The basics: This is a paid ($24.77/hr), full-time (40 hrs/week) summer job working alongside career environmental scientists to learn hands-on field safety, research, and professional skills. In addition to on-the-job training, you’ll have access to a Career Pathways Coach to turn your goals into future opportunities.

Who can apply: This program is open to students actively enrolled at an undergraduate educational institution. Priority consideration will be given to students from King County communities either attending community colleges in Washington State or from the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship Program at Washington universities. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences and encourage undergraduates of all backgrounds to apply.

For details: Check out the job announcement.

How to apply: Complete the application form by April 3rd. Click submit and you’re done! In mid-April, we will email you with news. We will interview selected applicants April 20-24th. By May 1st, you’ll know if you have the job.

Want to know more about our team and the work we do? Check out our blog and website.

If you have questions: email sciencecareers@kingcounty.gov

Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant (2 positions available)

Compensation: $22.65/hr (hourly, part time)

Expected work hours: 30 hours/month (6 days/month, 5 hrs/day including travel). Morning and weekend availability is required, but scheduling will be determined by your availability.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please email Nicole Doran (ncdoran@uw.edu) and attach a 1-page resume.

Application Deadline: Feb 25th, 2026

The University of Washington and the University of Milano-Bicocca (UNIMIB) are excited to announce a fellowship opportunity through the Erasmus+ KA171 program.  This exchange program aims to strengthen international collaboration in marine science by providing a fully funded 2-week research stay at UNIMIB in Spring 2026.  Faculty/researcher will visit the University of Milano-Bicocca, in Milan, Italy. The fellow will conduct an educational exchange with Dr. Francesco Saliu’s lab at UNIMIB. His lab focuses on marine environmental chemistry, chemical ecology, and analytical chemistry, with applications to environmental sustainability and pollution research.

Who Should Apply
We welcome applications from University of Washington faculty/research staff who:
• Work in marine biology, environmental science, chemistry, oceanography, chemical engineering, material science, or related disciplines
• Is available to travel for 1-2 weeks during Spring 2025
• Is adaptable, curious, and open to cultural exchange, speak English
• Have a strong academic background and research interests aligned with the fellowship

Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
• Research abstract (40 points)
• Curriculum (50 points)
• Language proficiency, adaptability, and cultural awareness (10 points)

Key Details
• Location: University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
• Duration: 1-2 weeks in Spring 2026
• Funding: Travel and living expenses fully supported by the Erasmus+ KA171 fellowship
• vel experiences.

How to Apply
Submit your application materials to: jpgamino@uw.edu

Application Deadline: Feb 25th, 2026

Questions?
For more information, please contact Jacqueline L. Padilla-Gamiño at jpgamino@uw.edu

Job Description

Fisheries Technicians perform duties related to the protection, preservation, propagation, and sampling of fish species and the preservation or enhancement of their habitat. They use knowledge of procedural requirements and processes to support the technical work of their unit. They provide practical technical support to research, operations, or program administration efforts.

Position/Project Specifics:

Conduct laboratory procedures to process fish hard structures such as vertebrae, fin rays, and otoliths for determining the age of fish. Laboratory tasks will include dissection of fish to remove hard structures, thin sectioning hard structures and preparing using other techniques for microscopic examination to determine age of fish based on standard age assignment criteria. Using of other laboratory equipment such as near infrared spectrometer to scan hard structures for spectral data. This position does not require supervisory or management duties. Position requires successful completion of a Bachelors degree in biology or environmental science.

Essential Functions: (The functions listed below are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this group and pay band. They are not all-inclusive. Individual positions may perform some or all, as well as other similar work.)

• Make standardized observations such as species identification, length, weight, behavior, growth, survival, reproductive condition, and/or signs of parasites, diseases or pathogens, fin clips or tags.
• Collect and organize biological and habitat samples and collections (such as scales, otoliths, ageing structures, other tissues, water quality, etc.).
• Summarize and input biological or habitat data on field forms, electronic data loggers, and/or desktop computers. May assist with preliminary data summaries and analyses, technical report writing, or database management.
• Perform precision ageing of various fish species in a laboratory setting. Record age and growth data in the appropriate format.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

At the lower end of the range, employees use knowledge of basic arithmetic, reading, writing, and data collection to perform routine or repetitive tasks.

At the upper end of the position range, employees use knowledge of the basic principles and protocols of fish biology to make readings, measurements, and observations; execute tests; collect samples, etc. If complex equipment systems are operated, the employee has the knowledge to perform calibrations or adjustments to achieve desired results.

Additional Mandatory Skills:

• fish ageing (scale, otholith, other)
• compile and collect neat and accurate data

Additional Desirable Skills:

• literature search/review
• fish species ID skills
• using fish keys
• specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)
• oral communication skills
• written communication skills

Physical Demands:

The work is largely sedentary. There is some walking and bending and lifting of materials and supplies. This job is microscope intensive and involves long periods of sitting or standing in one spot.

Work Environment:

The work is performed in a laboratory environment, with adequate heating, lighting, and ventilation.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Candidates must present a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor’s degree with a major or at least 24 semester hours of coursework in any combination of scientific or technical courses. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

*Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled.

As indicated in the Position/Project Specifics, this position requires successful completion of a Bachelors degree in biology or environmental science. Preference will therefore be given to candidates able to display these qualifications.

Summer Student Intern – Natural Resources Field

This summer position with Snohomish PUD’s Natural Resources team will support terrestrial and aquatic resource management at Snohomish PUD’s hydroelectric projects by monitoring forest canopy gaps, snags, and other habitat features, as well as conducting noxious weed surveys. The role also involves assisting with water quality and quantity monitoring, fish and aquatic habitat monitoring, while entering, managing, and analyzing data for annual FERC reporting. This position offers hands-on experience in environmental science, including field data collection in rugged and remote terrain, GIS mapping, and regulatory compliance for hydroelectric operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older at time of application.
• High School student or student currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or vocational program, working toward a degree or certification.

Experience/Education

• Current transcripts, progress reports, and/or student enrollment histories are required at time of application.
• Proof of student status for upcoming quarter is required prior to hire. Acceptable documents include: current registration/enrollment notice, or letter of intent from Registrar’s office, or student enrollment history, or tuition payment confirmation or cancelled check.
• Must successfully complete the pre-employment screening process, including testing for employment (if applicable)

Preferred Qualifications

• Working towards a degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering, or other Technical or Scientific field relating to environmental matters.
• Able to work as a team member and independently.

Summer Student Intern – Natural Resources Stewardship

This summer position with Snohomish PUD’s Natural Resources team focuses on sustainability and education of natural resources at the Woods Creek Hydro Project and Sustainability Center. Primary responsibilities include developing planting plans, preparing pollinator beds, overseeing invasive weed management, leading volunteer events in the food forest, and creating educational materials and web content. The role also provides a high-level overview of the operation of FERC-licensed hydroelectric projects, offering hands-on experience in vegetation management, natural resources stewardship, and community engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older at time of application.
• High School student or student currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or vocational program, working toward a degree or certification.

Experience/Education

• Current transcripts, progress reports, and/or student enrollment histories are required at time of application.
• Proof of student status for upcoming quarter is required prior to hire. Acceptable documents include: current registration/enrollment notice, or letter of intent from Registrar’s office, or student enrollment history, or tuition payment confirmation or cancelled check.
• Must successfully complete the pre-employment screening process, including testing for employment (if applicable)

Preferred Qualifications

• Working towards a degree in Environmental Health, Environmental Science, Engineering, or other Technical or Scientific field relating to environmental matters.
• Able to work as a team member and independently.

To learn more and apply, visit the job posting on the Student Conservation Association website.

Location

Seattle & Prosser, WA

Schedule

March 23, 2026 – July 24, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The SCA member will be working in the field on the Yakima River near Prosser, Washington, conducting raft electrofishing activities that includes netting fish and processing biological samples from captured fish. This will involve organizing field gear, launching and retrieving rafts from boat launches, netting fish, and collecting data.

Marginal Duties

The field team will focus upon safely conducting field enterprises; focus will be on the safety of the field crew. Marginal duties may include setting up camps, coordinating field camp logistics, repairing and caring field gear, and inventorying equipment.

Required Qualifications

Successful applicants will be those who enjoy working in the outdoors in all weather conditions and have good attention to detail in data collection. Duties will be focused on fieldwork that will require strenuous physical exertion to haul nets, carry equipment (up to 50 pounds), bending, lifting, and walking over rough, uneven terrain. Exposure to extreme environmental conditions likely.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior biological fieldwork experience, especially any related to fish or fisheries, preferred but not required. 4-year college degree in biological sciences preferred.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

House rental for field crew will be provided by SCA

Compensation

• $1,100 RT Travel Allowance (Paid once)
• $500 Weekly Living Allowance (Paid bi-weekly)
• SCA Leased Housing Provided near Prosser, WA
• $1650 in Duty Related Travel Reimbursement (Pay out of pocket initially/Receipts required)
• AmeriCorps Eligible (Value of award ~$1,956) to be used toward student loans at fulfillment of 450 service hours
• All Weather Uniform Package

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

• Defensive Driving Training
• Interpretive Skills
• AmeriCorps: REQUIRED

The Junior Survey Technician will support work that is part of the scope of a cooperative agreement between the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

Working day-to-day as a member of the OCNMS Research Team, the Junior Survey Technician is primarily responsible for assisting the Survey Technician with performing the following functions: 1) oceanographic and hydrographic survey data acquisition and processing operations; 2) technical assistance to program personnel; 3) administering the safekeeping and transmittal of data; and 4) maintaining oceanographic and hydrographic survey instruments; along with other responsibilities as assigned to support site operations.

The position will be based in NOAA’s Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary office in Port Angeles, WA. A belief in our mission, excellent project management skills, as well as a strong team mentality, is a must.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations.

Apply through the Foundation’s online portal. A cover letter, resume, and three professional references are required with your application. Applications received by February 16th, 2026 will be preferred.

Salary Range: $55,000.00 To $59,000.00 Annually

Location: Port Angeles, WA

Status: Full-time, Non-exempt, No direct reports

What You’ll Do

Conduct Annual Field Operations

• Assist in the maintenance, operation, and monitoring of mission equipment utilized on the vessels including oceanographic and hydrographic instrumentation (including all aspects of the oceanographic mooring arrays)
• Assist in preparation, installation, deployment, and recovery of oceanographic and/or hydrographic survey equipment and instruments
• Annotate records and record data according to site data management plan
• Assist in preparations for and completion of oceanographic and hydrographic survey operations
• Assist with performing maintenance on facilities and trailers as needed
• Organize existing documentation and create new Standard Operations Procedures (as needed) that outline the tasks necessary to conduct operations annually

Maintenance, Acquisition, and Operational/Analytical Improvement

• Coordinate calibration and service of oceanographic and hydrographic instruments
• Assist in upkeep and capital improvements of the research platforms as required to accomplish site management goals
• Assist in coordination and collaboration with partner organizations and other NOAA offices in support of oceanographic monitoring, hydrographic surveys, and to accomplish organizational goals

Data Management

• Assist Survey Technician in performing initial quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) for field collected data as it is submitted to OCNMS
• Organize existing documentation and create new Standard Operations Procedures (as needed) that outline the tasks necessary to ensure proper data management and public availability according to the NOS Data Management guidelines

Who You Are

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, geography, oceanography, ecology, marine biology, or related field.
• Experience in marine technology, field physical science or at least one year of experience in vessel-based research operations.
• Demonstrated proficiency in equipment operation and vessel-based science activities.
• Familiarity with GIS, sonar and remote sensing instruments and/or data acquisition and processing.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and carry out assignments independently.
• Strong project management skills.
• Flexibility to maintain a varying work schedule as needed, including occasional weekends, evenings, and nights.
• Willingness to travel in support of sanctuary activities.
• Position occasionally includes varied mealtime hours, and requires lifting up to 50 pounds, working outdoors, and working offshore in adverse ocean and weather conditions.
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Regular attendance required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science and one year of experience

Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant (2 positions available)

Compensation: $22.65/hr (hourly, part time)

Expected work hours: 8–24 hrs/month (3 days/month, 4–8 hrs/day). Note: early morning availability is a must – work hours could be 5am–1pm

Our Team:

The Wetland Ecosystem Team (WET lab) in SAFS conducts collaborative research on coastal wetlands and nearshore ecosystems in the Puget Sound area. We value a respectful, inclusive workplace and strive to build a safe environment for hands-on learning in the field!

Job Description:

The Duwamish River is a heavily industrialized estuary that serves as important habitat for salmon as they migrate to the ocean. We are conducting research on juvenile Chinook salmon use of restored habitats in the Duwamish River as part of a collaboration with researchers at King County, who are tagging and releasing salmon upstream of the Duwamish River. This project will involve local fieldwork during March–June 2026 to monitor sites on the Duwamish and detect tagged salmon (no fish handling required for this project). An Undergraduate Research Assistant would join WET lab staff in the field to conduct monitoring on small motorized boats, safely handle gear including nets and the tag detection antenna system, and gain experience in a local aquatic ecosystem.

There will also be opportunities to get involved with other WET lab fieldwork this spring and summer including fish snorkel surveys, netting, and identification if interested!

Job Duties:

• Handle and maintain heavy sampling gear (nets, electronics, etc.)
• Work aboard a small motorboat
• Hold nets while walking through shallow-water, muddy environments (<3ft of water)
• Work as part of a team
• Meet early in the morning (5–6am) at the Fisheries Building before fieldwork begins

Requirements:

• Interest in aquatic ecosystems and fish monitoring
• Willingness to work in all weather conditions (cold, rain, etc.)
• Positive attitude and motivation to learn
• Availability mornings (5am–1pm) Wed, Thurs, Fri during March–June 2026
  • Note: You are still encouraged to apply, even if you are only available for some of the days – for example if you aren’t available until April or only available Wed & Fri
• No previous fieldwork experience required!

How to Apply:

Send a resume and a single paragraph introducing yourself and why you are interested in the position to Julia Kobelt (jnkobelt@uw.edu) by 5pm Friday, February 20. Application review and interviews will begin Monday, Feb 23, and work could begin mid March.