Intern - Fish Hatchery (Summer)

the South Dakota State Government•Waubay, SD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Fish Hatchery Intern works at the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery in Waubay, South Dakota, during the summer session from May through August. The internship concludes when the student returns to school. Depending on the applicant’s schedule, the position may be full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (approximately 20–40 hours per week). Work during the school year may also be available, subject to scheduling, a maximum of 1,560 hours, and the hatchery’s need for help. Interns participate in all aspects of hatchery operations. They begin by helping with overwinter intensive cold-water production, including trout and salmon, then shift in spring to walleye spawning and extensive culture in rearing ponds. Work also includes stocking fish in public waters and maintaining buildings, grounds, and equipment. The role involves indoor and outdoor work, wearing waders, working in inclement weather, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Interns may contribute to hatchery research projects by collecting data and conducting literature reviews, and may assist with data analysis and manuscript preparation. Lead responsibility for a specific research project may be available if desired. Free on-site housing is available if needed. Applicants must be enrolled part-time or full-time at a college, university, or technical institute when applying and must be current students taking at least six credit hours in the upcoming or immediately preceding semester. By the start of the internship, applicants should have completed one year (nine months) of their chosen program. All degrees and students are considered; preference may be given to candidates pursuing a biology-related degree, those with junior or senior standing, South Dakota residents, and students at South Dakota institutions.

Requirements

Be enrolled part-time or full-time at a college, university, or technical institute when applying.
Be a current part-time or full-time student taking at least six credit hours in the upcoming or immediately preceding semester.
Have completed one year (nine months) of the chosen program by the start of the internship.
Be able to work indoors and outdoors, wear waders, work in inclement weather, and lift up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Pursuing a degree in a biology-related field.
Junior or senior standing.
South Dakota residency.
Enrollment at a South Dakota institution.

Responsibilities

Assist with fish culture activities, including feeding, fish inventories, and cleaning rearing units.
Assist with overwinter intensive cold-water production, including trout and salmon.
Assist with walleye spawning and extensive culture in rearing ponds.
Stock fish in public fish waters.
Perform building, grounds, and equipment maintenance.
Support hatchery research projects by collecting data and conducting literature reviews.
Assist with research data analysis and manuscript preparation.
Optionally take the lead on a specific research project.