Fishery Biologist Undergraduate Internship

Who May Apply: Undergraduate students in their fourth year of study at an accredited University or College who are majoring in fisheries, marine biology, environmental studies, or other marine-related science.

Salary: GS-5-1 $2,877/month ($U.S.)

Employment term: May - August (approximately 14 weeks duration - start time negotiable)

Overview
The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated student to work in the IPHC office located at the University of Washington in Seattle. The Internship Program is designed to give students exposure to a wide variety of tasks associated with the management of an international fisheries resource. Each student is assigned a specific project (chosen by the staff) which he/she executes. The student will work closely with a supervisor to ensure continuing progress toward work goals and with other staff members on the various tasks assigned.

Work term may include but is not limited to:
- Planning, executing, and completing a special project chosen by the staff.
- Reporting special project results as a paper and presentation to staff at the conclusion of the internship.
- Field work on an IPHC research vessel and/or dockside port sampling in British Columbia, Alaska, or U.S. West Coast.
- Work in the aging lab learning aging techniques, lab protocols, and uses of the final halibut ages.
- Assisting staff with other tasks as they arise.

Basic qualifications
1) Student must be in (or beginning) fourth year of undergraduate study at an accredited University or College and working towards a degree in aquatic related science.
2) Student will be working with a number of biologists and support personnel throughout the work term, and must possess good communication skills and enthusiasm to perform tasks as assigned. Student must be self-motivated and work well with limited supervision.
3) Although previous experience collecting data in the field is not a requirement, student must be motivated and willing to spend the required time on a Commission chartered survey vessel in the open ocean and/or in ports, and perform the normal duties of an IPHC sampler.
4) Previous education and/or experience in fisheries species identification, sampling protocols, and basic statistics are helpful, but not required.
5) A survival at sea course (scheduled and paid for by the IPHC) must be completed prior to deployment on a research vessel. Basic swimming skills will be needed to successfully complete the course.
6) Must be proficient with MSWord, Excel, and Powerpoint software.
7) Must have a valid passport at time of employment.

Work hours: While in Seattle, office hours are Monday through Friday, eight hours per day plus ˝ hour for lunch. Field work may consist of longer or shorter work days and weekends.

About field work: The work term may include sea duty which is an exciting part of the internship. Typically, the intern is one of three science personnel on board along with 5-6 vessel crew. All applicants need to be aware that these vessels are relatively small, ranging in size from about 60 to 90 feet, and quarters can be cramped. Although every individual has his/her own bunk space, the rooms containing the bunks may be co-ed. The vessels go to sea for several days at a time without coming to shore and the work at times can be physically challenging. Being able to lift live fish weighing up to 40 pounds without assistance is a necessary requirement for sea-duty.

Port sampling work is typically conducted at processing plants located in somewhat remote Alaska, B.C., and U.S. west coast locations. Close attention to plant safety protocols is a must. Being able to climb/descend ladders and lift 40-pound halibut without assistance are necessary requirements for port work.

Criminal background check: Employment with the IPHC requires the ability to freely cross the U.S./Canadian border. All prospective employees must submit to a criminal background check. A conviction for DUI/DWI, Breaking and Entering, Assault, Drugs, or Theft may prevent you from crossing the U.S./Canadian border and this will result in the IPHC not being able to consider your application.

Benefits
Insurance - major medical health plan offered to the employee during work term.

Sampling equipment will be supplied and all transportation, lodging, and meals while in the field are paid by the Commission.

The Commission does not offer a housing, relocation, or transportation allowance for Seattle work. Interns will be expected to secure housing and transportation to and from the Seattle office on their own. Also, the student will be expected to have or purchase the necessary personal items for sea duty or port sampling such as rain gear, boots, and gloves (but will be compensated $6 per field day (taxable) to help reimburse for gear required).

How to apply
The IPHC has designed this program to serve as educational credit within the student's curriculum. Proof of credit earned upon completion is required prior to acceptance into the IPHC internship. The number of credits earned is at the discretion of the student's academic advisor.

Materials required for application:
a) Letter of introduction explaining why you wish to work for the IPHC, what you hope to gain from the experience, and what you can offer the IPHC in return;
b) Copy of college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are fine);
c) Letter from advisor or academic department outlining credits earned upon completion of internship;
d) Résumé complete with at least three references who can speak to your ability to complete projects and/or interpersonal skills; 
e) Reference check authorization for release of information.

All applications received in the office by March 15 will be considered. A short list of candidates will be compiled and those students will be contacted for interviews. Interviews may be conducted over the phone or in person. Selection will be made by April 12. If you have any questions, please contact Lauri Sadorus (information below).

Submit materials to:
Lauri Sadorus
International Pacific Halibut Commission
P.O. Box 95009
Seattle, WA 98145-2009
Fax: 206-632-2983
E-mail: please see the staff listing

Application deadline: Monday, March 15, 2010