Fisheries Field Intern – Research, Tagging & Surveys

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks is seeking three Spring Fisheries Intern positions for the 2027 field season. Interns must be enrolled as full- or part-time students and available Feb 1 through Oct 30, with start and end dates flexible based on education status.

Responsibilities include annual Walleye spawning operations on the Missouri River, trap and transfer of various fish species into new waterbodies, tagging Smallmouth Bass, acoustic telemetry projects, Paddlefish tagging,

Qualifications

• Enrolled as a part-time or full-time student during employment period.
• Must be able to lift 60 pounds repeatedly and perform strenuous work.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends and some overnight travel.

Responsibilities

• Assist annual Walleye spawning operations on the Missouri River.
• Trap and transfer fish species into new waterbodies.
• Assist with tagging Smallmouth Bass and with acoustic telemetry projects.
• Tag Paddlefish to estimate population size and lead population surveys.
• Perform boat/gear maintenance and assist with data management.

Skills

Boats operation

Boat maintenance

Fisheries management

Fish identification

Basic computer operation

Education

Enrollment as student (college/university/technical institute)

Job description

South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks is seeking three Spring Fisheries Intern positions for the 2027 field season. Interns must be enrolled as full- or part-time students and available Feb 1 through Oct 30, with start and end dates flexible based on education status.

Responsibilities include annual Walleye spawning operations on the Missouri River, trap and transfer of various fish species into new waterbodies, tagging Smallmouth Bass, acoustic telemetry projects, Paddlefish tagging,