2023 Summer Fish & Wildlife Research Internship 

For over 40 years, we have sought to foster understanding, respect, and care for the environment by connecting people with nature through education and research. Building community is also something we are passionate about; the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve is a testament to our cooperation and dedication. We are now in our 11th year of citizen science projects investigating a variety of issues in marine science with a focus on seabirds and fisheries.

Nisqually Reach Nature Center is looking for an unpaid research intern to join our team here in Lacey, Washington. Are you looking to enter the field of conservation biology? Do you think you have what it takes to become a biologist? Get up early to watch birds from the beach and bask in the glow of the early morning sun. Spend a couple of hours on a dock sorting and identifying the catch from a light trap looking for Dungeness crab. Go out on a boat and tow a plankton net to collect anchovy eggs. Spend hours peering through a microscope identifying fish eggs and determine how old they are. This is a meaningful opportunity for aspiring environmental professionals to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the environmental field and be involved in projects that influence natural resource management. Interns will gain experience in project management, logistics, volunteer coordination, field research, data entry, quality assurance/quality control, and data management. This internship is expected to be hybrid (some in-person but mostly virtual) with some field work and lab work to go along with computer work. Start and end dates are flexible. Terms are 12 weeks (1 quarter; negotiable) with the option to extend additional term(s).

This position will support research projects focused on pigeon guillemots, forage fish, ichthyoplankton, larval crab, and ocean acidification. The forage fish project involves conducting field surveys, analyzing samples using a microscope, and coordinating volunteers. Pigeon Guillemot surveys will be focused on fall/winter non-breeding surveys. The intern will assist with surveying, data entry, data analysis, and report writing. Other opportunities include interacting with visitors to the nature center, updating social media accounts, and assisting with education programs. 

Responsibilities:

• Assist with pigeon guillemot surveys; field research, logistics, data management
• Assist with forage fish research; field work, sample processing, lab analysis, QA/QC.
• Manage multiple email accounts
• Schedule and coordinate volunteers.
• Enter, manage, and analyze community science data using Excel and GIS.
• Participate in virtual team meetings (weekly) and other meetings
• Assist with other projects or programs as needed (larval crab, ocean acidification, summer camp, visitor center staffing, aquarium maintenance).

Qualifications:

• Coursework, interest, and/or a degree in marine biology, environmental sciences, ecology, ornithology, wildlife biology, or other related fields.  
• Basic experience using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive
• Experience with GIS, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WordPress desireable.
• Field and lab experience.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Strong communication skills (written, oral, and interpersonal)
• Able to work effectively with others as part of a small team.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Dependable and disciplined with strong self-direction.
• Able to prioritize multiple tasks and be adaptable.
• Reliable personal transportation

Schedule:

• Start: Tuesday, May 30; End: Saturday, August 26th
• 30-40 hours per week/variable schedule; 10-25% field/lab work, 75-90% office work
• Some evening (occasional meetings, special events) and weekend work (visitor center staffing, lab, aquarium maintenance)

How to Apply:

Email Terence Lee a letter of interest and resume and include the following details:

• what you would like to gain from this experience and how it fits with your goals
• how you meet the qualifications
• how many hours per week you are available and when
• whether or not you are seeking school credit

The deadline for applying is Monday, May 22 at 10:00 AM.

For questions about this position, contact Terence Lee.  

Terence Lee
Science Director
Nisqually Reach Nature Center
360-459-0387
terencelee@nisquallyestuary.org