FWRI Steidinger Scholar Intern, Saltwater Fisheries, Fisheries Dependent Monitoring, St. Petersburg

The Steidinger Scholars program was established in honor of Dr. Karen Steidinger, a world-renowned pioneering woman in harmful algal bloom research and a formative figure in the history of FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Dr. Steidinger’s career includes numerous significant contributions to dinoflagellate research, which have been acknowledged by her peers through the naming of the organism that causes red tides in Florida, Karenia brevis, after her.

The goal of the Steidinger Scholars program is to inspire students to explore careers in fisheries and wildlife research through experiential learning. Successful applicants participate in 3-month long part- to full-time paid internships during the summer, May-August (occasionally fall or winter term opportunities may be available). Mentored by FWRI scientists, future investigators work on a variety of projects that inform the protection, conservation, and management of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources.

The program is open to all recent high school graduates or new college students (years 1-2) of all genders from all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Successful candidates will have the ability to work in a team environment, adapt to changing work environments and priorities, and work in a range of settings including office, laboratory and outdoors in all weather conditions.

Duties/tasks are position specific to the opportunity but include:

• Direct project activities such as training in and assisting with field and laboratory duties to ongoing research and management projects and programs
• Shadowing staff and researchers in a variety of research areas
• Participating in training, workshops, and other education and career development planning activities
• Presenting on the experience

Qualifications:

• All applicants must be a recent or expected high school graduate, or 1-2 year college student by the time of internship start. (Applicants at the Junior or beyond years of study, see other opportunities)
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Willingness to learn.
• Good interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Good written and oral communication.
• A passion for and interest in science. Prior learning or experience is not required.
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. including having a valid social security card.

Women and students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups are encouraged to apply.

Saltwater Fisheries, Fisheries Dependent Monitoring – St. Petersburg
Opportunity #: FWRI SS-SU25-07

The FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Fisheries Dependent Monitoring Program (FDM) is seeking a highly motivated and excited intern to assist in summer fisheries surveys of the private, for-hire, and commercial fishing fleets. Florida is considered the Fishing Capital of the World; through several survey programs, FDM is directly involved in monitoring the effort and activity of anglers along the entire Florida coastline. Interns will gain invaluable saltwater fisheries research experience by interviewing anglers and sampling fish, and additionally, develop data skills by organizing biological samples and participating in research analyses. 

Specific job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist in conducting FDM surveys for the private recreational fleet, for-hire fleet, and/or the commercial fishing fleet either by dockside interviewing or at-sea observation
• Assist in identifying and sampling harvested and/or discarded saltwater finfish 
• Handle and organize products of FDM surveys including but not limited to biological samples, datasheets, and survey gear 
• Enter and review trip, interview, and biological data
• Assist with on-going research projects focused on saltwater fishing and dependent monitoring 

Successful Candidates should:

• Have an interest in Florida saltwater fishing research and management 
• Hold a valid drivers license
• Be willing to handle fish
• Be comfortable approaching and talking with the public
• Be comfortable working in field conditions with high heat and humidity
• Be comfortable lifting up to 50lbs 
• Communicate regularly with their supervisors 

Dates: mid-May to mid-August (start and end dates TBD)

Supervisors: Variety of projects with several mentors 

Hours: Part-time opportunity (average 20 hours per week) but hours are flexible

See program page for more details: https://myfwc.com/research/about/careers/internships-volunteers/steidinger/