Multiple Positions Available (May 15 – November 15, 2018) Stipend and housing provided Anticipated commitment: 8-12 weeks with possible extension
A partnership between Dartmouth College, Trout Unlimited and New Hampshire Fish and Game invites applications for field internships for the summer and fall of 2018. In this role the intern will gain experience and knowledge assisting in fieldwork evaluating the movement ecology of brook trout. This is a unique opportunity for someone with an interest in fisheries/freshwater ecology to gain direct, firsthand experience using multiple established research methodologies and exploring novel research techniques. The primary focus of the research is the partnership’s highly-ranked Embrace-a-Stream project focused on wild brook trout movement in a unique, intact watershed. Primary data collection activities center on an ongoing PIT tagging/tracking study. The intern will work under the guidance of a lead field research technician and other team members to assist in capturing, tagging and monitoring brook trout throughout the watershed. Additionally, the intern will gain experience with habitat and water quality data collection, macroinvertebrate community sampling, and documentation by still or video photography. Fieldwork will be conducted in the upper Androscoggin River headwaters on the northern NH/western ME border, including the Dead Diamond River and its tributaries. This watershed is located within Dartmouth’s Second College Grant, a 27,000 acre working forest with extensive research activities. The intern will have the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of researchers at the site, including wildlife biologists, soil scientists, hydrologists, and forest ecologists working on the national, multi-institutional Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change project. Several internships are availability beginning on or about May 15 and continuing through mid-November 2018 (weather dependent). The minimum internship duration is 8 weeks with extension beyond 12 weeks considered for exceptional candidates. The intern is expected to perform his/her tasks for 40hours/week; substantial schedule flexibility is often required due to field research requirements and environmental conditions. Required Qualifications: • Applicants should have completed a minimum of 2 years of study in in fisheries or wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, or a related field (prior field research experience may replace up to 1 year of educational coursework) • A displayed interest in freshwater ecology and fisheries • Willingness to work long hours outside in adverse conditions (extreme temperatures, biting insects, remote research sites) while maintaining a positive attitude • Ability to carry up to 70 lbs • Maturity and ability to work independently and in a team setting (other researchers, visitors, landowners) • Good communication skills • Valid drivers’ license • Ability to work legally in the United States Preferred Qualifications: • Prior field research experience in a similar environment • An interest in, or experience with fisheries data collection techniques, including electrofishing, seining, fyke netting, habitat surveys, macroinvertebrate collection, data entry, and fish sample processing (tissue, fin clips, scales) • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other data entry and analysis tools • An interest in, or experience with fish/wildlife tracking techniques, especially use of PIT tags • GPS and field navigational skills • CPR, wilderness first aid/WFR training • Interest in interacting with and educating non-scientists regarding research Compensation A stipend of $1800-2100/month, based on level of experience will be provided assuming an anticipated effort of 40hrs/week. Housing is provided at the site’s off-grid field station (cabin with wood stove heat, solar electric supply, internet access and running water generally available dependent on season). A reliable personal vehicle suitable for travel on improved gravel roads is required (fuel reimbursement provided for approved, project-related travel). Application Details Applicants are encouraged to review a summary of the TU Embrace-A-Stream Androscoggin Headwaters: Young Trout, Young Science project prior to applying. https://www.ammotu.org/projects Send a cover letter explaining your interest in this position, your resume, and names and contact information of three current references to be contacted to: gl...@hyporheic.org . Please use “Young Trout. Young Science. Internship” as the subject line of the email. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The final deadline for applications is Wednesday February 28, 2018
