The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) is seeking to hire an undergraduate or recently graduated intern for Summer 2025 to work at the IPHC Headquarters (HQ) located in Salmon Bay, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

Who May Apply: Undergraduate students entering or in their fourth year of study at an accredited University or College OR recent graduates of a qualified undergraduate bachelor’s degree program who have graduated within the current academic year (2024/2025). Eligible fields of study include fisheries, marine biology, biology, ecology, environmental studies, fisheries oceanography, or other aquatic or biological-related science. Eligibility also extends to quantitative or computer sciences for candidates interested in applications to fisheries.

OVERVIEW

The Internship Program is designed to provide interns exposure to a variety of tasks associated with the management of an international fisheries resource. Each intern is assigned a research project that involves work in the IPHC Biological Laboratory but that can also include work in other areas relevant to IPHC activities. The intern will work closely with a supervisor to ensure continuing progress toward work goals and with other staff members on the various tasks assigned.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Work term may include but is not limited to:

• Work in the IPHC Biological Laboratory assisting in efforts to identify the sex of commercially landed Pacific halibut by genotyping;
• Work in the IPHC Otolith ageing laboratory learning otolith aging techniques, lab protocols, and the uses of determined ages;
• Contributing to the automatized ageing of otoliths using artificial intelligence (AI) and other AI applications across IPHC research activities;
• Assisting with compilation of fisheries data supporting management process;
• Assisting with dockside sampling on the U.S.A. West Coast, British Columbia, or Alaska. Participating in field work on an IPHC research vessel;
• Assisting the Secretariat with other tasks as assigned;
• Reporting project results through a written report and an oral presentation to the Secretariat at the conclusion of the internship.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

1. Applicant must be in (or beginning) fourth year of undergraduate study at an accredited University or College OR must have graduated within the 2024/2025 academic year. Eligible fields of study include fisheries, marine biology, biology, ecology, environmental studies, fisheries oceanography, or other aquatic or biological-related science. Eligibility also extends to quantitative or computer sciences for candidates interested in applications to fisheries;
2. Applicant must possess good communication skills and enthusiasm for engaging in a range of assigned tasks. The role requires collaborating with other IPHC Secretariat team members in various roles. Applicant must be self-motivated and work well with limited supervision;
3. Must be proficient with MSWord, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook software;
4. Must be motivated and willing to work in various settings, including fishing ports and aboard IPHC chartered fishery-independent setline survey (FISS) vessel in the open ocean if the work includes these tasks;
5. A cold-water survival at sea course (scheduled and paid for by the IPHC after hire) must be completed prior to deployment on a research vessel. Basic swimming skills will be needed to successfully complete the course.

Preferred, but not required

1. Completion of at least one basic statistics course.
2. Previous experience in a laboratory setting (work or classroom).
3. Basic proficiency in programming, particularly in languages relevant to data analysis (e.g. R or Python).
4. Data collection experience in the field (work or classroom).
5. Previous education and/or experience in fisheries species identification and sampling protocols. 

A note about field work
The work term may include sea and/or port activities. These are often the highlight of the internship but can also be challenging. At sea, the intern is typically one of three scientific personnel on board a chartered fishing vessel along with 5-6 professional vessel crew members. All applicants need to be aware that these vessels are relatively small, ranging in length from about 60 to 90 feet, and quarters tend to be cramped. Although every individual has his/her own bunk space, the rooms containing the bunks are shared and may be co-ed. The vessels go to sea for several days at a time without coming to shore and the work at times can be physically challenging. Being able to lift live fish weighing up to 40 pounds without assistance is a necessary requirement for sea-duty. 

Port work is typically conducted at processing plants located in somewhat remote locations in Alaska, British Columbia, or the U.S.A. West Coast. Close attention and compliance with plant safety protocols is a must. Being able to climb/descend ladders and lift 40-pound Pacific halibut without assistance are necessary requirements for port work. 

ADMINISTRATION

Salary and work hours
Salary will be paid at IPHC-GS-5.1 which is US$3,813.60/month.

Employment term: May – August (approximately 12 weeks duration – start date negotiable if working around an academic schedule)

While in Seattle, office hours are Monday through Friday, eight hours per day plus ½ hour for lunch. Field work may consist of longer or shorter workdays and weekends. 

Criminal background check
Employment with the IPHC requires the ability to freely cross the U.S.A./Canada border. All prospective employees must submit to a criminal background check. A conviction for DUI/DWI, Breaking and Entering, Assault, Drugs, or Theft may prevent you from crossing the U.S.A./Canada border and this may result in the IPHC not being able to consider your application. 


Obtaining school credit
This internship may serve in the fulfillment of school credit if desired. This must be arranged by the student in advance in which case the student’s IPHC supervisor will work with the student and the school to complete assessments or other requirements as needed. 

APPLICATION

**All applications must be submitted online through the link on the IPHC webpage. https://www.iphc.int/the-commission/opportunities

Materials required for application:

1. Letter of introduction explaining why you wish to work for the IPHC and what you can offer, what you hope to gain from the experience and how this internship fits into your academic program of study and/or future goals;
2. Resume complete with at least three listed references (must provide e-mail addresses) who can speak to your ability to complete projects and/or interpersonal skills. Letters of recommendation are also acceptable;
3. Copy of college transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are sufficient.

**Upload your documents to the application portal where indicated. If necessary, you can also e-mail additional documents to the portal.  

All completed applications received no later than 5 PM (PST) on Monday, 21 April 2025 will be considered. A short list of candidates will be compiled, and those applicants will be contacted for interviews. Interviews will be conducted via remote meeting or over the phone. Selection will be made no later than 12 May 2025. All applicants will be notified of application status. If you have any questions, please contact:

IPHC Secretariat
International Pacific Halibut Commission
206-634-1838
Email: [email protected]