Job Type
Internship
Description
Position Summary
Trout Unlimited (TU) is seeking two (2) Aquatic Resource Seasonal Technicians based in Northern Wisconsin and 2-4 based in southwest Wisconsin to help fulfill the organization's mission to bring together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and streams, so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon. The Aquatic Resource Seasonal Technicians will assist TU staff and a Lead Seasonal Technician with projects aimed at restoring aquatic connectivity and in-stream habitat. The primary responsibility of this position is to complete road-stream crossing inventories using the Great Lakes Road Stream Crossing Inventory method. These inventories are an important first step for TU and project partners to identify aquatic organism passage barriers and prioritize streams for future restoration work. Additional duties may include assisting with fishery and habitat surveys, monitoring recently completed aquatic connectivity project sites, assisting TU and partners with in-stream habitat restoration projects, and assisting TU staff with in-stream temperature monitoring projects.
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter and please indicate in the cover letter if you are applying for the Northern Wisconsin team, Driftless team, or if you are interested in both.
Northern Wisconsin
The position will require frequent overnight travel to remote locations in northern Wisconsin (camping in and around the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and Lake Superior coastal counties). TU's Northern Wisconsin staff are based in Boulder Junction, WI but these positions will primarily be completing field work in Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron, Florence, Forest, Vilas, Marinette, or Oconto counties in Northern Wisconsin, so location is negotiable but mileage reimbursement is capped to a distance from Boulder Junction.
Driftless
The positions will require frequent travel throughout the southern Driftless Area. Focal areas include western Dane County, Sauk, Iowa, Lafayette, Grant, Green, La Crosse and Juneau counties. The positions will be 100% field based, and individuals will be expected to find housing in a centrally located area.
Requirements
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Conduct road-stream crossing inventories using the Great Lakes Road-Stream Crossing Inventory Method.
• Collect accurate field data and ensure data is submitted in a timely manner.
• Assist with a variety of stream surveys including water quality, habitat or fishery assessments.
• Assist with the maintenance of scientific equipment in the field.
• Work with TU's regional partners in the field to improve coldwater habitat through invasive species removal, woody debris installations, tree plantings, and other methods.
• Participate in education and outreach efforts with project partners and the public.
This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Enrolled in or completed a B.S. in a Natural resources, engineering, or related field
• A working knowledge of principles and practices of fisheries or water resources.
• Outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated and responsible with demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to problem solve and think creatively to achieve a conservation mission.
• Willingness to travel (frequently overnight) to remote locations and capable of hiking and carrying equipment in difficult terrain and working in inclement conditions and remote locations.
• Experience in and comfort with camping on a nightly basis in remote locations with limited cell reception.
• Valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office programs, experience with Esri Applications a plus.
PAY & WORK SCHEDULE
These positions are paid at a rate of $16 per hour and include per diem pay while traveling and mileage reimbursement for reasonable travel to and from the "home base" (usually a campground) for the work week.
The work week is typically 40 hours per week, which will be flexible to accommodate weather, travel and crew logistics. Previous crews have arranged to work four 10-hour days, for example. The anticipated employment date range is May through August 2025.
Salary Description
$16 per hour
