Individual Placement-Alaska- Fisheries Management

Student Conservation Association•Kenai, AK

21h•$300•Remote

About The Position

This is a fisheries management internship with the Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association in Southcentral Alaska. The project focuses on suppressing invasive northern pike populations in Shell, Hewitt, and Whiskey lakes and the Hewitt-Whiskey Creek outlet. Additionally, it involves assessing the sockeye salmon population using Shell Lake. These lakes support various salmon species, including sockeye, Chinook, coho, chum, and pink salmon. The placement will be paired with a CIAA staff member to form a two-person crew. All work locations are remote and accessible only by floatplane. Training will be provided in bear safety, gun safety, fisheries sampling gear, and data collection procedures. The role requires a commitment to working in challenging environmental conditions such as cold/heat, smoke, bugs, high winds, wildlife, and significant precipitation. It also involves learning to use hand and power tools, and the ability to lift 50 lbs and work 8-10 hours per day on uneven terrain.

Requirements

Academic background and/or interest in fisheries.
Comfortable in small planes.
Comfortable camping in remote areas surrounded by wildlife, including bears.
Ability to lift 50 lbs and walk/hike on uneven terrain, uphill or downhill, physical work for 8-10 hours per day.
Ability to pass SCA’s background check.
Be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States.
Be at least 18 years or older.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to obtain one.
Be willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.

Nice To Haves

Experience camping in bear country.

Responsibilities

Remove northern pike using 1” bar mesh gillnets and hook and line fishing.
Monitor the adult salmon population at Shell Lake via video weir from mid-July to September.
Estimate the reduction in northern pike relative abundance.
Estimate the number of juvenile salmon that would have been consumed by northern pike if the pike removal program were not conducted.
Assess run-timing and abundance of salmon returning to Shell Lake.
Record data using field-based technology.
Demonstrate a commitment to service in environmental conditions that will include: cold/heat, smoke, bugs, high winds, wildlife, and a lot of precipitation.
Be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities.
Be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member, which includes: being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States; being at least 18 years or older; having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to obtain one; being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.
Ability to lift 50 lbs and walk/hike on uneven terrain, uphill or downhill, physical work for 8-10 hours per day.
Ability to pass SCA’s background check.