TRIBAL YOUTH INTERN

Tribal Youth Intern

Reports To: Aquatic Biologist Department: Spokane Tribal Fisheries Location: Wellpinit/Airway Heights Rate of Pay: $18.00 PER HOUR Status: FULL-TIME, TEMPORARY

Open date: May 13, 2026 Close date: May 27, 2026

Position Summary

The incumbent will gain hands-on experience in stream habitat data collection and other projects as assigned. This position is designed to be for up to a 3-month term, or 420 hours, based on availability and funding. This position is funded through the Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Youth Initiative program, which gives tribal youth (ages 16 up to and including 25 years of age) hands on experience in the field of natural resources.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• The Intern will work with Spokane Tribal Fisheries and the Spokane Salmon Restoration Collaborative (SSRC) under the direction of the Spokane Tribal Fisheries Department to assist with native mussel surveys, stream habitat data collection, and eDNA sampling. Spokaen Tribal Fisheries is working to establish a baseline of native mussel populations in our watershed and SSRC is engaged in habitat restoration to prepare the Spokane River Watershed for the reintroduction of non Endangered Species Act-listed Spring and summer/fall Chinook salmon and improving habitat conditions for native Redband trout.
• The interns will become part of an interagency team collecting data for input into an Ecosystem Diagnosis and Treatment (EDT) model. Results will support identifying sensitive reaches of the watershed where stream habitat restoration projects are to be implemented and creation of a stream habitat restoration plan.
• The intern will assist biologists with extensive field work supporting data collection (habitat data, eDNA sampling, water quality sampling, geospatial data, etc.), maintenance of survey gear, and data entry. Interns will be responsible for other duties as assigned. The work week will typically be 10 hrs/day, 4 days/week, in possibly inclement weather conditions.
• This position will be extensively trained in various fields and safety protocols. Interns will be provided with personal protective equipment including footwear and waders. Interns will be expected Spokane Tribe of Indians to maintain a weekly log of their hours, activities, and accomplishments. Interns will learn how and why stream habitat data are collected to develop the EDT model.
• The intern will be expected to Complete data entry as needed. Maintain accurate time and activities logs. Drive truck and demonstrate genuine interest in field by pursuing opportunities to advance learning and knowledge of this career field and better understand the Program.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a registered member of a federally recognized Tribe.
• Must be between the ages of 16-25 (grant requirement)
• Must be currently enrolled in high school or have received a high school diploma or GED.
• Must have an interest in the field of fisheries, habitat restoration, Limnology, Aquatic Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Water Resources Management, or similar.
• Maintain high level of organization, and possess excellent time management skills
• Must be able to work long days (4 days a week for 10 hrs/day) in inclement weather and in remote areas.
• Ability to operate computers and utilize Microsoft Office suite including Outlook, Excel, and Word
• Must have reliable transportation to/from the duty station.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record

* Indian Preference Applies – Indian Preference grants preference to any enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.