Fish Hatchery GIS Intern (1 Position)

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Description

The Fish Hatchery GIS Intern is a paid position that gives undergraduate students practical experience and opportunities for hands-on education through applied GIS data collection, creation projects, and analysis work with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). This position will work with DWR biologists and GIS professionals to develop robust digital maps of fish hatchery facilities, to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of hatchery operations. In addition to hatchery GIS work, there may be a few opportunities for the successful applicant to assist the DWR with fieldwork like aerial drone surveys, species surveys, habitat restoration, and fish stocking.

Utah’s 13 state fish hatcheries stock almost 10 million fish — ranging in size from tiny fingerlings to 12-inch rainbow trout — at more than 1,000 Utah waterbodies yearly. Each hatchery in the state serves a unique purpose. Some raise a few specific warmwater or coldwater fish species best suited to the region, and some specialize in producing fertilized fish eggs.

To learn more about the DWR’s aquaculture program and being part of #TeamWildlife check out the blogs below.

Top 5 Reasons to Work in Fish Culture

The 4 biggest Surprises in Working for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

 

Duties

• Assist with the implementation of GIS tools and methods to support DWR fish hatchery efforts
• Use ArcGIS and other GIS tools to georeference hatchery blueprints
• Use georeferenced blueprints and advanced GIS tools to create and correct GIS data and create complex hatchery infrastructure features
• Digitize and populate geodatabase and ArcGIS Pro project files with provided site plan documents
• Provide construction drawing attachments linked to features in the GIS to access PDF as-builts and other electronic files provided by the DWR
• Attend GIS statewide team meetings where current projects and best practices related to geospatial methods and procedures are discussed

Qualifications

Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at USU’s S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (QCANR).  Applicants must have experience using ArcGIS and an interest in wildlife-related conservation. Preference will be given to applicants who successfully completed USU’s Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences (GEOG 2800 or WILD 2800) and Advanced GIS and Spatial Analysis (WATS 4930) courses. Experience reading and interpreting blueprints is a plus.

Applicants must be quick-learners and have a willingness to develop the skills needed to perform a variety of tasks using cutting-edge GIS technology and a bit of old-fashioned research. Individuals who demonstrate that they are hardworking, driven and a motivated team member are preferred. Demonstrated ability to pay attention to detail and work independently is a plus.

A valid driver's license is required. The majority of the time, the successful applicant will be exposed to risks found in a typical office setting. They will also be expected to conduct some outdoor work in variable weather conditions and terrain. There will be walking, standing, bending, carrying light items and occasional lifting of items that weigh up to 25 pounds.

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) position that may include travel to DWR fish hatcheries across the state, which may result in some evening hours and overnight travel. The DWR will cover expenses related to any required travel. The DWR employee who supervises the Fish Hatchery GIS Intern will work with the successful applicant to develop a schedule that is primarily remote but may include time in the DWR’s Salt Lake Office.

 People and Culture Expectation

The successful applicant will be expected to uphold the DWR’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 must 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 (40 hrs/week)

Location: Flexible; Utah Department of Natural Resources Complex located at 1594 W. North Temple in Salt Lake City.

Number of Openings: 1

Closing Date: midnight February 9, 2026

Employment Dates: Flexible; not to exceed 12 weeks between early May and the end of August 2026.

Housing: Not provided

Apply to the QCNR summer internship program here.

For more information, contact:

Buck Ehler, GIS Manager
Habitat Section |Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
buckehler@utah.gov