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.

Internship begins mid June 2026 and interns will be scheduled up to 40 hours of work per week. The position will last 3‑5 months depending on applicant schedule.

• 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
• Collect, enter, document, organize and ensure quality assurance of data sets associated with adult and juvenile fish handling, identification, marking and transport
• Collect, enter, document, organize and ensure quality assurance of spawning ground surveys; fish passage; and other monitoring and evaluation activities

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

Interns will be scheduled up to 40 hours of work per week. The internship will last 3–5 months depending on applicant schedule.

Hourly Rate: $17.23 – $20.94

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

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.

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

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.

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.

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