Department of Civil Service

Description:

Using Environmental DNA to Track Aquatic Invasive Fish Dispersal

The NY DEC DLF BISEH's Invasive Species Coordination Section is seeking an intern to assist with a study that will use environmental DNA to track the range expansion of aquatic invasive fish species . Potential study organisms are round goby in the Hudson River and its tributaries and northern snakehead in the Delaware River Basin. The intern will be responsible for using ArcGIS to determine appropriate sampling sites and potential barriers to upstream dispersal, obtaining site access permissions and permits where necessary, organizing and managing environmental DNA surveys/sample processing and data analysis. Additionally, the intern will assist with other AIS related surveys as they arise. The intern will work with the DEC Aquatic Invasive Species Unit to complete these tasks. Daily tasks include mapping tributaries and data findings in ArcGIS, field sampling for environmental DNA, data entry and analysis. Objectives of this work will elucidate the dispersal dynamics of target species and better inform management strategies. Hours will typically be 20 hours per week Monday through Friday between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM

Skills:

Attention to detail

Experience with field biology

Data entry and analysis

General knowledge of invasive species

General knowledge of ecology

Internship Areas: Environmental Conservation, Planning/Analysis/Research, Scientific Research