Cowlitz Fisheries Intern

Position Description

Tacoma Power's Generation division is looking for a Fisheries Intern to join their team at the Cowlitz Hydroelectric Project located 1.5 hours from Tacoma in Salkum, WA.

As an intern, you will learn how Tacoma Power operates by gaining hands-on experience while supporting and assisting with fisheries operations on the Cowlitz River.

This limited-duration position will allow the intern to support and assist with various fisheries management activities associated with Tacoma Power's Cowlitz Hydroelectric Project. The intern will work closely with biologists and technicians, gaining valuable exposure to fieldwork and office-based tasks in the context of Tacoma Power’s environmental and regulatory responsibilities.

Throughout the internship, the intern will assist with tasks such as educating visitors at the Cowlitz Visitor Center about Tacoma Power’s efforts of managing the rearing of fish at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery and producing power at the Cowlitz hydroelectric facilities. They will also assist with adult and juvenile trap operations, data collection and analysis, research projects, and maintaining equipment. The role aims to provide the intern with the experience of contributing to programs that support local natural resource management and community engagement, while also offering the opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge for future career development in the natural resources sector.

Responsibilities Include:

• Assist with adult and juvenile salmonid trap operations, stream surveys, research projects, and investigations
• Prepare and present oral and/or written reports
• Educate visitors on how Tacoma Power balances rearing fish for harvest opportunities and recovery and producing power at the hydroelectric projects.
• Consult or interact with other city employees and stakeholders in relation to work assignments
• Collect and analyze data
• Prepare for special events and functions
• Collection, entry, documentation, organization and quality assurance of data sets associated with adult and juvenile fish handling, identification, marking and transport
• Collection, entry, documentation, organization and quality assurance of spawning ground surveys; fish passage; and other monitoring and evaluation activities

Internships begins mid June 2026 and interns will be scheduled up to 40 hours of work per week. Position will last 3-5 months depending on applicants schedule.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
High School Diploma or GED

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Minimum Experience*
1 year of post-high school training

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $17.23 - $20.94

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 4/16/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

Show more