Job Description

Fisheries Intern – Tacoma Power, Generation Division

Tacoma Power’s Generation division is seeking a motivated Fisheries Intern to join their team at the Cowlitz Hydroelectric Project. Located approximately 1.5 hours from Tacoma in Salkum, WA, this position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fisheries operations within a hydroelectric power context.

About the Internship

This limited-duration internship is designed to provide comprehensive exposure to various fisheries management activities associated with Tacoma Power’s Cowlitz Hydroelectric Project. The intern will work closely with experienced biologists and technicians, engaging in both fieldwork and office-based tasks. This role is crucial in supporting Tacoma Power’s environmental and regulatory responsibilities.

Key learning opportunities and responsibilities include:

• Hands-on Experience: Directly assisting with fisheries operations on the Cowlitz River, including adult and juvenile trap operations, data collection and analysis, and equipment maintenance.
• Public Education: Educating visitors at the Cowlitz Visitor Center about Tacoma Power’s efforts in managing fish rearing at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery and producing power at the hydroelectric facilities.
• Research Support: Contributing to various research projects and investigations related to fisheries management.
• Data Management: Gaining experience in the collection, entry, documentation, organization, and quality assurance of data sets related to fish handling, identification, marking, transport, spawning ground surveys, and fish passage monitoring.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Interacting with other city employees and stakeholders regarding work assignments.
• Reporting: Preparing and presenting both oral and written reports.
• Community Engagement: Contributing to programs that support local natural resource management and community engagement.
• Special Events: Assisting with preparations for special events and functions.

This internship aims to equip the successful candidate with practical skills and knowledge essential for future career development in the natural resources sector.

Internship Details

• Start Date: Mid-June 2026
• Work Schedule: Up to 40 hours per week
• Duration: 3-5 months, depending on the applicant’s 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

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Rate: $17.23 – $20.94
• Benefits: Information on employee benefits can be found on the City of Tacoma’s Employee Benefits page.

Application Process

Interested candidates are required to apply online by the closing date and time specified in the job announcement. The application must include:

• A completed online application
• A resume
• A cover letter

Applications submitted without the required materials may not proceed in the selection process. Candidates with the strongest backgrounds relevant to the position’s responsibilities may be invited to an interview, which could include a work problem. The final appointment is contingent upon successfully passing a background check.

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

The City of Tacoma is dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity and inclusivity of its community. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and cultures, valuing a wide range of perspectives and transferrable skills. Join us in our mission to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

Assistance and Communication

• Application Process & Questions: For assistance with the application process or inquiries regarding this job announcement, please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. on the closing date.
• Technical Difficulties (NEOGOV): For technical support with the NEOGOV system, call 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
• Email Communication: The City of Tacoma primarily communicates via email. Please ensure emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com are added to your safe sender list to receive timely notifications. Also, check your junk email folders regularly.

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.