Stream Fish Ecology Fieldwork Internship

Position Title: FWCB/NR 220 Internship Program: Stream Fish Ecology Fieldwork

Position Summary: The intern will assist two graduate research projects on fisheries and stream fish ecology in the field. One project will characterize stream food webs and fish population characteristics in Blue River, Kremmling, CO (May 19 – June 13) and the other project will investigate trout movement using mark-recapture and genetic techniques in relation to beaver dam analogues in Elkhorn Creek, a tributary of Poudre River (mid-July to mid-August). The intern will work closely with two graduate students to learn fisheries field techniques (e.g., electrofishing, PIT tagging), experimental design, aquatic insect identification, and aquaculture operations on a private ranch.

Department name: Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology

Responsibilities/Duties: 
• Assist backpack and tote-barge electrofishing and fish measurements/PIT tagging.
• Collect aquatic insect and algae samples for food web analysis.
• Assist aquaculture operations on the Blue Valley Ranch.

Required qualifications:
• Must be registered for NR220 for the summer of 2025, preferably the second session.
• Must be physically capable of wading in streams, and carrying 30-50 pounds.
• Have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable driving on rugged roads. 
Preferred Qualifications: 
• Have first aid or wilderness certification.
• Fish sampling experience, particularly electrofishing
• Aquatic insect identification 
• Experience with PIT tags

Number of weekly working hours: 40 hours per week

Potential Start date: Monday May 19th

Number of Openings: 1

Hourly Pay Rate: $15.62

Application Instructions: To apply: Please submit an online application at https://forms.office.com/r/Trzz1mZFpz

Duration of position: 8 weeks
• The internship will be split into two 4-week periods.
• The first 4-week period will be from May 19 to June 13. The intern will assist fisheries fieldwork and aquaculture operations at Blue Valley Ranch, Kremmling, Colorado. Housing will be provided. 
• The second 4-week period will be from mid-July to mid-August (negotiable). The intern will assist trout movement work in Elkhorn Creek, a tributary of Poudre River, about 1 hour drive from the campus. The intern is responsible for arranging housing in Fort Collins.

Employee Benefits: Employee Benefit information can be found on HR’s Website at https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/  

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.