FWRI Steidinger Scholar Intern, Freshwater Fisheries Research/Center for Conservation Social Science

The Steidinger Scholars, launched in 2023, celebrates the life and impact of Dr. Karen Steidinger, a pioneering scientist harmful algal bloom research and a formative leader in the history of FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Her groundbreaking work is recognized worldwide, and the organism that causes red tides in Florida, Karenia brevis, is named in her honor. Just as Karen mentored generations of scientists, the program continues her legacy by creating opportunities for future scientists.

The goal of the Steidinger Scholars program is to inspire students to explore careers in fisheries and wildlife research through experiential learning. Successful applicants participate in 3-month long part- to full-time paid internships mentored by FWRI scientists. Interns work on a variety of projects that inform the protection, conservation, and management of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources.

The program is open to all recent high school graduates or new college students (years 1-2) of all genders from all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Successful candidates will have the ability to work in a team environment, adapt to changing work environments and priorities, and work in a range of settings including office, laboratory and outdoors in all weather conditions. 

Duties/tasks are position specific to the opportunity (see below) but include:

• Direct project activities such as training in and assisting with field and laboratory duties to ongoing research and management projects and programs.
• Shadowing staff and researchers in a variety of research areas.
• Participating in training, workshops, and other education and career development planning activities.
• Presenting on the experience.

Qualifications:

• A recent or expected high school graduate, or 1-2 year college student; must be 18 years of age or older by the start of the internship
• Willingness to learn
• Good interpersonal and organizational skills
• Good written and oral communication
• A passion for and interest in science. Prior learning or experience is not required
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. including having a valid social security card

Women and students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups are encouraged to apply.

Freshwater Fisheries Research and Center for Conservation Social Science – Gainesville; Opportunity #: FWRI SS-SU26-02

This is a great opportunity for a student interested in learning about freshwater fish, freshwater invertebrates, fisheries field techniques for collecting scientific data, human dimensions of fisheries, and the overall purpose of freshwater ecosystem conservation and management. Intern will be paired with researchers to learn about various aspects of fisheries science, sample freshwater fish and invertebrate communities using a variety of gears, participate in post-sampling lab work, assist with data entry, and learn about the human dimensions of fisheries. Participant will be exposed to a wide range of freshwater research and monitoring projects being conducted in north-central Florida.

Tasks: Specific job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Sample freshwater fish using a variety of methods including electrofishing, trawling, and seining
• Identify and age freshwater fish
• Conduct independent study to gain practical research experience
• Assist with ongoing research projects focused on non-native freshwater fish
• Enter and review fish, habitat and water quality data
• Map aquatic plants from freshwater lakes in north-central Florida
• Collect and process water samples
• Sample freshwater mussels, crayfish, and/or other invertebrates
• Trailer and operate boats (*requires valid driver’s license)
• Assist with human dimensions data collection, such as through surveys or interviews

Dates: May to August (3 months)

Supervisors: Variety of projects with several mentors

Hours: Part-time (average 20 hours per week)