Position Summary

The US Fish and Wildlife Service is recruiting a Hydrology Technician internship at the Mid- Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office located in. Leavenworth, Washington. The Hydrology Technician will most likely work as a part of a team to support research and monitoring efforts for potentially a variety of hydrology and streamflow-related projects to support research and work at salmon hatcheries and rivers in eastern Washington. The technician may have the opportunity to provide support to projects conducted by the National Fish Hatcheries, Hatchery Evaluation, Native Fish Conservation, and/or Habitat Restoration Programs.

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 technician should have the ability to lift and carrying heavy items up to 50 pounds for extended periods of time. This position will afford the selected candidate the opportunity to gain experience and develop skills in a potential variety of hydrology, streamflow, groundwater 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 technician will have the opportunity to participate in every potential activity.

Location

Leavenworth, WA

Schedule

June 29, 2026 - November 7, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Measuring groundwater wells and streamflow at federal hatcheries
• Measuring streamflow and temperature
• Assisting with well installation, maintenance, and management
• Data management and data entry eDNA collection
• Conduct a discharge measurement of streams and water conveyance systems at varying stages under adverse conditions using tag lines, wading rods, and current meters
• Measures and records water levels in wells using a variety of measuring techniques

Marginal Duties

• Assisting with fish survey work as needed (stream snorkeling, hatchery fish management)
• Database organizing
• Developing flow-discharge relationships
• Assist with topographic surveys
• Assist with using standard surveying techniques to run level circuits to establish or check gage datums

Required Qualifications

• Driver's license
• Personal 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 hydrology, water resources management/science/engineering, environmental science with a hydrology focus.
• Experience measuring groundwater and/or surface water data and experience managing and analyzing data with Excel or other software

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 Driving Training

First Aid/CPR

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

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.