Fisheries Intern

State of Montana • Kalispell, MT

1d

About The Position

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.
Announcement:
Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.
Resume
Cover Letter
References
Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on March 22, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.
Special Information:
Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).
A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.
Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.
Specific Job Information:
You must be physically fit and willing to hike considerable distances on closed roads, trails and in streams, carrying up to 40lbs. Weather conditions can be highly variable, and schedule must be flexible and subject to change on short notice. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and current insurance if personal vehicle is driven during the internship period. Housing is available at a FWP seasonal bunkhouse or state provided camper trailer with free camp spot. If an out-of-state student’s college does not accept our internship contract, the student will be required to take at least one credit at a college in Montana during their internship to be considered.
Job Duties:
Assist regional fisheries staff in completing DNRC contracted Bull trout habitat and population monitoring surveys. Conducts additional fieldwork, which may include mountain lake surveys and fish population estimates using netting, angling, and electrofishing techniques. Perform laboratory tasks such as gravimetric analysis of streambed substrate samples and data entry/summarization using standard software. Additional tasks may be required. Will need flexibility in scheduling; hiking and overnight camping in back country situations will occur several times during the field season. Must be able to wade in small – moderate sized streams while at times carrying up to 40 lbs. Proficient river angling skills, specifically fly fishing, for catch, tagging, and release to support population estimates.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
Needs to be actively enrolled in a college. If an out-of-state student’s college does not accept our internship contract, the student will be required to take at least one credit at a college in Montana during their internship to be considered. Knowledge, skills and abilities to be developed as tasks are completed. Either undergraduate or graduate level, majoring in resource management, environmental studies or closely related fields required.

Requirements

• Must be physically fit and willing to hike considerable distances on closed roads, trails and in streams, carrying up to 40lbs.
• Weather conditions can be highly variable, and schedule must be flexible and subject to change on short notice.
• Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and current insurance if personal vehicle is driven during the internship period.
• Needs to be actively enrolled in a college.
• If an out-of-state student’s college does not accept our internship contract, the student will be required to take at least one credit at a college in Montana during their internship to be considered.
• Either undergraduate or graduate level, majoring in resource management, environmental studies or closely related fields required.

Responsibilities

• Assist regional fisheries staff in completing DNRC contracted Bull trout habitat and population monitoring surveys.
• Conducts additional fieldwork, which may include mountain lake surveys and fish population estimates using netting, angling, and electrofishing techniques.
• Perform laboratory tasks such as gravimetric analysis of streambed substrate samples and data entry/summarization using standard software.
• Additional tasks may be required.
• Flexibility in scheduling; hiking and overnight camping in back country situations will occur several times during the field season.
• Wade in small – moderate sized streams while at times carrying up to 40 lbs.
• Proficient river angling skills, specifically fly fishing, for catch, tagging, and release to support population estimates.

Benefits

• Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance.
• Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays.
• This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).
• Housing is available at a FWP seasonal bunkhouse or state provided camper trailer with free camp spot.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed