Undergraduate Internship opportunity in technology development
Who May Apply: Undergraduate students in their final year of study at an accredited University or College who are majoring in technology development, computer science, or related field.
Salary: GS-5-1 $2,784/month ($U.S.)
Employment term: May – August (approximately 12-14 weeks duration – start date variable depending on school instruction dates)
Overview
The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated student to work in the IPHC office located near Fishermen’s Terminal in Seattle, Washington. The Internship Program is designed to give the selected student exposure to experiences they might not otherwise have the opportunity to have as an undergraduate. The student this year will be assigned to work with a team in development of an image-based system that can ultimately be used by biologists in the field for fisheries sampling.
Primary work term duties will be:
- Assist in the development of an electronic, image-based, data capture system for fisheries field work. Examples of data to be captured include length and other morphometric information from individual Pacific halibut as they are being caught and brought aboard a fishing survey vessel. These data will then be correlated to other survey data gathered from the fishing boat and the individual fish.
- Field test the system either in a fishing port outside of Seattle (Alaska and/or British Columbia), or on a survey vessel at sea.
- Report project results as a paper and presentation to staff at the conclusion of the internship.
- Assist staff with other tasks as assigned.
Basic qualifications:
- Student must be in (or beginning) the final year of undergraduate study at an accredited University or College and working towards a technology-based degree.
- Student will be working with a number of staff members including programmers, 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.
- Although previous experience building a data capture system is not necessary, student must have sufficient classroom experience in technology-related subjects in order to be a contributing member of the team working on the project. Desired computer experience includes:
- Windows Platform
- Programming languages (Visual Basic, SQL, .NET, Java)
- Windows Mobile Development
- Relational database (MSSQL 2008)
- Image capturing and optical character recognition
- Student must be willing to spend the required field work time either in ports outside of Seattle or on a Commission chartered survey vessel in the open ocean depending on the experience and comfort level of the student.
- Student 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 ½ hour for lunch. Field work may consist of longer or shorter work days and weekends.
About field work: The work term will include completing field tests which can be done either in a port or at sea. Conducting field trials can be exciting and challenging at the same time. The supervisor will work with the student to determine the best method of field work based on the experience and comfort level of the student.
If port work is selected, the intern will work with a Commission employee at fish processing plants located in somewhat remote Alaska, British Columbia, and U.S. west coast locations. These plants can be cold and noisy and close attention and compliance with plant rules and safety protocols is a must while completing the work. Accommodations are provided at local hotels.
If sea duty is selected, the intern is typically one of three Commission personnel on board along with 5-6 vessel crew. These vessels are relatively small, ranging in length from about 60 to 90 feet, and quarters tend to 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. A survival at sea course (scheduled and paid for by the IPHC) must be completed prior to deployment. Basic swimming skills will be needed to successfully complete the course. Being able to lift live fish weighing up to 40 pounds without assistance is a necessary requirement for sea duty.
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.
Project equipment will be supplied and all transportation, lodging, and meals to and from the field as well as 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 work such as rain gear, boots, and gloves (but will be compensated $6 per field day up to $200 (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 and the student.
- 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;
- Copy of college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are fine);
- Letter from advisor or academic department outlining credits earned upon completion of internship;
- Resumé with at least three references who can speak to your ability to complete projects and/or interpersonal skills;
- Reference check authorization for release of information.
Materials required for application:
All applications received in the office by April 9 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 30. If you have any questions, please contact Lauri Sadorus (information below).
Submit materials to:
Lauri Sadorus
International Pacific Halibut Commission
2320 West Commodore Way
206-634-1838 x7677
Fax: 206-632-2983
E-mail: Lauri[at]iphc.int
Application deadline: Monday, April 9, 2012
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