Summary:  The Hood Canal Steelhead Project is a collaborative effort between NOAA Fisheries, WDFW, the Skokomish Tribe, USFWS, Long Live the Kings, and the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG).  This 16-year study aims to rebuild three steelhead populations in Hood Canal while evaluating the benefits and risks of hatchery supplementation as a conservation strategy.  Seven streams are included in the project, and HCSEG is leading specific work on the Dewatto, Tahuya, and Little Quilcene Rivers. 

This position primarily involves field activites.  These will include adult and juvenile steelhead abundance monitoring, tissue sampling for genetic and age analysis, smolt trap maintenance, and collection of eggs from redds.  The steelhead research technician will be working with HCSEG staff and volunteers as well as other partners in the project.

Eligibility:

• Must be a current undergraduate or graduate student
• Must have a valid state driver’s license

Terms of Employment:

Project Duration –       March – June (some possible opportunities in February)

Start Date –                 preferably by mid-to-late March

Hours per week –        10-40; based upon internship agreement

Pay –                           stipend based on credit hours (see general description)

Responsibilities/Tasks:

• Participate in redd surveys in the Tahuya and Dewatto Rivers
• Assist in the operation of rotary screw traps for capturing and sampling smolts
• Transport volunteers to field locations and guide them in sampling procedures
• Monitor changes in river temperature
• Assist with egg collections
• Enter field data into MS Excel spreadsheets

Desirable Skills/Qualifications:

• Consistent at following set protocols for sampling and data collection
• Motivated and physically able to conduct full-day stream surveys
• Aware of safety hazards in the field
• Able to use computer applications, such as MS Word and Excel

To Apply:  Please submit a letter of interest, a current resume, and an unofficial transcript to Renee Rose-Scherdnik at renee@hcseg.org.

. Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group

Internship Opportunities ~ Research Assistants

HCSEG research assistant internships are available to undergraduate and graduate students.  The research opportunities available have different time commitments in conjunction with corresponding credit hours and stipends.  Stipends are awarded upon completion of contract hours.

Stipends will be distributed in two installments upon the completion of committed contract hours.  The first payment will be distributed at midterm and the last payment will be distributed at end of term.

Start and end dates of projects may not coincide with quarterly school schedules.

Start and end dates and/or weekly hour commitment for internships are negotiable and

must be determined before work commences.

To apply:

Student must have a valid driver’s license and dependable transportation.  Must meet all requirements listed for specific internship opportunity.

To be considered, please submit a letter of interest, current resume, and an unofficial transcript.  Eligible applicants will be contacted for an interview.  All materials should be submitted to the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group.

For more information please contact: Michelle Myers or Renee Rose-Scherdnik (360) 275-9722, or by email myers@hcseg.org or renee@hcseg.org