Kenai Watershed Forum Internship Summer 2008

Application Deadline: April 14th, 2008

Internship Title: Stream Surveying, water quality, and culvert/stream restoration work

Location: Soldotna, Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula

Description of Organization: The Kenai Watershed Forum is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining the health of the watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula in southcentral Alaska. Based 160 miles south of Anchorage in Soldotna, efforts are focused on the entire peninsula using education & outreach, restoration, and research programs. We are a small organization with a staff of nine, but you wouldn’t know it to look at the scale of projects and scope of work we take on. We are very diverse in our skills and assets and have built a solid reputation in the area as the go to research and restoration based organization in our area.

Intern Assignments / Description of Duties: We are looking for one field-oriented intern to conduct stream surveys along a number of anadromous tributaries to the Kenai River, possibly documenting impediments to migrating salmon that utilize these streams. The intern will learn to measure water flow at gauging stations, identify salmon smolt species, and conduct physical and chemical water quality monitoring. He or she will also be documenting riparian vegetation types and noting changes associated with road crossings that have altered the hydrology of the streams. Positions are expected to consist of approximately 75% fieldwork and 25% data entry/summary reports. Responsibilities include working directly with local geologist, engineers and state biologists on this project. Your direct supervisor has a background as a previous intern for KWF and a degree in Environmental Studies.

In addition to stream surveys, this person will assist in the design, construction, restoration, and/or revegetation of stream areas associated with poorly designed road crossings, specifically culverts. We have five large-scale restoration projects taking place this summer.

Qualifications: Student in good academic standing, enrolled in a hydrology, biology, civil or environmental engineering or related major program. Preference will be given to those who demonstrate a desire to pursue an environmental career.

Relevant course work (not required) would include fluid mechanics, open channel hydrology, geology and/or geomorphology, forest hydrology, botany and fisheries.

Other Considerations: Applicants will conduct all fieldwork with a partner and must have a healthy respect for working in Bear Country. A significant amount of the work will be conducted by walking and bushwhacking up small volume streams with abundant wildlife. Applicants must be in reasonable physical condition and have some degree of tolerance for these conditions.

Duration: Earliest starting date is May 15; latest starting date is June 5th. We would like the intern to stay on through August.

Financial Support:  Housing is provided (Intern will be staying with a host family in the area).
Transportation to Alaska will be reimbursed.  Transportation while in AK will be supplied (Intern must have valid drivers license).  Per Diem ($80 per day)

How to Apply: Please email a letter of interest/cover letter and your resume to jennifer@kenaiwatershed.org. You can address the letter to Jennifer McCard, Watershed Scientist.  Please feel free to contact Jennifer if you have any questions regarding the application process or the internship.