Trout Unlimited-Washington Water Project Beaver Restoration Field Lead — Beaver Restoration Intern
About Trout Unlimited
Trout Unlimited is a national organization with 300,000 members and supporters organized into over 400 chapters and councils nationwide. These dedicated grassroots volunteers are matched by a staff of organizers, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists, who work out of more than 45 offices across the country. Our mission is to conserve, protect, and restore North America’s cold-water fisheries and their watersheds. Trout Unlimited’s Washington Water Project (TU-WWP) implements community-based restoration projects, provides water rights expertise, and leads science and policy initiatives on river restoration issues.
Position Summaries
TU-WWP is beginning the second year of a program to relocate ‘nuisance’ beaver to suitable sites in the Wenatchee River Basin and seeks two seasonal staff to support program efforts:
- Beaver Restoration Field Lead will coordinate with the project manager to determine and lead field activities. The position timeline is approximately April 22-September 27 but may be extended depending on applicant availability and program needs. This seasonal position will work 40 hours per week.
- Beaver Restoration Intern will assist with daily activities. The preferred timeline is approximately May 20-August 30 but is flexible depending on availability of the selected candidate. Hours are anticipated to be 25-40 per week. This position could be a component of academic internship or experience requirements.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Safely trap, handle, care for, and release live beaver
- Collect biological information and implant captured beaver with PIT tags
- Observe, feed, and care for captured beaver at holding facilities in Leavenworth, WA
- Maintain and clean beaver holding facilities and trapping equipment
- Evaluate potential relocation sites for suitability using established protocols
- Prepare selected sites for beaver relocations
- Educate the public about the link between beavers, salmonids, and aquatic ecosystems
- Work cooperatively with biologists, volunteers, resource managers, and private landowners
- Deploy monitoring equipment such as motion cameras and data loggers
- Survey and evaluate successful relocation sites
- Use ArcGIS software and GPS units for site selection, identification, and analysis
- Record, enter, and compile data using MS Excel and Google Sheets; prepare project reports using MS Word and Google Docs
- Perform other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications – Field Lead
- One or more years professional field experience in fisheries, wildlife, or related natural resources discipline
- Ability to work with diverse people
- Ability to handle conflict and contentious situations
- Ability to problem-solve and think creatively to achieve a conservation mission
- Ability to work in rugged mountainous and wetland environments
- Ability to use topographic maps for activity planning and field navigation
- Must be flexible and adaptable to changing work hours and conditions
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive trucks on unimproved roads
- Ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds and walk several miles on/off trail
- Enthusiasm for natural resources conservation
- Experience using Microsoft Office applications, ArcGIS software, and GPS units
Required Qualifications – Intern
- Educational coursework and/or experience in a natural resources discipline
- Experience in outdoor environments similar to position working conditions
- Ability to work with diverse people and collaboratively as part of a field crew
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive trucks on unimproved roads
- Interest in natural resources conservation
Preferred Qualifications
- Animal trapping and handling experience
- Experience operating power and hand tools for general construction
- Familiarity with pumps, piping, and small water systems
Work Schedule
The primary work schedule will be Monday-Friday but will vary depending on program activities and will occasionally include weekends. Positions will be based out of the TU-WWP office in Wenatchee, WA, with the duty station at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery in Leavenworth, WA, and report directly to Cody Gillin, Project Manager.
Working Conditions
Beaver trapping will occur in parks, agricultural settings, and on both public and private properties. Beaver holding and acclimation will occur in a fish hatchery setting. Beaver relocations will occur in mountain streams within public and/or private forest and range lands. Applicants will work in swift streams, thick brush, heat/cold, and may be exposed to biting insects, thorny plants, and other challenging field conditions. Flexibility, good humor, and a positive attitude are imperative.
Safety and Training
Trout Unlimited is committed to a safe working environment. The field crew will receive training in procedures, best practices, and standard protocols for conducting program activities safely and efficiently.
Compensation
The Field Lead position will pay $16-$19 hourly (DOQ). The Intern position will receive a stipend of $500 monthly. A personal vehicle may sometimes be required, and mileage will be reimbursed at the 2019 federal rate of $0.58/mile. These positions are not eligible for benefits. The program is not able to offer housing.
How to Apply
Email cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for two references to Cody Gillin, TU-WWP Project Manager, at cody.gillin@tu.org. Please indicate to which position you are applying and your anticipated availability. Positions open until filled but applicant reviews will begin on March 5, 2019.
Funding for the position is dependent on federal, state, and private sources. Successful applicants may be invited back for subsequent seasons depending on availability of funding.
TU is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action Employer pursuant to Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act & Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistant Act.
TU hires staff without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or disability.