold the TU’s values of integrity, professionalism, accountability, teamwork and cooperation. The behaviors they embrace should set an example of professional and personal respect. The intern will be expected to actively promote a workplace free of discrimination and harassment, as well as make good faith efforts to understand people as unique individuals with diverse life experiences, challenges and opportunities.

Credits/Honors

Successful applicants may enroll for up to 3 credit hours during the internship; Honors Program participants may enroll for points. Individuals would work with a USU advisor to develop and complete an academic assignment during the internship.

Salary: $15.00/hour

Location: Individuals can work out of their home. Preference for individuals located in Cache Valley. Fieldwork will be conducted primarily in the Bear River drainage.

Number of Openings: 1

Closing Date: March 22, 2024, open until filled.

Employment Dates: Flexible; not to exceed 480 hours between late April and the end of August, 2024.

How to Apply: Apply to this QCNR summer internship position on Aggie Handshake.

For more information contact: Jim DeRito, Bear River Program Director, Trout Unlimited, jderito@tu.org