AQUACULTURE RESEARCH INTERN

About the Role

• Job Type: Internship
• Classification: Non-Exempt
• Location: Buhl, ID
• Wage: starting $17.50/hr.
• Duration: Short-term appointment (e.g., May to August or other 3-4 month periods)

Job Summary/Objective

The Aquaculture Research Internship will foster learning opportunities and provide hands-on experience in aquaculture research. Interns will demonstrate a passion for aquaculture and a strong commitment to laboratory science principles, including adherence to standard methods, attention to detail in results generation and documentation, and maintaining a safe working environment. Responsibilities include assisting R&D/Lab Services staff with routine laboratory work and experiments involving trout and salmon to support commercial aquaculture.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with collection and analysis of samples for water quality or research/disease diagnostic purposes (e.g., field collection of water samples, fish dissections/necropsies).
• Provide daily care for experimental animals consistent with animal welfare standards (e.g., observation, feeding, removing mortalities, water quality, recording data).
• Perform routine laboratory work, including sample collection, glassware, and media preparation.
• Conduct experiments involving trout and salmon, including daily care and sample collection.
• Maintain records related to documentation of daily fish care and test results.
• Exhibit familiarity with and adherence to laboratory safety standards and other safety guidance.
• Recognize poor quality and communicate with management to produce trustworthy products.
• Pursue sustainability of natural resources, decrease waste, and be conscious of individual choices.
• Advocate for positive change within the team and empower colleagues.
• Complete other duties as required.

Work Environment

• Occasionally involves work in an outdoor environment.
• May involve exposure to inclement weather conditions.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally physically demanding.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to alternate between walking and sitting for long periods.
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, step, reach, lift, push, pull, see, hear, and talk.
• Fine motor skills for laboratory work (e.g., necropsy procedures, chemical handling, operation of analytical equipment).

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full-time position.
• May include occasional work on Saturdays or Sundays.

Travel

• Local travel is required.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Microsoft Office program suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with laboratory science and use of standard operating procedures.

Qualifications

• Ability to speak, read, understand, and follow directions with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Knowledge of routine laboratory practices.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Attention to detail.
• Critical thinking.
• Safety consciousness.
• Commitment to continual improvement.

Preferred Education And Experience

• Students in good academic standing at any university or college are eligible.
• Students enrolled in fisheries/aquaculture, animal science, or related programs of study at public institutions of higher learning in Idaho or Washington are particularly encouraged to apply.