Natural Resources Intern

Full Job Description

Tacoma Power's Natural Resources department is looking for a six-month seasonal intern to join their Science and Research team. This position will be based at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery in Salkum, WA.

As an intern, you will learn how the Natural Resources work group operates, support and assist with operations, and complete a variety of trainee-level technical support activities that fulfill natural resource management requirements associated with Tacoma Power’s Cowlitz, Cushman, Nisqually and Wynoochee Hydroelectric Projects.

You will work side-by-side with biologists and data analysts, under close supervision, both in a field and in an office (or telecommuting) setting to learn more about Tacoma Power’s Federal Energy and Regulatory Commission (FERC) licenses by accomplishing related tasks.

Essential duties may include assistance with: special studies, projects, surveys, and investigations; preparation and presentation of oral and/or written reports, consultation or interaction with other city employees and stakeholders in relation to work assignments; collection, management and analysis of data; preparation for special events and functions; and performance of other intern duties as assigned.

Specific responsibilities of the internship will likely include assisting field biologists with data collection, entry, and quality control for riverine habitat and fisheries monitoring activities in support of regulatory requirements.

This may include learning and implementing field data gathering techniques, transferring both electronic and paper records into databases, and reviewing data to identify outliers and errors and ensure completeness.

You will also support data collection efforts related to fish passage, wildlife and lands, and water quality.

This position serves a supporting role to assist others in completing a variety of natural resource activities, with the goal of learning through hands-on experience.

The intern will walk away from the internship with the satisfaction of having contributed to important programs supporting natural resources and the local community! Responsibilities Include:

• Assist in the collection of biological data from our habitat, fish passage, wildlife and lands, water quality, and fish monitoring and evaluation studies in the field alongside field biologists.
• Assure quality of scientific datasets by identifying outliers, checking for blanks, and looking for general data entry errors.
• Enter data into computerized and occasionally paper data entry forms for processing into databases.
• Assist with documentation and organization of data files and other informational artifacts relating to process or reports conducted by Natural Resources.
• Assist with analyses of biological data. Create explanations and figures to report findings.

The expected duration of the internship is approximately 6 months with 40 hours of work per week and a start of June 15, 2025.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• 1 year of post-high school training

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

Qualifications

Required:

• Valid Washington State Driver License
• Ability to perform outdoor field-based work (exposed to the elements), requiring high levels of physical activity, walking long distances on uneven ground and carrying bulky gear.

Desired:

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Comfortability in and around water bodies and courses
• Familiarity with Boating and Trailering
• Familiarity with biology/environmental science topics

Additional Information

Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $17.23 - $20.94
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

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.