Fisheries and Marine Biology Individual Placement at The Student Conservation Association

Position Summary 

The natural resources intern will provide support with surveying, monitoring, reporting, mapping, and data management for the US Navy in the northwest region. The navy manages over 70,000 acres of land in the northwest region with ongoing forage fish, salmonid, marine mammal, raptor nest, bat, and forestry surveys. The intern position will assist in conducting the surveys, mapping, data management, and report writing on an annual basis. The intern position will also support various natural resource projects that arise such as mitigation monitoring.

Location 

Silverdale, WA

Schedule 

November 3, 2025 - March 20, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The interns will conduct monthly forage fish surveys at multiple locations – collect beach samples and process and analyze them. Weekly marine mammal and raptor nest monitoring at multiple locations. Seasonal salmonid spawner surveys and occasional crab monitoring. Occasional forestry surveys such as vegetation monitoring or timber cruising with the forester. Seasonal data analysis and report writing summarizing the results of the surveys.

Marginal Duties 

Utilize GIS to create maps. Use a GPS or Trimble unit to map areas and points in the field. Conduct stream and water quality data. Deploy and collect data from game cams.

Required Qualifications 

Applicants should have or be working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in biology, natural resources or science-related disciplines.

Applicants must have a valid drivers license and be able to drive a field vehicle.

Applicants must be US citizens.

Applicants must be able to manage their time between office and field to meet deadlines.

Applicants must be able to work cohesively with a crew of 3 or more sometimes outside of regular working hours.

The position requires the ability to be outdoors potentially in rigorous physical conditions.

Preferred Qualifications 

Background using ArcGIS, Garmin GPS, Trimble unit.

Background identifying fish, plants, birds, and mammals of the northwest.

Ability to hike through tough terrain through forested habitat.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Housing is not provided and must be acquired by intern independently.

Compensation  

Living allowance: $350/week

Housing allowance: $1,400/month

One-time moving stipend: $1,100

$1,600 Field gear budget and POV usage mileage reimbursement available. Note: POV's only used when GOV's not available

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.