Salmon Genetics Research Internship

• Location
  :
  Hagerman, Idaho (housing provided)

The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) aims to increase the retention of Native American students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) degrees by providing research experience, mentoring, and an opportunity to explore career options in natural resources.

These two internships are specifically geared towards Native students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs and interested in salmon genetics through opportunities with the Hagerman Genetics Lab. Internships are intended for a period of 6-8 weeks (30-40 hours per week; $18/hour) in the summer of 2026, with activities focused on lab techniques used in fisheries genetics. Interns will be based at the Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station (HFCES), which is a shared facility with University of Idaho based in Hagerman, .

Housing will be provided for the period of the internship at a dorm facility located on-site.

• Increase exposure of tribal members to professional careers protecting tribal resources with advanced genetic tools.
• Promote retention of tribal students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) degrees.
• Provide hands‑on internship with experience and mentoring in a fisheries genetics lab.
• Increase interactions with academic faculty and professionals in the field of fisheries genetics.
• Encourage employment in fisheries and natural resources, with exposure to fisheries programs of CRITFC member tribes.

• Must be a member or descendant of a Native American tribe.
• Currently enrolled in a related field of study as a full‑time undergraduate student during the current academic year (minimum of 12 credit hours) at a regional institution.
• Have an interest in majoring in a natural resources field.
• Have an interest in working for a tribal organization and fisheries program.
• Considering a career or graduate school in the field of natural resources.

Online applications are preferred, however if circumstances prevent an applicant from completing an online application or require help with an electronic application, email jobs 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.