Lower Bear River Fisheries Technician Internship (1 position)

Trout Unlimited

Description

The Fisheries Technician Intern is a paid position that provides undergraduate students with practical experience and hands-on education through fieldwork with Trout Unlimited (TU). This position supports TU personnel conducting fisheries conservation work in the Lower Bear River in northern Utah and Idaho.

The selected individual will assist TU biologists with various fieldwork tasks, including fish trap operation, streamflow monitoring, habitat and water quality surveys, electrofishing, and more. TU seeks a candidate who can work independently to complete some of these tasks while also collaborating effectively as part of a small team.

This internship offers the opportunity to work alongside state, federal, and nonprofit professionals, gaining diverse field experience.

Duties

• Operate a fish trap on a fish ladder to assist Bear River Cutthroat Trout spawning migrations on the Cub River (~ half the position hours).
• Assist with the measurement of stream flows at several project sites.
• Assist biologists with fishery surveys using equipment like backpack electrofishing.
• Conduct habitat and stream channel surveys to support fisheries research and restoration projects.
• Conduct redd count surveys to assess cutthroat trout spawning habitat.
• Maintain electric cattle exclosure fencing
• Assist with building low tech process based restoration structures and revegetation of stream banks
• Work with the local Trout Unlimited Cache Anglers chapter to support events like fish releases for Trout-In-the Classroom, Stokes Nature Center Fly Fishing Camp, and the Bear River Celebration, among others.
• Employ hook-and-line sampling where practical to qualitatively assess fish distribution and abundance.
• Assist with fish passability survey at tributary road crossings and communicate with landowners for permission if needed.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (QANR).
• Applicants must have a general knowledge of biology and an interest in fisheries-related conservation. Knowledge of aquatic biology is a plus.
• Preference may be given to individuals who are interested in pursuing a degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences or Management and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems.
• Applicants must be quick-learners and have a willingness to develop the skills needed to safely perform a wide-variety of tasks.
• Applicants must be able to work independently and capable of physical tasks such as netting and handling fish, wading in streams, and hiking.
• Individuals who demonstrate that they are hardworking, driven, reliable, and a motivated team member are preferred.
• A valid driver's license and use of their own personnel vehicle is required. A vehicle capable of driving on dirt roads and rough terrain is preferred but not required. Mileage is reimbursed at the current federal rate of $0.70 /mile.
• The successful applicant will be expected to conduct outdoor work in variable weather conditions and terrain for extended periods of time. There will be walking, hiking, standing, bending, carrying light items and occasional lifting of items that weigh up to 50 pounds.

This is a flexible-hours position, which will revolve around independently maintaining a fish trap up to 7 days per week on the Cub River and cattle exclosure fending on Saddle Creek one day per week (paid drive time and milage reimbursement). Hours may then be irregular, including evenings and weekends.

People and Culture Expectation

The successful applicant will be expected to uphold the TU’s values of integrity, professionalism, accountability, teamwork and cooperation. The behaviors they embrace should set an example of professional and personal respect. The intern will be expected to actively promote a workplace free of discrimination and harassment, as well as make good faith efforts to understand people as unique individuals with diverse life experiences, challenges and opportunities.

Credits/Honors

Successful applicants are expected to enroll in NR 4151 for one (1) credit during the second 7-week session of the Spring 2026 semester, and in NR 4152 during the first 7-week session of the Fall 2026 semester. Additionally, successful applicants may enroll for up to three (3) credit hours during the summer internship. Participants in the Honors Program may enroll for points instead. Students will work with a USU advisor during the internship to develop and complete an academic assignment.

Salary: $18/hour

Location: Individuals can work out of their home. Preference for individuals located in Cache Valley. Fieldwork will be conducted primarily in the Bear River drainage.

Number of Openings: 1

Closing Date: March 1, 2026, open until filled.

Employment Dates: Flexible; not to exceed 480 hours between late April and the end of August 2026. There may be potential for extension until the end of October.

Housing: Not provided

Apply to the QCNR summer internship program here.

For more information, contact:

Tyler Coleman, Lower Bear River Project Manager
Trout Unlimited
Tyler.Coleman@tu.org