Angler-Survey Technician in St. Louis or Kansas City

Internship Opportunity

The Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands and Aquatic Systems at the University of Missouri is pleased to announce an undergraduate internship opportunity, as part of the Chip and Teresa McGeehan Career Pathways Program.

Overview

The Pathways Program underscores the Johnny Morris Institute’s commitment to experiential undergraduate education.

These angler-survey (i.e., creel-survey) technician positions are designed to provide vital fisheries information to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and valuable training opportunities to technicians. Creel surveys are research projects in which technicians conduct interviews with anglers at public lakes managed by MDC, including data collection on the species and numbers of fish caught by the anglers. Successful applicants will work directly with anglers and fish to collect data, while learning about fisheries biology, social science, and public relations. This is a tremendous opportunity to network with diverse professionals in the Missouri Department of Conservation and other conservation partners.


Applicants should send the following to Dr. Rick Relyea (jmiinternships@missouri.edu):

  • Letter of interest
  • Professional letter of recommendation
  • Resume

Applications are due by February 28, 2026.

The description below provides an overview of duties, responsibilities, location, and salary.

Interested parties are encouraged to contact the mentor/field supervisor directly with questions.

Undergraduate Summer Internship

Location: The research is based at lakes near St. Louis or Kansas City, MO

Mentor: Lyndsie Wszola, MDC Biometrician (Lyndsie.Wszola@mdc.mo.gov), in collaboration with MDC fisheries biologists at each lake

Length of Internship:
3 months (approximately May 16 to July 31, 2026 as negotiated with supervisor/mentor)

Salary: $16.06/hr, 40 hours per week

Housing: Housing is available if needed in St. Louis or Kansas City

Transportation: Rental work vehicle provided

Ready to Apply?

All application materials are sent to jmiinternships@missouri.edu

Apply Now

Internship description

The purpose of this internship is to introduce students to how the MDC collects data from anglers to better manage the state’s fisheries. The technicians will work at lakes near St. Louis or Kansas City with biologists from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), in collaboration with other agencies and partners.

Duties

  • Interview people fishing at public waterbodies in St. Louis or Kansas City Metro areas.
  • Carefully identify, handle, and measure (length & weight) common game fish species of Missouri.
  • Accurately record and enter data.
  • Safely operate a vehicle.
  • Interface with Missouri Department of Conservation personnel to learn about MDC operations and working in the field of conservation.
  • Work environment
    • Work is typically performed outside at MDC conservation areas and community conservation lakes.
    • Given the research occurs outdoors, technicians should be prepared for heat, humidity, and inclement weather.
    • MDC personnel will always be accessible to provide support when needed.
    • Working on early mornings, evenings, and weekends will be required. Total hours will not exceed 40 per week

Qualifications

  • At the undergraduate level, the emphasis is on recruitment, career exploration, and introducing top performing students to career paths in fisheries and aquatic systems research and management.
  • Must maintain a current, valid driver’s license.
  • Students are eligible for the program when they meet the following criteria:
    • Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher is desirable (on a 4.0 scale).
    • Preference will be given to students who have completed at least 45 credit hours.
    • Pursuing a degree in fisheries and wildlife, biology, environmental science, or related natural resources or science.
    • Students who will be graduating before the internship begins are not eligible.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Willingness to interact with the public in a friendly and professional manner (training will be provided).
  • Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) identification of common Missouri game fish species.
  • Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) fish processing (measuring, data recording).
  • Ability to work outside in hot weather and sit for long periods of time.
  • Ability to safely drive a work vehicle on urban streets and gravel roads.
  • Ability to use a tablet computer to collect data.
  • Current CPR/first aid certification, or willingness to obtain one.