Description
Earthjustice’s Policy & Legislation team is seeking applications from undergraduate students in their junior or senior year for one full-time policy and legislation internship during summer 2025. This is a paid, hybrid role based out of our Washington, D.C. office.
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy, and combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals, and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time and bring about positive change. We are guided by a passionate, ambitious vision for the future for people and our planet: until justice stands for all, we will never rest. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.
The Policy and Legislation (PAL) intern will work with the PAL department, which is comprised of environmental lobbyists and advocates, to protect our courtroom victories from efforts to undo them in Congress and defend and strengthen the same environmental laws Earthjustice enforces in the courtroom. The intern will learn how a non-profit environmental organization weighs in on environmental policy at the federal level and gain considerable insight into congressional procedures, the policy process, environmental nonprofit lobbying and advocacy strategizing, coalition building, and associated communications and outreach.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Legislative Assistant, the intern will assist with:
- Tracking bills, monitoring appropriate Senate and House Committees, and following executive branch actions
- Conducting research on issues relevant to the needs of the PAL team and the intern’s interests
- Attending (virtually or in person) and taking notes during Congressional hearings, coalition meetings, weekly department meetings, educational presentations, and other meetings as requested.
- Preparing and disseminating information to PAL staff and Congressional offices as requested
- Outreaching to Congressional and agency offices including making phone calls, drafting email blasts, and joining advocacy meetings
- Helping with the preparation for events sponsored by PAL such as Congressional briefings and advocate fly-ins to D.C.
- Supporting advocacy efforts through drafting and editing fact sheets, policy documents, and other collateral
- Performing administrative tasks as requested
Qualifications
- Enrolled in a college/university program and will be a junior or senior during the 2025-26 academic year.
- Commitment of 37.5 hours/week for 10-12 weeks.
- Possess excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills.
- Have working knowledge of online research and MS Office programs.
- Work effectively on a team and be able to drive projects to completion.
- Be willing and able to learn new skills and subject areas.
- Possess a strong interest in environmental and/or social justice issues, Congress, politics and the policymaking process.
- Awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
Compensation
Internships at Earthjustice are paid. Undergraduate students will receive $18.67/hour, less applicable taxes.
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following materials as Word or PDF files by February 23, 2025 at 5:00pm PT via Jobvite. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed beginning February 24 with offers extended no later than April 11.
- Resume
- One-page cover letter addresses: (1) Why you want to work with Earthjustice’s PAL team, (2) Confirmation that you will be able to work from Washington, D.C. for the duration of the internship, and (3) An indication of any applicable deadlines or requirements that are relevant to your ability to accept an offer.
- (select “Add Files” in Jobvite): 1-2 page writing sample. The writing sample can be a policy memo, a research paper or proposal, or any other piece that can display your ability to write on environmental, equity and/or policy topics.
- Finalist(s) will be asked to submit 2 references, including one academic and one professional reference.
Information about our hiring process and tips for success can be found at https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process . Please reach out to [email protected] if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies. Earthjustice only considers applications submitted for current openings via Jobvite. Unsolicited resumes or resumes for posted positions that are not submitted via Jobvite will not be reviewed or retained.
Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership, and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor that is not related to the position.
For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
