Natural Resources Intern

Job Description:

Natural Resources Intern

Description

Position Description

Tacoma Power's Generation division is looking for a Natural Resources Intern to join their Natural Resources team located at Tacoma Public Utilities campus in Tacoma, WA.

As an intern, you will learn how the utility operates, support and assist with utility operations, and assist others in completing a variety of trainee-level technical support activities for many natural resources management requirements associated with Tacoma Power’s Cowlitz , Cushman , Nisqually and Wynoochee Hydroelectric Projects.

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

Essential duties of this intern 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 water quality and zooplankton 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/ errors and ensure completeness. Our intern may also support data collection efforts related to riverine habitat and fisheries monitoring activities, fish passage, and wildlife and lands.

As an intern, this position serves a supporting role to assist others in completing a variety of natural resources activities associated with hydroelectric power generation, 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 water quality, habitat, fish passage, wildlife and lands, 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 analysis of biological data. Create explanations and figures to report out analysis.

The expected duration of the internship is approximately 6 months with 40 hours of work per week and a flexible start in late May/early June, 2026.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• 1 year of post-high school training
• Valid Washington State Driver License

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

Knowledge & Skills

Preferred:

• 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.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Comfortability in and around water bodies and courses
• Familiarity with Boating and Trailering

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

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. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
https://www.mytpu.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

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.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

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: 4/26/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$17.23 - $20.94 Hourly