Summer Internship
Mission and background:
Downeast Salmon Federation’s mission is to conserve wild Atlantic salmon, other sea-run fish
and their habitats, restore a viable recreational salmon fishery, and protect other important river,
scenic, recreational, and ecological resources in eastern Maine.
Since its inception in 1982, DSF has coordinated numerous in-stream and buffer restoration
projects; created and maintained two world-class conservation hatcheries and salmon stocking
programs founded on the principles of noted Scottish biologist Peter Gray. DSF guides
advocacy, education, and outreach on sustainable fisheries, communities, and the economy at
local, state, and federal levels.
The DSF service area is primarily Washington and Hancock County–the most fisheriesdependent
economic development region along the Atlantic coast of the United States.
Internship Description:
We are seeking an individual passionate about fisheries science and restoration with a focus in
field biology and strong media and communication skills for a 9 week summer internship. The
intern will work alongside other DSF staffers and with citizen science volunteers, operate state of
the art fish counting equipment, manage and analyze data, record and produce media related to
our monitoring and restoration efforts, and travel daily to sites throughout Downeast Maine.
Duties:
• Assist with DSF citizen science surveys, alewife and sea run brook trout monitoring,
including data collection in the field, data input or organization, and coordination with
citizen science volunteers, remote video and PIT tag equipment set up and monitoring.
• Input, analyze, and review sea-run fish data
• Record and create media to support DSF programs, with a focus on restoration efforts
• Provide support for partner organizations—The Downeast Fisheries Partnership, Alewife
Harvesters of Maine by staffing DSF outreach events
Qualifications:
• Working towards a degree in fisheries, biology or environmental science
• Must be able to work independently under the direction of a supervisor
• A team player with the ability to productively work with staff and volunteers
• Comfortable working in the outdoors during unpredictable spring/summer weather
• Comfortable presenting their work to the public and school groups
• Basic mechanical/technical competency
• Strong data management skills
• Social media skills to coordinate volunteers and general outreach
• Availability to work some weekends and odd hours, such as nights or early mornings
Requirements:
• Driver’s license and reliable vehicle
• Can lift and carry at least 30 lbs.
• Ability to tolerate field conditions like bad weather and our “beloved” black flies
Location: Hancock and Washington County, ME
Compensation:
DSF may be able to provide rustic, remote housing in an off grid cabin along the Machias River.
This cabin has cooking and heating (wood) but no indoor plumbing or electric. Showers,
internet, and electricity are amiable at our main office/hatchery in East Machias.
Students will apply for summer funding through the CES Summer Grants Program for up to 9
weeks of funding: https://ces.williams.edu/student-opportunities/funding-research/
Please contact Brett Ciccotelli, Restoration and Engagement Coordinator for the Downeast
Salmon Federation, for more information and to apply: [email protected]
Megamenu Social