Aquatic Science Intern

Trout Unlimited is seeking a paid Aquatic Science Intern for a field-based position in Grayling, MI, from June to September 2025. The role involves outdoor resource monitoring, data collection, volunteer event organization, and restoration work. Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a relevant degree and possess a valid driver's license. The internship offers $15 per hour and may include shared government housing.
POSITION SUMMARY

Trout Unlimited is advertising a paid Aquatic Sciences Internship to be stationed on the Huron-Manistee National Forest, Mio Ranger District, Mio, Michigan. This is a three-quarter to full-time (32 to 40 hours a week) field-based internship that will run from the beginning of June into early September 2025 (with potential for some start and end date flexibility, particularly for college students). The pay is $15 per hour. Shared government housing may be available to the intern, at low (or no) cost.

The intern will spend nearly all their working hours outdoors.

The intern will have :
• Perform a broad range of resource monitoring and field data collection methods including water temperature datalogger downloads, eDNA sample collection, vernal pool surveys, stream stage and discharge measurements, stream habitat assessments, and fish surveys (electrofishing).
• Help organize and implement public volunteer events including Kids Fishing Day and a volunteer restoration project.
• Assist with restoration and maintenance work, including streamside tree plantings and wader cleaning stations.
• Assist other program areas including wildlife (Kirtland Warbler surveys) and recreation (site maintenance).

Prospective applicants should be pursuing (or have completed) a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, must have a driver’s license and a safe driving record, and must be capable of performing moderately demanding physical work outside, in, and around water, and sometimes in inclement weather conditions. The most qualified applicants will demonstrate their interest in coldwater ecosystems and public resource management, the ability to learn new skills quickly, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Previous experiences with scientific data collection, public resource management, coordinating volunteers, and operating handheld power tools are desirable but not required. Training will be provided with an emphasis on ensuring safe operations and data quality.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Conduct a variety of stream surveys including fisheries surveys, aquatic organism passage assessments, other biological assessments
• Participate in volunteer events
• Maintenace work
• This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS
• ·Working towards or has completed a B.S. in a field related to fisheries management, aquatic ecology, watershed management, geomorphology, or biological systems engineering.
• Experience using biological field equipment (e.g., electrofishing equipment, surveying equipment, D-nets, etc.).
• Experience with biological assessments (e.g., macroinvertebrates, fish, habitat, etc.).
• Experience with data entry using Microsoft Excel and Access.
• Working knowledge of principles and practices of aquatic resource management.
• Ability to operate a motorboat safely.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Self-motivated and highly energetic, with excellent time-management skills.
• Ability to work in rugged terrain often transporting heavier field equipment.
• Ability and willingness to travel. Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Some weekend and evening work may be required.
• Passion for protecting and restoring trout populations and their watersheds.

Salary Description

$15.00