Fish & Wildlife Research Internship

Non-Profit Agency:

Nisqually Reach Nature Center (NRNC)

Location:

4949 D’Milluhr Dr. NE, Olympia WA 98516

Term:

Spring Internship – April 2nd – June 9th Summer Internship – Negotiable Application Deadline:

Spring Internship – February 23rd Summer Internship – May 11th

 

At 35 years and counting, The Nisqually Reach Nature Center continues to strive to foster understanding, respect, and care for the environment by connecting people with nature through education and research. Additionally, we work to build community around environmental stewardship; the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve is a testament to our unity and determination. With only three full time staff members, we rely on generous volunteers and dedicated interns.

 

Description:

 

The Nisqually Reach Nature Center is looking for an unpaid Research Intern to join our team. Spring and summer internships are available for academic credits (optional). We are in our 6th year of citizen science projects and have been doing environmental education for over 15 years. This is a meaningful opportunity for an aspiring environmental professional to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the environmental field and also be in involved in projects that impact natural resource management.

 

This position involves two projects: forage fish spawning surveys and pigeon guillemot breeding surveys. The forage fish project involves conducting field surveys, analyzing samples using a microscope, and working with volunteer citizen scientists throughout the process. The intern will also assist with preparation for the summer pigeon guillemot breeding season by conducting surveys and helping with survey training. Another significant component of the two projects is volunteer coordination. Data management is the third major part of this position. Other roles including staffing of the visitor center during open hours as well as aquarium maintenance and occasionally helping with education programs.

 

Responsibilities:

 

  • Assist with forage fish spawning surveys; field work, sample processing, lab analysis, QA/QC.
  • Assist with preparation for, planning of, and conducting volunteer trainings.
  • Assist with volunteer coordination.
  • Enter, manage, and analyze citizen science data.
  • Staff the Nisqually Reach Visitor Center – greet and engage with visitors.
  • Tabling at community and outreach events – outreach and recruitment.
  • Give project updates at Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve Citizen Stewardship Committee meetings.
  • Assist with other projects as needed.
  • Assist the education director as needed.

 

Qualifications:

 

  • Completion of basic studies in biological or environmental sciences.
  • Intermediate experience using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Field and lab experience.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented and organized.
  • Able to prioritize multiple tasks and be adaptable.
  • Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Dependable, disciplined and prompt.
  • Experience teaching youth is desired.

 

Schedule:

 

  • 20-40 hours per week/Core days and hours: Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday 12:00-4:00PM
  • Flexibility is required; some evening work possible

 

How to Apply:

 

Email a resume and letter of interest detailing your background and how you meet the qualifications. Please also complete the following questionnaire: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZYER83RFcRAfghL0pFM7GttNiihCl60Y8PZDEU0IXhI/edit?usp=sh aring

For questions about this position, contact Terence Lee.

Terence Lee, Scientific Technician Nisqually Reach Nature Center 360-459-0387

terencelee@nisquallyestuary.org