Cowlitz Fisheries Intern

Job Description:

Cowlitz Fisheries Intern

Description

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 2025 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!

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.

Apply
Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received for interview consideration.

Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates and appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must 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 e-mail folders.

If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400.

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: 3/6/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$16.72 - $20.33 Hourly