Position Summary

The goal of this position is to support staff at the Mid-Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation office with their seasonal fieldwork. This is a field intensive position that may involve working long hours in inclement weather while walking on uneven, slippery terrain in an and around cold swift flowing water where an ability to swim and a comfort around water is mandatory. Night work and backpacking may also be necessary for studies conducted far from the nearest road. The individual placement should have the ability to lift and carrying heavy items up to 50 pounds for extended periods of time. This position will afford the individual placement the opportunity to gain experience and develop skills in a potential variety of fisheries and/or habitat related assessment techniques depending on funding, staffing, and safety related constraints. Additionally, each season can entail a variety of unanticipated challenges that the Service will attempt to overcome but does not guarantee the individual placement will have the opportunity to participate in every potential activity.

Location

Leavenworth, WA

Schedule

June 29, 2026 - November 7, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Sampling fish at federal hatcheries
• Spawning ground surveys
• eDNA collection
• Stream snorkeling
• Lab work performing fish head dissections

Marginal Duties

• Data entry
• Data quality check
• Data storage

Required Qualifications

Driver's license, vehicle, bachelor's degree, strong swimming capability

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

Degree in fisheries, aquatics or marine sciences, interest in fish or fisheries, prior experience with fisheries or fishing.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

No living accommodations are provided. SCA members must find their own housing.

Compensation

• $1,100 - One Time Round-Trip Travel Allowance
• $500 - Weekly Living Allowance (Paid bi-weekly)
• $1000 - Monthly Housing Allowance (5 disbursements) to be secured by selected candidate
• All-Weather Uniform Package
• $1,500 - Duty Related Travel Funds (Receipts required for tax-free reimbursement)

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

AmeriCorps NOT Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

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

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.