Fisheries Seasonal Intern — Lowell, MA

Organization: New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission

Job Title: Fisheries Seasonal Intern

Location: Lowell, MA

Hours and Compensation: full time and paid

Application Deadline: open until filled

Position Dates: Start date for the six month term will be March 4, 2013 and end date will be September 4, 2013 (not to exceed six months). Start date for the three month position will be March 18, 2013 and end date will be May 18, 2013 (not to exceed three months).

Posted On: Jan. 2, 2013

Organization Overview

The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), located in Lowell, Massachusetts, serves to protect, preserve, and restore water quality in the Northeast.

The Hudson River Estuary Management Program was established, pursuant to Section 11-0306 of New York State’s Environmental Conservation Law. The programs were undertaken to protect and improve the natural and human resources of the Hudson River Basin. Partners in the program include the NYS DEC Division of Water, NEIWPCC and other federal state and local agencies. Projects may include, but not be limited to, nonpoint source pollution, wetlands
protection, toxics pollutants, stormwater and combined sewer overflows, pollution prevention, and overall watershed and resource protection.

Description

NEIWPCC is seeking three six-month interns and one three-month intern (40 hours/week) for a paid internship to assist with fishery dependent and independent sampling programs to assess spawning stocks of river herring species with in Hudson River. These studies provide information critical to fulfilling key initiatives of the Governor’s Hudson River Estuary Management Program (HREMP) and data requirements of important interstate fishery management compacts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fishery independent sampling including deployment and retrieval of many types of large fishing gears (300 ft haul seine, gill nets, and other gears), operation of boats deploying and retrieving gear (17ft outboard to 24ft inboard), fish identification and enumeration, and collection of biological and water quality data. Physical demands include: lifting weight up to 50 pounds, ability to maneuver in and out of 17-20 ft outboard boats, and hand operation of all gear types (strenuous pulling and lifting). 
• Conduct fishery dependent sampling including monitoring and taking reference biological samples from commercial fisher catches. Set up monitoring trips from a list of willing fishers.
• Help keep all gear in working order. This may include but is not limited to net mending, trailer and boat maintenance, repair/replace fish processing gear, repair/replace sampling gear. Prepare cellulose acetate slides and impressions of river herring scales for age determination. Technicians will be trained in scale reading by biologists from Maryland, Massachusetts, and Maine who have extensive experience reading herring scales. 
• Perform computer data entry, following standardized formats. Participate in quality control of data. Assist with data summaries.
• Interact with resource user groups in a variety of circumstances. Respond to public information requests via walk-ins, telephone or letter. Confer with biologists for preparation of detailed responses. Attend public meetings to gather information and participate in discussions.

Qualifications

EDUCATION: Minimum 3 years towards a Bachelors Degree in the Environmental Sciences or related field; course work in environmental studies, biology, chemistry, and limnology a plus.

Ideal applicants will be well-organized and highly motivated and have the following skills and experience:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups
• Computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Suite Program.
• Ability to exercise considerable tact and diplomacy
• Fisheries or aquatic sampling experience is preferred, but not required

How to Apply

Send a letter of intent, resume, and list of references to:
Human Resources Manager
Attn: HREP Fisheries Seasonal Intern
New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
650 Suffolk Street
Suite 410
Lowell, MA 01852-1124
OR
[email protected]
Subject: HREP Fisheries Seasonal Intern