Bear Lake Fisheries Technician (1 position)

Trout Unlimited

Description

Trout Unlimited is seeking an undergraduate Fisheries Technician / Intern to support native trout monitoring, migration and habitat restoration efforts in the Bear Lake watershed, with a primary focus on its eastern tributary, North Eden Creek. This position supports post-restoration monitoring following recent fish passage improvements and contributes directly to conservation of the Bear Lake Cutthroat Trout, a rare adfluvial cutthroat trout population that sustains Bear Lake’s Blue Ribbon fishery.

The intern will work under the direct supervision of Trout Unlimited’s Lower Bear River Project Manager and in close coordination with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Bear Lake biologist, as well as Utah State University researchers. Fieldwork will be based out of the USU Bear Lake Research Facility and will include work on North Eden Creek and other Bear Lake tributaries as needed.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Fisheries Technician / Intern will assist with the following activities:

• Fish Migration Monitoring:
  Assist with daily operation of a seasonal fish trap on North Eden Creek to document upstream migration of spawning Bear Lake Cutthroat Trout. Duties include identifying, measuring, weighing, and recording captured fish, assisting with PIT tagging, maintaining trap functionality, and documenting daily environmental conditions.
• Fish and Habitat Surveys:
  Support fish, habitat, and aquatic invertebrate monitoring at established long-term monitoring sites using electrofishing and standard habitat assessment protocols. Assist with evaluating spawning distribution, habitat use, and biological response to restored connectivity.
• Fish Passage and Infrastructure Support:
  Assist with operation and maintenance checks of fish passage structures in the Bear Lake watershed, including coordination with state and federal partners as needed.
• Habitat Restoration Assistance:
  Support hands-on habitat improvement efforts such as construction of low-tech process-based restoration structures and riparian vegetation planting to improve instream complexity, bank stability, and spawning and rearing habitat.
• Data Management and Sample Processing:
  Enter field data into project databases, assist with processing invertebrate samples, maintain equipment logs, and support preparation of end-of-season summaries.
• Interagency Collaboration:
  Work alongside staff from Trout Unlimited, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Utah State University, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management on coordinated monitoring and restoration efforts.

Desired Qualifications

• Enrollment in an undergraduate program in Fisheries, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources, or a related field at Utah State University.
• Interest in native trout conservation, fish passage, and stream restoration.
• Willingness to work long days in variable field conditions, including cold water, uneven terrain, and remote locations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate field vehicle.
• Previous experience with fish species identification, electrofishing, fish handling, or habitat surveys preferred but not required.

Benefits and Learning Opportunities

This position provides hands-on experience in native trout conservation, fish passage evaluation, habitat restoration, and collaborative watershed-scale management with state and federal agencies, landowners and various stake holders. The intern will gain applied field skills, exposure to interagency coordination, and experience supporting conservation of one of Utah’s most important native trout populations

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: Housing will be provided at the USU Bear Lake Research Facility

Number of Openings: 1

Closing Date: March , 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