Conservation and Land Management Internship: USFWS Klamath Falls Fish and Wildlife Interns

These 3 CLM Internship positions are funded by a cooperative agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service for approximately 5 months (20 weeks), primarily collecting biological and physical data related to sensitive species in the upper Klamath River basin. The ideal start date range for these positions is from April 3rd to April 17th,2023.

The primary objectives of the interns are to 1) assist with collection and management of data as it pertains to species under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and 2) gain practical field experience, collection techniques, data management, and data analysis techniques. Interns will complete multiple aquatic and terrestrial duties as assigned. Species that the Klamath Falls Fish and Wildlife Office work with include Lost River sucker, shortnose sucker, bull trout, Oregon spotted frog, Modoc sucker, gray wolf, Bald eagles, and Applegate's milk-vetch. Prior knowledge of sampling methods is not required. Rather, interns will acquire skills in fisheries techniques using zooplankton nets, net pens, backpack electrofishing, marking (e.g., passive integrated transponder tags, radio transmitters; fin clips), and fish/plant/amphibian identification. The primary activities of the internship are described below.

Bull Trout - Interns will conduct surveys to collect data on fish distribution and information pertinent to fish conservation and reintroduction. Survey techniques include backpack electrofishing and PIT-tagging, snorkeling, or eDNA collection. Bull trout surveys and invasive species removal in bull trout critical habitat will take 2-3 months of the 5-month term and may include camping/backpacking field surveys. Camping and/or backpacking equipment are not required. 

Oregon Spotted Frog - Interns will conduct survey for different life stages of Oregon spotted frog (e.g., egg masses, juveniles, adults) and learn to differentiate species of frogs.

Lost River and Shortnose Suckers - Interns may participate in an assisted rearing program for Lost River sucker and shortnose sucker at the Klamath Falls National Fish Hatchery (KFNFH). At the KFNFH interns may assist with larval fish collection in the Williamson River, transporting intensive rearing, brine shrimp culture, pond aquaculture (including harvest and release) and PIT-tagging. A subset of fish from the KFNFH will have radio tag implants and interns may also assist in radio telemetry including active and passive tracking in Upper Klamath Lake. 

Gray Wolf – Gray wolves are occasional visitors to the Upper Klamath Basin and cattle depredations have occurred. Interns may be needed for hazing efforts involving telemetry tracking and driving of the farm and forest perimeters. These surveys do not involve direct contact with wolves and the efforts (if needed) are led by other state and federal staff. 

Modoc Sucker – Interns will assist in a 1-week night survey for Modoc suckers. This survey will involve camping. Camping equipment is not required. These surveys will assist with post-delisting monitoring. 

USFWS Refuges – The upper Klamath basin is situated in a large waterfowl flyway and a large refuge complex provides resting, feeding, and nesting habitat. Interns may assist refuge staff in surveys and banding efforts for Canada goose, various duck species, and yellow and Virginia rail. 

Data collection and management will be integral to all activities. Thus, interns will complete and gain skills in data management, including entering, summarizing, and analyzing information using databases, GIS, Excel, and R Studio. Interns may also participate in report writing, which will provide an understanding of writing for various outlets (e.g., government reports, media). Previously, interns have completed projects and data analyses that resulted in publications in peer-reviewed outlets. As part of each project, interns will participate and obtain skills in sampling equipment assembly and maintenance, safety techniques, and interacting with the public.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service field office is located in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Klamath Falls is in south-central Oregon on the eastern slope of the Cascade Mountain range and is situated adjacent to Upper Klamath Lake (one of the largest lakes in the Western United States). The small city lies in the transition zone from high elevation forest to high desert. The population of Klamath Falls is approximately 40,000 and has several collegiate institutions. Many other federal agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, Crater Lake National Park, the Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Geological Survey, are located within the city, and are involved directly with our office. The agencies, as well as State agencies and NGOs, employ seasonal technicians that often socialize with our interns.