Regional Wildlife Intern - 3 Positions
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Description
The Regional Wildlife Intern is a paid position that gives undergraduate students practical experience and hands-on education through a variety of work with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Successful applicants will work alongside DWR biologists and other natural resource professionals who are responsible for conserving, enhancing and actively managing Utah’s protected wildlife. Regional Wildlife Interns will gain a broad understanding of career options in state wildlife management and learn what it takes to ensure Utah’s ever-changing landscape will support diverse, healthy fish and wildlife populations for generations to come.
There is a Regional Wildlife Intern position at the DWR’s Northern Region Office located in Ogden, the Northeast Region Office located in Vernal and at the Southeast Region Office located in Price. Applicants must indicate location preference when they apply. Housing is provided for the Price location internship (i.e., shared space in a bunkhouse).
Learn more about being part of the #TeamWildlife
Duties
- Assist biologists with fishery surveys using equipment like boats, rafts, backpack electrofishing equipment; gill nets, trap nets and seines
- Help plan and conduct a wildlife recreation event for the public
- Collect data that contributes to habitat restoration projects for critical summer and winter ranges
- Support inspection and interdiction efforts for quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species
- Participate in special projects like wildlife captures and translocation
- Capture and band waterfowl species like Canada geese and ducks
- Assist biologists with bird surveys, under the Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) program
- Help with survey and capture work for of Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) like Utah prairie dogs, pika, bats and pygmy rabbits
- Ride along with district conservation officers
- Respond to nuisance wildlife and depredation issues
- Assist with operations at the regional front counter
- Attend a Regional Advisory Council meeting
- Contribute written and visual content for use on DWR social media
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at USU’s Quinney College of Natural Resources. Applicants must have a general knowledge of wildlife biology and an interest in pursuing a career in wildlife-related natural resource conservation. Applicants must be quick-learners and have a willingness to develop the skills needed to safely perform a wide-variety of work. Individuals who demonstrate that they are hardworking, driven and a motivated team member are preferred.
A valid driver's license is required. Experience operating all-terrain vehicles, boats and pulling trailers is a plus.
Successful applicants will be expected to conduct outdoor work in variable weather conditions and terrain for extended periods of time, plus risks found in a typical office setting. There will be walking, hiking, standing, bending, carrying light items and occasional lifting of items that weigh up to 50 pounds.
This is a full-time (40 hours per week) position, which may involve irregular hours, including evenings and some work on weekends. There may be some travel in-state to help with wildlife management activities, like capture projects and surveys, that may result in overnight travel. The DWR will cover expenses related to any necessary travel. A typical work week includes four 10 hour days (Monday through Thursday) that start at 7:00 AM.
People and Culture Expectation
The successful applicants will be expected to uphold the DWR’s values of integrity, professionalism, accountability, teamwork and cooperation. The behaviors they embrace should set an example of professional and personal respect. The interns 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. Students then coordinate with a USU advisor to develop and complete an academic assignment.
Salary: $15/hour (40 hrs/week)
Location: Base of operations at the DWR’s Northern Region Office located in Ogden, Northeast Region Office located in Vernal and Southeast Region Office located in Price. Click HERE to view the DWR’s region map
Number of Openings: 3 (one at each regional office)
Closing Date: midnight February 29, 2024
Employment Dates: Flexible; not to exceed 480 hours over 12 weeks between early May and the end of August, 2024.
Housing: Ogden and Vernal locations, not provided; Price location, provided (shared space in a bunkhouse)
How to Apply:
Apply to the QCNR summer internship program here.
For more information, contact:
Matt McKell, Aquatic Biologist
Northern Region| Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
matthewmckell@utah.gov
Tonya Kieffer-Selby, Conservation Outreach Program Manager
Northeast Region| Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
tonyakieffer@utah.gov
Chris Wood, Regional Supervisor
Southeast Region| Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
ckwood@utah.gov