2021 Fish & Wildlife Research Internship 

At over 35 years and counting, we continue to foster understanding, respect, and care for the environment by connecting people with nature through education and research here at Nisqually Reach Nature Center.  Additionally, building community is something we are passionate about; the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve is a testament to our unity and determination.

Description:

The Nisqually Reach Nature Center is looking for an unpaid Research Intern to join our team. Internships are available year-round with seasonal focus on certain projects.  We are now in our 9th year of citizen science projects. This is a meaningful opportunity for an aspiring environmental professional to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the environmental field and be involved in projects that inform natural resource management.  Due to COVID-19, the majority of this internship is expected to be a hybrid of some field work, but mostly virtual office work.

Forage fish spawning surveys and pigeon guillemot breeding surveys are the two main projects this position will support.  The forage fish project involves conducting field surveys, analyzing samples using a microscope, and coordinating volunteers.  Pigeon Guillemot surveys consist of summer breeding and fall/winter non-breeding surveys. The intern will assist with surveying, data entry, and report writing. Another significant component of the two projects is volunteer coordination.  Data management is the third major part of this position.  Opportunities for assisting with data analysis and report writing also available.  Other duties include staffing of the visitor center during open hours as well as aquarium maintenance and occasionally assisting with education programs.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with pigeon guillemot surveys; field research, logistics, data management
• Assist with forage fish spawning surveys; field work, sample processing, lab analysis, QA/QC.
• Assist with preparation for, planning of, and conducting  volunteer trainings.
• Coordinate volunteers.
• Enter, manage, and analyze community science data using Excel and GIS.
• Give project updates at Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve Citizen Stewardship Committee Meetings.
• Assist with other projects as needed (larval crab, ocean acidification, summer camp).

Qualifications:

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

Schedule:

• 20-40 hours per week/variable schedule
• Flexibility is required; some evening work possible

How to Apply:

Email Terence Lee a letter of interest detailing your background and how you meet the qualifications and your resume. Please also complete the following  questionnaire.

For questions about this position, contact Terence Lee.

Terence Lee
Science Director
Nisqually Reach Nature Center
360-459-0387
terencelee@nisquallyestuary.org