Employer: Katie Hein (she/her)
Description:
I seek an undergraduate student to assist with studying the nearshore areas (littoral zones) of lakes. We aim to learn how invertebrates and fish use different species of aquatic plants as habitat. We will sample invertebrates and fish in native versus invasive aquatic plant patches. We will also evaluate how restoring vegetation on lake shorelines affects plants, invertebrates, and fish. The successful applicant will work at the Trout Lake Station field station in Boulder Junction, WI which is part of the Center for Limnology (CFL).
Having students with different life experiences and backgrounds is critical to ensure the exchange of diverse ideas that is called for in training tomorrow’s scientists. Because we are actively working to increase diversity and inclusivity in our discipline, underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:
Field Work:
- Sample terrestrial plants nearshore and lake littoral zones, including aquatic plants, fish, benthic macroinvertebrates, zooplankton, coarse woody habitat, and substrate
- Remove invasive aquatic plants from experimental plots
- Survey methods will include snorkeling, SCUBA, underwater videography, sampling from a boat and sampling while walking and wading nearshore
- Drive a university field vehicle
- Trailer, launch, and navigate boats (training will be provided)
- Assist with field work for other teams working at Trout Lake Station on occasion
Laboratory Work:
- Sort and identify benthic macroinvertebrates
- Press and/or dry aquatic plants
Computer/Office Work:
- Enter field data
- Analyze field data
- Process underwater videos
- Participate in fellow activities and prepare for final presentation
Qualifications:
Required:
- knowledge/interest in aquatic ecology
- willing to work outside in all weather
- excellent organizational skills to help plan and prepare for field outings
- excellent attention to detail for collecting and entering data
- comfortable in boats and able to swim
- willing to live in a group setting
- Valid driver’s license which meets UW Risk Management standards
- attend in-person training (“Limnolaunch”) at Trout Lake Station on May 20-22
Preferred:
- SCUBA certified and/or able to snorkel
- familiar with Excel, Word and other Office programs
- familiar with aquatic plants, invertebrates, and/or fish (if unfamiliar, training will be provided)
- familiar with boats and trailering (if unfamiliar, training will be provided)
Details:
- Number of positions: 1
- Start date: mid-May (no later than May 20), 2026
- End date: mid to late August 2026
- Pay: $15 per hour X 40 hours per week X 12 weeks = $7,200 total for the summer; paid through bi-weekly payroll
Location:
This position is located at the CFL’s Trout Lake Station in Boulder Junction, WI in northern Wisconsin. Dormitory style housing (not food) is provided free of charge. Enjoy swimming, hiking, fishing, biking, and shoreline campfires while gaining valuable research experience!
How to Apply:
- Application link
- Priority consideration deadline: Feb 27th
- We accept applications until all positions are filled.
- Indicate Lake Littoral Zones Fellow Trout Lake Station preference on your application and contact Katie Hein if you have any questions.
The CFL is an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to an inclusive and positive working environment for all.