Northern Wisconsin Aquatic Resources Seasonal Technician

Trout Unlimited (TU) is seeking an Aquatic Resource Seasonal Technician based in Northern Wisconsin and to help fulfill the organization’s mission to bring together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and streams, so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon. The Aquatic Resource Seasonal Technicians will assist TU staff and a Lead Seasonal Technician with projects aimed at restoring aquatic connectivity and in-stream habitat and promoting the long-term values associated with aquatic restoration in Northern Wisconsin. The primary responsibility of this position is to complete road-stream crossing inventories using the Great Lakes Road Stream Crossing Inventory method. These inventories are an important first step for TU and project partners to identify aquatic organism passage barriers and prioritize streams for future restoration work. Additional duties may include assisting with fishery and habitat surveys, monitoring recently completed aquatic connectivity project sites, assisting TU and partners with in-stream habitat restoration projects, and assisting TU staff with other monitoring projects. 

The position will require frequent overnight travel to remote locations in northern Wisconsin (camping in and around the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and Lake Superior coastal counties) and will work four days a week, not to exceed 40 hours per week. The anticipated employment date range is from June through October 2026. TU’s Northern Wisconsin staff are based in Boulder Junction, WI but these positions will primarily be completing field work in Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron, Florence, Forest, Vilas, Marinette, or Oconto counties in Northern Wisconsin, so location is negotiable, but mileage reimbursement is capped to a distance from Boulder Junction. These positions are paid at a rate of $17 per hour and include per diem pay while traveling and mileage reimbursement for reasonable travel to and from the “home base” (usually a campground) for the work week. 

To apply please submit a resume and cover letter.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Conduct road-stream crossing inventories using the Great Lakes Road-Stream Crossing Inventory Method.

· Collect accurate field data and ensure data is submitted in a timely manner.

· Assist with a variety of stream surveys including habitat and fishery assessments, highlighted by in-stream and coaster brook trout population monitoring.

· Assist with the maintenance of scientific equipment in the field.

· Work with TU’s regional partners in the field to improve coldwater habitat through invasive species removal, woody debris installations, tree plantings, and other methods.

· Participate in education and outreach efforts with project partners and the public. 

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. 

QUALIFICATIONS

· Ideally working towards or completed a B.S. in a field related to fisheries management, aquatic ecology, environmental science, geology, watershed management, geomorphology, hydrology, or biological systems engineering. 

· A working knowledge of principles and practices of fisheries or aquatic resources.

· Outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills. 

· Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Proficient with Microsoft Office programs, experience with Esri Applications a plus.  

· Ability to problem solve and think creatively to achieve a conservation mission.

· Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

· Willingness to travel (frequently overnight) to remote locations and capable of hiking and carrying equipment in difficult terrain and working in inclement conditions and remote locations.  

· Experience in and comfort with camping on a nightly basis in remote locations with limited cell reception.

· Valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.

· Passion for protecting and restoring trout populations and their watersheds. 

· Self-motivated and highly energetic, with excellent time-management skills.