CRITFC/OSU Coastal Oceanography Summer Tribal Internship
Closing Date: March 6, 2026
Are you a tribal college student interested in hands-on oceanography research? This paid summer internship offers the opportunity to work with ocean observing technologies and datasets, support tribal stewardship of coastal and estuarine ecosystems, and build research and professional skills through a mentored summer research program.
The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) and Oregon State University (OSU) are offering two paid summer undergraduate research internships in coastal oceanography. Interns will be funded by CRITFC’s Coastal Margin Observation and Prediction (CMOP) program and will conduct research in the OSU Seascape Ecology Lab, led by Dr. Maria Kavanaugh. Interns will take part in the OSU College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS) Summer Internship Program, a supportive learning environment that includes field trips, seminars, and social events. The internship runs from June 15 to August 14, 2026.
Students will conduct guided independent research in the Seascape Ecology Lab at OSU and travel to Astoria, Oregon, to work with CRITFC CMOP staff and participate in hands-on fieldwork in the Columbia River estuary. Interns will also travel to CRITFC’s Portland office to learn about the mission, structure, and work of CRITFC and its member tribes, gaining insight into tribal fisheries management, treaty rights, and the role of science in supporting tribal stewardship of natural resources.
Program Benefits
Interns will receive travel support to and from Corvallis, on-campus housing and meal plan for the duration of the internship, and a salary of $20 per hour for a 40-hour work week.
Eligibility and desired qualifications
Students pursuing an undergraduate degree at a two- or four-year college who have completed at least one year of their degree and are not graduating seniors are eligible to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Preference will be given to applicants who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe.
Ideal candidates will demonstrate interest and enthusiasm for coastal and estuarine oceanography and ocean observing. Students with experience working with lab equipment, sensors, microscopes or plankton imaging systems, as well as those with experience conducting fieldwork, are encouraged to apply. Experience with, or willingness to learn, data analysis software is preferred.
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Application Procedure
Online applications are preferred, however if circumstances prevent an applicant from completing an online application or require help with an electronic application, email jobs@critfc.org for assistance.
Hiring preference:
CRITFC implements a tribal preference policy and encourages citizens and descendants of our member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Yakama) and other federally recognized tribes to apply.
CRITFC is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.
CRITFC will consider non-citizen applicants who are authorized to work in the U.S. If not authorized to work in the U.S., CRITFC will provide reasonable support and accommodations to the candidate in obtaining U.S. work authorization. With the exception of certain employer required costs, CRITFC will not pay for costs related to applicant’s legal representation, filings for work authorization or immigration, or other costs related to obtaining work authorization.
*Please note: the term “Commission” as used in this description refers to CRITFC’s governing body. CRITFC is a tribal organization that is wholly owned and governed by the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. As a tribal organization, CRITFC is subject to a unique blend of policies and laws.