Spring 2023 Policy & Legislation Internship – Washington, D.C.

Earthjustice’s Policy & Legislation team is seeking an undergraduate student in their junior or senior year for one part-time policy and legislation internship during spring 2023. This is a paid position. Students seeking a remote position may apply, but priority will be given to those open to working a hybrid schedule in Washington, D.C. 

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. 

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Juneau, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Tallahassee, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, DC.

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: 

• Assist with tracking bills, monitoring appropriate Senate and House Committees, and following executive branch actions on issues of interest to PAL staff.
• Conduct online research.
• Attend (virtually or in person) Congressional hearings, coalition meetings, weekly department meetings, educational presentations, and other meetings as requested.
• Prepare and disseminate information to PAL staff, and Congressional offices as requested.
• Make phone calls to Congressional offices as requested.
• Assist with outreach and preparation for events sponsored by PAL.
• Support advocacy efforts through drafting and editing fact sheets, policy documents, and other collateral.
• Under the guidance of the legislative assistant, spearhead one independent research project on an issue of the intern's interest that will culminate in a presentation to PAL staff.
• Perform administrative tasks as requested. 

Qualifications: 

• Be currently enrolled in a college/university program; undergraduates in their Junior or Senior year are preferred
• Be able to work 20 hours per week
• 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 include a stipend. The total stipend amount will be calculated when the length of the internship is determined. 

To Apply: 

Interested candidates should submit the following materials by September 25, 2022 via Jobvite. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

• Resume
• Cover letter
• List of 2-3 references, including at least one academic and one professional reference. 

Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org 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.

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