Henry’s Fork Foundation
Summer 2026 – Recreational Use Surveyance, Riparian Fencing, and Outreach Intern
Organization Overview
The Henry’s Fork Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to conserve, protect, and restore the unique fisheries, wildlife, and water resources of the Henry’s Fork Watershed. HFF uses a collaborative, science-based approach to achieve its mission and works closely with water users, hydroelectric power companies, government agencies, and other nonprofit groups.
Job Description
Recreational use of the Henry’s Fork and its tributaries is an important aspect of the watershed’s social and ecological landscape. To better understand how different forms of recreation interact and to inform balanced management of these resources, the Henry’s Fork Foundation (HFF) conducts ongoing monitoring of river use and user behavior on key reaches of the river. The intern will work closely with Matt Hively to collect and analyze data on recreational use at multiple access points along the Henry’s Fork using camera traps and a random sampling scheme. Additional responsibilities include maintaining riparian fencing and fish ladders, assisting with water quality monitoring, equipment maintenance, outreach, and other tasks that support HFF’s research and stewardship efforts. Ensure data is collected accurately. The workload distribution will be ~60% fieldwork, and ~40% office work.
Qualifications
- Valid driver’s license
- People person
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Basic coursework in environmental science, statistics, ecology, and/or biology
- Experience with or interest in using R for data analysis and visualization
- Ability to work independently on some tasks and as a member of a team on others
- Ability to work outside and carry ~25lbs
- Good at communicating and able to work as a team player with staff from HFF and partner organizations in field, laboratory, and office settings.
- Personal vehicle (will have access to HFF vehicles for work purposes only)
- Ability to work ~40 hrs a week
Living Arrangements
Housing provided – two bunk rooms that are separated by gender, two large bathroom/shower facilities, kitchen, laundry facilities, and a living room
Vehicles
HFF vehicles are for field work only. The intern should have a personal vehicle that will help them get to and from the grocery store and other locations.
Work Schedule
- 40 hours a week
- Must attend weekly Monday staff meetings
Additional Work Expectations
May be asked to occasionally assist with various other HFF projects including restoration projects, water quality monitoring, and education and outreach events
Mentor
The mentor for this project is Matt Hively, HFF’s Aquatic Manager. The intern will also work closely with HFF’s intern coordinator, Jasper Davis.
What to Expect
Ashton, Idaho is rural with a population of ~1,000 people. There is one small, local grocery store and limited dining options in Ashton, so many drive to surrounding cities such as Rexburg to shop/dine. Ashton is close to Island Park that hosts hiking, fishing, and recreational outdoor activities. There are bike trails in Ashton, and Ashton is also within an hour of West Yellowstone.
Student Testimonials
Reid Calhoun ’17
Working for the Henry’s Fork Foundation under the A. Paul Knight Memorial Program in Conservation was such an incredible experience this summer. Among many tasks for the Henry’s Fork Foundation, I collected water samples weekly in order to keep tabs on the water quality of the Henry’s Fork River, I aided in monitoring a fish trap on the Buffalo River ladder in order to better understand trout migration patterns in the watershed area, and surveyed anglers to collect economic and ecological data related to the Teton River fishery. I learned so much about the reality of conserving and protecting a watershed. While anglers want the water to be managed in such a way that best benefits fish, farmers want the water to be used for irrigation, and many others also have water rights at stake. I was able to witness firsthand the complex small scale politics related to water management, and the harsh reality of climate change and its effect on coldwater fisheries. While I have always been interested in pursuing a career that helps the planet, this summer has greatly increased my interest in natural resource management.
In addition to a great work experience, I got to see so much of the greater Yellowstone area in such a short time through hiking, backpacking, and fishing. I fished practically every night after work. While I most often fished the Henry’s Fork, I frequently fished the Madison and Teton River. I made a couple of trips to fish the Yellowstone River, and made a few backcountry trips to reach rarely fished water throughout the greater Yellowstone area. On my way to and from Idaho, I visited the Badlands, Glacier, and Banff. This summer afforded me the opportunity to see much of America’s most beautiful land in just a short weeks. Although this summer has passed way too fast, I cannot wait to return to Idaho.
Program Info
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Environmental Studies Program
Tucker Hall 015
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, Virginia 24450