When: July 2021 – June 2023

Where: Much of the work can be completed remotely. Field work is required, at a minimum, one day per week. Some training and/or meetings may occur at WSDOT headquarters. WSDOT headquarters, 310 Maple Park Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98504

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking an intern from the Master of Environmental Studies (MES) program at The Evergreen State College to provide support to the agency’s Habitat Connectivity Biologist. The primary work involves maintaining a network of motion-triggered wildlife cameras at various crossing structures along the state highway system, as well as at roadside and off highway locations. The appointed intern will process data from the cameras and complete analyses that describe the seasonal and temporal relationships of wildlife and highways. Other work, such as maintaining the wildlife carcass removal and salvage databases, assisting with Endangered Species Act-related permitting work, and preparing informational posters for WSDOT maintenance staff will be completed as time allows.

WSDOT is involved with several large-scale wildlife monitoring projects centered around the state highway system, and the appointed intern will be expected to choose one to focus on, holding some level of self-guidance and ownership. Exposure to all aspects of WSDOT’s habitat connectivity work will occur, but more emphasis will be placed on the chosen project. Some examples of projects to choose from include wildlife monitoring in the Cascade Mountains (focus on rare carnivores), wildlife monitoring at fish passage sites that included enhancements for terrestrial wildlife connectivity, and validating a cougar connectivity GIS model using an array of wildlife cameras.

Position Objective: The Habitat Connectivity Internship primarily involves servicing wildlife cameras distributed across the state and processing the data. This includes reviewing thousands of images weekly, identifying wildlife species and number of individuals within them, and entering this and other info into an Excel database. Periodically, interns analyze wildlife use of bridges, culverts, and areas adjacent to the highway, producing summary statistics to further our understanding of wildlife activity patterns in the vicinity of highways. Other duties, such as assisting with WSDOT’s Endangered Species Act policy will also be expected. Over the past decade, WSDOT’s reliance on MES interns to maintain, produce and analyze data has grown tremendously, and applicants should expect a challenging position with increasing responsibility throughout.

Camera servicing involves regular visits to locations across the state to swap batteries and collect data. Since the intern helps maintain an active monitoring program, removing and installing cameras from field locations will likely occur. Out of an abundance of caution, and to limit potential exposure to and spread of Covid-19, WSDOT staff currently only travels one person per vehicle. This means the intern will need to be comfortable driving a state vehicle long distances throughout all seasons. Some camera servicing field days frequently involve hundreds of miles of driving, often within rural areas or over mountain passes.

Essential job knowledge, skills and abilities:

  • Knowledge of Pacific Northwest wildlife species, their ecology, life history and habitat utilization

  • At least one college level course in statistics

  • Ability to meticulously process large volumes of information to produce data

  • Ability to analyze data, derive basic statistics and present clearly in tables and text

  • Interest in developing geographic information systems (GIS) skills

  • Ability to walk over rough terrain carrying up to 60 lbs.

  • Valid Washington State driver’s license

  • Ability to safely drive long distances in varied locations and weather types

  • Telework capabilities including an adequate workstation and internet connection

    (computer and accessories will be provided by WSDOT)

Schedule: 20 hours per week during the quarter, 40 hours per week during breaks. Hours worked are flexible, but some reoccurring meetings within the 7:00 am to 5:00 pm period, Monday through Friday, may be required. While the schedule is flexible, we desire people interested in working the maximum allowable number of hours per week.

Pay: $15.50/hour
Evergreen internship course credit is also available

To apply, please email a resume/CV and short cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience to:

Glen Kalisz
WSDOT Habitat Connectivity Biologist Glen.Kalisz@wsdot.wa.gov 360-705-6963