Biological Field Intern

Trout Unlimited is looking for energetic, intelligent, and motivated individuals to join our staff for seasonal employment in beginning late May through November 2026. The job will assist activities that support native trout and aquatic resource conservation in the Upper Delaware River basin. TU Interns will work with a team for 40-hour weeks (typically 4 days at 10 hours/day) that require driving on rural roads with limited cell phone coverage, traversing difficult terrain while carrying field gear up to 50 pounds and working in all types of weather conditions.  

Location: Upper Delaware River in Pennsylvania, focus in Pike, Monroe and Northampton counties.

 Duties and Responsibilities 

• Complete backpack electrofishing surveys for Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commissions Unassessed Waters Initiative in the Delaware River basin.
• Complete culvert assessments using the North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC) protocol.
• Collect field data through activities such as electrofishing, water quality sampling, and fish habitat surveys.
• Speak to landowners and the public to gain access to priority streams for assessment.
• Maintain rigorous data collection and assessment protocols; identify and report any concerns to supervisor.
• Wade streams and rivers in a variety of flow regimes and weather conditions.
• Maintain equipment and report maintenance/equipment needs to supervisor.
• Provide data entry and database management, as well as prepare maps and assist with reports.
• Assistance to other program staff as needed.
• Maintain a high level of integrity while on the job.

Requirements 

• Current undergraduate, recent graduate, or graduate student pursuing a degree in environmental science, fish and wildlife biology, biology, ecology, or related field of study.
• Demonstrable experience with physically demanding work.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass background checks for employment.
• Ability to quickly acquire skills and learn new techniques.
• Willing to work long days in outdoor field conditions.
• Willing to frequently travel overnight throughout Pennsylvania and potentially neighboring states.
• Possess strong organizational and communication skills.
• Desire to learn about stream ecology and watershed science.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team with varied skills, abilities, and perspectives.
• Ability to think creatively, keep and open mind, and take constructive criticism.
• This position does not include housing.

It will be necessary for the chosen applicant to report to meet-up locations in Pike, Monroe and Northampton Counties daily. Travel (lodging, meals, travel expenses) away from the teams’ home range may be provided by or reimbursed by TU. 

At TU, we value a diverse representation of staff, and we actively seek candidates for this position who come from communities that have been historically under-represented in conservation and those who have been most impacted by degraded rivers and streams. We are committed to building space for all people to participate in our work to care for trout and salmon and clean our shared waters. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome you to read more about TU’s equity practice and values https://www.tu.org/equity/.