Mussel Propagation Intern

Job Summary

This position exists to assist with routine freshwater mussel and fish husbandry, aquarium system maintenance, and mussel propagation activities. Duties include extensive use of a microscope to remove zooplankton and other invertebrates from mussel culture tanks, counting and measuring juvenile mussels, and cleaning equipment relating to mussel propagation. Other duties include water quality monitoring; animal feeding, handling and health assessments; and record keeping for many species of fish and mussels. Additionally, this position may assist with experiments relating to laboratory rearing systems for mussels. 

This posting is intended to hire 1 intern for the 2026 season. Intern is responsible for their own transportation to the primary work site in Lake City. Housing is not provided for this internship.

This position is a set duration 06/01/2026 – 08/28/2026 – However the start and end dates may be flexible to accommodate class schedules and may be extended to 10/2/2026 depending on funding. **Students who are currently enrolled in a university and plan to graduate in May 2026 are encouraged to apply for this position.** Weekly work schedule could vary depending on weather and river conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

To be eligible for an internship, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a student at an accredited educational institution.
• Your advisor must certify that you will either receive academic credit or fulfill an academic requirement. The signature of a sponsoring academic instructor is required prior to beginning an internship.

AND

• Majoring in one of the following: biology, natural resources, fisheries and wildlife, recreation resource management, ecology, or environmental science. If you are unsure if your major qualifies, please contact us.
• Ability to follow directions and work independently and well as part of a team.
• Ability to work at a microscope in a laboratory for extended periods of time.
• Ability to snorkel in streams and work in a wide range of field conditions (cold, wet, mud, bugs, etc.).
• Excellent human relation and communication skills sufficient to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent record keeping and organization skills.
• Experience caring for aquatic animals.
• Experience working with dissecting or compound microscopes.
• Experience trailering and backing boats, campers, utility trailers, or heavy equipment.
• SCUBA certification.