FWRI Steidinger Scholar Intern, Freshwater Fisheries - Garcon Point

The Steidinger Scholars program celebrates the life and impact of Dr. Karen Steidinger, a pioneering woman in harmful algal bloom research and a formative figure in the history of FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Her groundbreaking work is recognized worldwide, and the organism that causes red tides in Florida, Karenia brevis, is named in her honor.  Just as Karen mentored generations of scientists, the program continues her legacy by creating opportunities for future scientists.

The goal of the program is to inspire students to explore careers in fisheries and wildlife research through experiential learning. Successful applicants participate in 3-month long part- to full-time paid internships mentored by FWRI scientists, working on a variety of projects that inform the protection, conservation, and management of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources.

The program is open to all recent high school graduates or new college students (years 1-2) of all genders from all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Successful candidates will have the ability to work in a team environment, adapt to changing work environments and priorities, and work in a range of settings including office, laboratory and outdoors in all weather conditions.

Duties/tasks are position specific to the opportunity (see below) but include:

• Direct project activities such as training in and assisting with field and laboratory duties to ongoing research and management projects and programs
• Shadowing staff and researchers in a variety of research areas
• Participating in training, workshops, and other education and career development planning activities
• Presenting on the experience

Qualifications:

• A recent or expected high school graduate, or 1-2 year college student; must be 18 years of age or older by the start of the internship
• Willingness to learn
• Good interpersonal and organizational skills
• Good written and oral communication
• A passion for and interest in science. Prior learning or experience is not required
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. including having a valid social security card

Women and students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups are encouraged to apply.

Freshwater Fisheries - Garcon Point

Opportunity #: FWRI SS-FA25-01

This is a great opportunity for a student interested in learning about freshwater fish and mussels, field techniques for collecting research and monitoring data, and the overall purpose of fish and wildlife conservation. Interns will join biologists to sample freshwater fish and mussel communities using a variety of gears, participate in post-sampling lab work, and assist with data entry. Participants will be exposed to a wide range of freshwater research and monitoring projects being conducted in the Florida panhandle.

Tasks/Position Requirements: Specific job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Using acoustic telemetry to locate tagged Alligator Gar, Gulf Striped Bass, and American Eels
• Electrofishing some of the most diverse freshwater rivers in the state
• Gill netting for Alligator Gar 
• Preliminary sampling for Alabama Shad, a candidate listing under the Endangered Species Act
• Lab identification of freshwater fish species
• Generate content for all social media channels
• Conducting mussel monitoring and research
• Trailering and operating boats (*requires valid driver’s license)

Dates: September/October-December (start and end dates TBD)

Hours: Part-time (20hrs/wk)

Supervisor: Variety of projects with several mentors

Location: Garcon Point, Florida 

Housing is not provided.

College credit is possible. Candidates are responsible for checking with your department advisor at your home institution.