BOOTT HYDRO, LLC
Seasonal Fishway Operator/Hydropower Internship
Intern(s) for Environmental Science/Biology/Engineering majors
Location: Lowell Hydroelectric Project
1454 Pawtucket Street, Lowell, MA 01854
Hours: 8:00 – 4:00 PM
Duration: May 2025- August 2025, including weekends and holidays (to facilitate fish passage); internship through August 2025 to support other plant duties
Reports to: Plant Manager
Hourly Rate: $16.00per hour
Boott Hydro, LLC is seeking additional staff to support our fish passage facilities located at 145 Pawtucket Street, Lowell, Massachusetts for the 2025 fish passage season.
The Seasonal Fishway Operator will perform duties to facilitate safe and effective upstream passage of diadromous fish. The fishway operator will be trained and share weekend duties with the existing intern. Responsibilities include:
Responsibilities include:
- Assist with fish trapping and lift operations. Operate equipment necessary to lift, capture and transport fish (under direct supervision).
- Counting and recording of different species lifted.
- Maintain and record proper conditions for ideal passage.
- Help with any public tours of the facility.
- Maintain cleanliness of counting room and equipment.
- Assist with installation and operation of upstream eel ladders.
- Assist with installation and operation of video equipment related to fish passage counts within the fish ladder.
- Enumerate fish counts by reviewing video footage.
- Maintain a daily log of fish ladder operational parameters.
- Other duties may be assigned within the powerhouse and facilities not limited to scanning documents, supporting relicensing activities, assist with water management along the canals, etc.
Qualifications: Undergraduate Science majors- Sophomore year – Senior year; Graduate Science majors.
- 0-2 years of related experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (Excel, Word and PowerPoint)
- Ability to solve practical problems and provide applicable solutions
- Strong work ethic
- Ability to frequently climb ladders and walkways
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. from the floor to waist
- Love of the outdoors and working with the public to teach the importance of clean rivers and the function of watersheds.
This is a great opportunity for students to receive “hands on” experience with the complex interconnection of hydroelectric energy generation, upstream and downstream fish passage, regulatory requirements and public education.
Benefits: Work next to the Merrimack River in downtown Lowell. Paid half hour lunch. Interns will receive hands on experience with anadromous fish passage on the Merrimack River. Specifically, counting and transporting juvenile American eels and spawning river herring. Interns will work closely with generation staff, resource agencies (US Fish & Wildlife Service and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department), and the public on fish passage requirements.
To Apply: Please-mail a cover letter and resume to: asutherland@bootthydro.com. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview, remotely and/or at the Boott Hydro Facility.