Fisheries Technician Intern; USFS - Summer

Position: Fisheries Technician Intern (USFS) - Summer 2026
Job Title:

Fisheries Technician Intern

Location:

Sitka, AK

Job Summary:

Are you enthusiastic about salmon and fisheries work? Spend the summer with the Ecosystems Team at the U.S. Forest Service Sitka Ranger District as the Fisheries Technician Intern! You will learn about and experience operating a remote fish weir to enumerate adult salmon escapement. Regular duties include construction and take down of fish weirs; collection of fish scale, length, and weight samples;

application of fertilizer to the lake; recording field data; operating outboard motorboats on the ocean and lakes; and data quality control. Additionally, you will occasionally collect zooplankton and phytoplankton samples, water samples for nutrient analysis, and limnological field data, such as, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and light penetration profiles. You will also be responsible for helping with field camp maintenance and operations which will include operation of equipment (pumps, gasoline and propane fueled equipment and power tools), cutting firewood, etc.
Other opportunities may include working with the Sitka Ranger District staff to help conduct wildlife, fish, or habitat surveys; implement watershed and fish habitat improvement projects; remove old structures; and assist with a kids' fishing derby and other educational outreach programs.

This internship will take place in person in Sitka, Alaska, with travel to and from field worksite locations. Travel may take place to remote field locations by Forest Service trucks or boats. The intern will be hiking in forested areas and expected to help move heavy materials and equipment on a regular basis - up to forty pounds over slippery, wet, and uneven ground.

The intern will also be wading and snorkeling through fast-moving water on a regular basis. All personnel protective equipment, waders, dry suits, safety equipment, and tools will be provided. Interns will need to bring their own warm layers, rubber boots, and sleeping bags.
There will be 2 interns hired for this position.
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Build, maintain, and operate a salmon weir.
• Collect biological data from fish.
• Collect fisheries ecology data.
• Learn to operate small skiffs.
• Earn a Forest Service snorkel certification.
• Receive Bear and firearm safety training.
• Learn about and experience remote fieldwork.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
• Interest in salmon and fisheries.
• Interest in living in remote places with a small, diverse crew with limited contact with others.
• Must be able to swim.
• Willing and able to work outdoors in inclement weather and on challenging terrain.
• Able to both collaborate with a team and work independently.
• You will need a valid driver's license to drive company vehicles.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must be a Sealaska shareholder, descendant of a shareholder, or spouse of a shareholder.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to travel as needed.

Education and Experience:

• Must be age 18 at time of hire.
• Must be currently enrolled in post-secondary school/program or a recent graduate (1-2 years)
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
Preferred:
• Study in the field of fisheries
• Flexibility to work outside of normal work hours and travel within Southeast communities, as needed.
• Previous firearm experience
• At least a 2.5 GPA
• Strong critical thinking and research skills
• Self-starter with ability to adapt to a fast-paced work environment.

Application Process:

• Complete online application at  by January 11, 2026.
• Submit a resume and recent transcript (unofficial) with online application. Cover letters are optional, but highly recommended.
• You may be asked to provide proof of your status as a Sealaska shareholder, shareholder descendant, or shareholder spouse.
• You must successfully complete a background check prior to onboarding  candidates will be required to take a drug test (with marijuana)
About Sealaska Intern Program The Sealaska intern program exists to uplift Sealaska shareholders and their descendants pursuing post-secondary education with meaningful career…