Fisheries Monitoring Intern

Herrera Environmental Consultants•Bellingham, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a motivated Fisheries Monitoring Intern to join our team in Bellingham for a hands-on learning experience supporting salmon spawning ground surveys. This recruitment may be used to fill between one and three internship positions. In this internship, you will gain practical field experience conducting field-based data collection in streams and rivers while contributing to important fisheries monitoring efforts. This position will support salmon escapement estimates through foot surveys in local watersheds. Work will include identifying and counting live and deceased salmon by species, identifying and GPS-locating redds, and entering field data into a field tablet. The position may also include using hand tools to trim vegetation, maintaining field equipment, and communicating professionally with landowners, city staff, and members of the public. This internship will involve primarily outdoor fieldwork, with some office-based coordination. It offers the opportunity to apply field data collection protocols in real-world fisheries monitoring while gaining valuable experience alongside experienced environmental professionals. Fieldwork will require the use of company provided person protective equipment (PPE), participation in safety briefings, and adherence to established field safety protocols. We are dedicated to providing our interns with meaningful learning experiences that foster professional growth and skill development. As an intern, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to impactful projects, and gain valuable insights into your field of interest.

Requirements

Current enrollment in or recent graduation from an associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree program in fisheries, environmental science, natural resources, biology, or related field.
Valid First Aid/CPR Certificate or ability to obtain within 2 weeks of hire
Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate company-provided or personal vehicles (mileage reimbursement provided for authorized use), to travel to and from field sites.
Interest in fisheries, salmonid ecology, natural resources, or environmental science.
Self-motivated and dependable, with the ability to maintain consistent field schedules, complete assigned survey reaches in accordance with established survey protocols and 7- to 10-day survey rotation and collect accurate field data under variable field conditions.
Ability to maintain professionalism, including punctuality and reliability, and consistent communication with field leads and field staff.
Ability to work effectively as part of a two-person field crew in dynamic outdoor environments while maintaining a positive attitude in variable weather conditions, including rain, cold temperatures, and extended periods outdoors.
Ability or willingness to learn to identify salmonids and redds.
Ability to maintain company-provided field equipment such as tablets or data forms, measuring tapes, sampling equipment, and other survey tools as well as personal protective equipment (PPE), including chest waders, wading boots, high-visibility apparel, gloves, eye protection, and personal floatation devices.
Ability to hike up to 5 miles per day and conduct surveys on foot through streams, rivers, riparian areas, dense vegetation, and uneven terrain while carrying field equipment and supplies.
Ability to work in and near water while adhering to a health and safety plan, participating in safety briefing, recognizing field hazards, implementing appropriate risk management measures, and properly using and inspecting PPE.

Nice To Haves

Previous volunteer or professional spawning ground survey or stream survey experience

Responsibilities

Identifying and counting live and deceased salmon by species
Identifying and GPS-locating redds
Entering field data into a field tablet
Using hand tools to trim vegetation
Maintaining field equipment
Communicating professionally with landowners, city staff, and members of the public
Applying field data collection protocols in real-world fisheries monitoring
Working alongside experienced professionals
Contributing to impactful projects
Gaining valuable insights into your field of interest
Using company provided person protective equipment (PPE)
Participating in safety briefings
Adhering to established field safety protocols