Summer Tribal Internship for Coastal Oceanography
Closing Date: March 5, 2025
Would you like to deploy and recover autonomous oceanographic gliders at sea, learn how to analyze oceanographic data, and work with advanced ocean sensors and technologies? Are you interested in contributing to projects that address critical questions about coastal and marine ecosystems? Are you a tribal member enrolled in a college or university? This paid internship program is designed to empower tribal students by providing technical skills, practical experience working with ocean instrumentation, and opportunities to connect with their cultural heritage while helping to monitor and protect coastal ecosystems.
The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) and Oregon State University (OSU) proudly announce the availability of two paid summer undergraduate research internships in coastal oceanography and underwater gliders. Funded by CRITFC and the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observatories (NANOOS), this summer 2025 program offers students the unique opportunity to work in the OSU Glider Research Group and participate in field trips, seminars, and social events under the guidance of university scientists who serve as mentors.
The OSU Glider Research Group uses autonomous underwater vehicles to study ocean processes off the US west coast and around the world. A particular interest is in mapping areas of low oxygen near the sea floor off the Pacific Northwest coast to understand how these hypoxic regions form and how they affect marine ecosystems.
Potential summer projects include working in the lab with gliders and the sensors they carry (and maybe even adding new sensors) and examining glider data to understand how winds and freshwater input shape marine ecosystems. There’s also an opportunity to take part in deploying and recovering underwater gliders at sea!
- This internship will be based from Corvallis, Oregon.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled at a 2- or 4-year college in an undergraduate program. Must have completed one year of their degree.
- Ideal candidates should have interest and enthusiasm for using autonomous underwater vehicle gliders to study the coastal ocean. Students with experience working with mechanical or electrical systems, lab equipment, sensors, and/or experience conducting fieldwork are desired. Experience with and willingness to learn data analysis software is preferred.
Online applications are preferred, however if circumstances prevent an applicant from completing an online application or require help with an electronic application, email firstname.lastname@example.org for assistance.
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.