WET Lab Hiring Undergrad Research Assistants
The WET lab is looking to hire 2 part-time undergrad research assistants for the spring field season (March-June), mainly to help out with a project monitoring juvenile salmon on the Duwamish River. No previous field experience needed!
Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant (2 positions available)
Compensation: $22.65/hr (hourly, part time)
Expected work hours: 8–24 hrs/month (3 days/month, 4–8 hrs/day). Note: early morning availability is a must – work hours could be 5am–1pm
Our Team:
The Wetland Ecosystem Team (WET lab) in SAFS conducts collaborative research on coastal wetlands and nearshore ecosystems in the Puget Sound area. We value a respectful, inclusive workplace and strive to build a safe environment for hands-on learning in the field!
Job Description:
The Duwamish River is a heavily industrialized estuary that serves as important habitat for salmon as they migrate to the ocean. We are conducting research on juvenile Chinook salmon use of restored habitats in the Duwamish River as part of a collaboration with researchers at King County, who are tagging and releasing salmon upstream of the Duwamish River. This project will involve local fieldwork during March–June 2026 to monitor sites on the Duwamish and detect tagged salmon (no fish handling required for this project). An Undergraduate Research Assistant would join WET lab staff in the field to conduct monitoring on small motorized boats, safely handle gear including nets and the tag detection antenna system, and gain experience in a local aquatic ecosystem.
There will also be opportunities to get involved with other WET lab fieldwork this spring and summer including fish snorkel surveys, netting, and identification if interested!
Job Duties:
- Handle and maintain heavy sampling gear (nets, electronics, etc.)
- Work aboard a small motorboat
- Hold nets while walking through shallow-water, muddy environments (<3ft of water)
- Work as part of a team
- Meet early in the morning (5–6am) at the Fisheries Building before fieldwork begins
Requirements:
- Interest in aquatic ecosystems and fish monitoring
- Willingness to work in all weather conditions (cold, rain, etc.)
- Positive attitude and motivation to learn
- Availability mornings (5am–1pm) Wed, Thurs, Fri during March–June 2026
- Note: You are still encouraged to apply, even if you are only available for some of the days – for example if you aren’t available until April or only available Wed & Fri
- No previous fieldwork experience required!
How to Apply:
Send a resume and a single paragraph introducing yourself and why you are interested in the position to Julia Kobelt (jnkobelt@uw.edu) by 5pm Friday, February 20. Application review and interviews will begin Monday, Feb 23, and work could begin mid March.