Job Type
Temporary
Description
ABOUT TROUT UNLIMITED
Trout Unlimited is a national organization with 300,000 members and supporters organized into over 400 chapters and councils nationwide. These dedicated grassroots volunteers are matched by a respected staff of organizers, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists, who work out of more than 45 offices across the country. Our mission is to bring together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and streams so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon.
Trout Unlimited recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
POSITION SUMMARY
Trout Unlimited is looking for energetic, intelligent, and motivated individuals to join our staff for seasonal employment in 2026. These positions will assist activities in support of native trout and aquatic resource conservation. We are looking to fill 2 entry-level, seasonal positions (3-6 months) with a start date of mid-late May 2026. The team will work 40-hour weeks (typically 4 days at 10 hours/day) that may require driving on rural roads with limited cell phone coverage, traversing difficult terrain while carrying field gear up to 50 pounds and working in all types of weather conditions. The positions are centered primarily in Franklin County, New York, and the headwaters of the Saranac Watershed, with several weeks of work planned within the Battenkill Watershed around Arlington, Vermont.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Complete culvert assessments throughout Franklin County, following the North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC) protocol.
- Assist with watershed monitoring activities and data collection including stream geomorphology, water temperature, habitat, and fish population assessments.
- Assist with in-stream habitat restoration projects – including low-tech process-based restoration using hand tools.
- Maintain rigorous data collection and adherence to assessment protocols; identify and report any concerns to supervisor.
- Wade streams and rivers in a variety of flow regimes and weather conditions.
- Maintain equipment and report maintenance/equipment needs to supervisor.
- Maintain a high level of integrity while on the job.
COMPENSATION
The position pay is $19 per hour.
TU will compensate mileage from each day’s designated start/end location within Franklin County, Saranac River Watershed, Battenkill Watershed, or other NY Priority Water. It will be necessary for the chosen applicant to relocate to or be within daily driving distance to Franklin County or the Battenkill Watershed. Travel to and from the daily start/end location will not be included in the reimbursement strategy. If working in another NY Priority Water, TU will provide lodging and daily mileage to/from lodging to work sites will be reimbursed.
Requirements
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Possess strong communication skills.
- Experience communicating with various audiences.
- Past leadership roles in jobs, clubs, or groups.
- Experience implementing fish/wildlife assessment protocols.
- Experience managing data and field equipment.
- Own a personal vehicle that can be used for extensive work travel. TU offers mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle usage; a valid driver’s license and the ability to pass background checks for employment.
- A desire to learn about stream ecology and watershed science.
- Ability to quickly acquire skills and learn new techniques.
- Willingness to work long days in outdoor field conditions.
- Demonstrable experience with physically demanding work.
- Patience to deal with bugs, snakes, mud, rain, cold, and hot weather.
- Ability to work cooperatively in a team with varied skills, abilities, and perspectives.
- Ability to think creatively, keep an open mind, and take constructive criticism.
Salary Description
$19 / hour
