Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Spring Smolt Trapping Internship Description

 

Program Overview

The overall goal of the Hood Canal Intensively Monitored Watershed (IMW) project is to test the hypothesis that stream restoration measurably improves salmon habitat quality and population status. The study monitors a series of fish and habitat metrics in four independent streams in Western Washington: Little Anderson, Big Beef, Seabeck and Stavis Creeks.

 

Our study focuses on coho salmon because of their cultural and economic importance to the region, and because their life cycle, particularly the extended juvenile rearing phase, is dependent on diverse, productive freshwater habitats. In this region, coho salmon are not listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. We estimate coho salmon abundance at three distinct life stages: adults, stream rearing age-0 parr, and outmigrating age-1 smolts. We also enumerate other salmonids where they are encountered.

Position Summary

This internship position will focus on the juvenile life stage of age-1 coho smolts.  The purpose of this internship is to assist WDFW staff with checking juvenile fish traps on the Hood Canal IMW stream complex. Trap sites include three fence weirs that are located on Little Anderson, Seabeck, and Stavis Creeks and a permanent weir on Big Beef Creek. The traps are installed in late March and removed in mid-June.  Partnered with a WDFW staff member the intern will check traps daily, enumerating catch and sub-sampling catch for size.  The trap catch data enables the estimation of smolt production from each stream.  The intern will learn protocols for operation of the weir traps, freshwater fish species identification, fish sampling techniques, and proper fish handling methods.  Data collection will include abundance, length and weight measurements, documentation of physical characteristics, and scale sample collection.  The intern will be trained to apply Coded Wire Tags (CWTs) to coho smolts captured in the Big Beef Creek trap. CWT data is used in coho forecasting and estimating marine survival and harvest rates.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

·         Assist with the installation/removal, operation, and maintenance of fence weir traps on Stavis, Seabeck, Little Anderson, and Big Beef Creeks.

·         Check traps daily, recording mark and CWT tag status, enumerating and sub sampling catch for fork length and weight as assigned by supervisor.

·         Help maintain trap integrity during high flows and making repairs if damage occurs due to weather, flows, debris, or vandalism.

·         Work with supervisors to apply CWT’s to coho smolts captured in the Big Beef Creek weir.

·         Organize and maintain all sampling equipment, tagging machine, and trap check forms.

·         Record daily trap check information on trap check forms and enter data into project databases.

·         Perform other duties as deemed necessary.

Schedule and Compensation

This 3-month internship begins in mid-March 2025.  The weekly schedule will likely be 8:00am to 4:30pm, Saturday through Wednesday (Thursday and Friday off).  Alternative hours and flexible scheduling to meet the intern’s needs will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements

·         Current valid Washington State driver’s license.

Preferred Qualities

Minimum qualifications are not established for this position; however, applicants with the following skills, knowledge, and abilities will be given preference:

·         Motivated and enthusiastic, with an interest in fisheries.

·         Ability to work independently and as a member of a crew.

·         Strong self-initiative and good attention to detail.

·         Experience with MS Word, Excel, and Access.

·         Familiarity and/or desire to learn about marine fishes of the Pacific Northwest.

·         Follows appropriate safety practices.

Physical Requirements:

This work is conducted outdoors in all weather conditions and includes wading in streams, hiking short distances over uneven terrain, carrying field equipment and/or buckets of fish weighing 40 pounds or less. Occasionally, you will be exposed to high stream flows, cold water, noise, odors, extreme temperatures. You may encounter wildlife and/or stinging insects. Other hazards of this position are repetitive lifting, hand movements, finger manipulation and long periods of being on your feet.

Training

All necessary training required to perform the essential functions/duties is provided on the job.

In addition to on-the-job training, this position may include the following formal trainings and certifications to aid in professional development and job training:

●        Basic first aid, CPR, and safety training

●        Personal Flotation Device Training

●        Temporary and permanent weir trap operation training

●        Fish identification and proper fish handling techniques training

●        Salmonid life history training

●        Use of MS-222 to anesthetize fish training

●        Native and invasive species identification training

●        Other trainings/certifications as available and desired by intern

Apply

Questions?

For more information about WDFW’s Hood Canal IMW project, contact:          

Eric Kummerow

Scientific Technician 3 | Hood Canal IMW

Fish Science Division | Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Mobile: 564-222-1473 | Email: [email protected]