Internship-Fisheries Management Intern

Position Summary

Fisheries management internship with Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association, Southcentral Alaska. This project will suppress invasive northern pike (Esox lucius) populations in Shell, Hewitt, and Whiskey lakes and the Hewitt-Whiskey Creek outlet as well as assess the sockeye salmon population using Shell Lake. Shell, Hewitt, and Whiskey lakes support populations of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), as well as Chinook (O. tshawytscha), coho (O. kisutch), chum (O. keta) and pink (O. gorbuscha) salmon.

Position is 16 weeks + 1 unpaid week off mid-season around early July.

Schedule

May 19, 2025 - September 12, 2025 (includes one planned unpaid week off in early July)

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Northern pike will be removed using 1” bar mesh gillnets and hook and line fishing from May through September of 2025. The juvenile salmon population in Shell Lake will be enumerated from May–June the adult population will be monitored via video weir from mid-July–September for the duration of the project. Success will be evaluated by (1) estimating the reduction in northern pike relative abundance, (2) estimating the number of juvenile salmon that would have been consumed by northern pike if the pike removal program were not conducted and (3) counting the abundance of salmon using Shell Lake.

This intern will be paired with a CIAA staff member to form a two-person crew.

All locations are remote, with floatplane only access. Interns will receive training in bear safety, gun safety, use of a variety of fisheries sampling gear, and data collection procedures.

Marginal Duties

Required Qualifications

Candidates should have an academic background and/or interest in fisheries. They also must be comfortable in small planes, and camping in remote areas surrounded by wildlife, including bears.

Preferred Qualifications

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

The crew will live on-site for the duration of the program at Shell and Whiskey/Hewitt lakes in the Susitna River watershed, except for a break at approximately the end of June through the first week of July when the crew will be brought back to Kenai for some time off.

Compensation

$1,300 - RT travel allowance to work site and back

$160 - weekly living allowance

Round trip flight(s) from Kenai office to work site, food, and housing are provided by the partner.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Additional Benefits

Bear Safety

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.