Federal Legislative Intern

The Wildlife Conservation Society is seeking Federal Legislative Interns for January-May 2025, offering remote or hybrid work options. Interns will engage in legislative affairs and environmental policy, focusing on issues like wildlife conservation and climate change. The position is unpaid but can provide academic credit. Candidates should be pursuing a Master’s or law degree with a relevant background. Strong communication and research skills are essential.
Job Description
Department: Public Affairs
Title: Federal Legislative Intern
Dates: January – May 2025*
Number of Openings: 2-3
Location: Options for remote or hybrid schedules
Hours: 14-35 hours/week
• (Dates can be flexible with academic schedules)

The Federal Affairs office of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) seeks motivated, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented Federal Affairs interns.
This internship is designed to provide experience in legislative affairs, policy, and the Congressional appropriations process. The intern will gain experience in shaping environmental policy to protect wildlife and natural resources on a global scale, while learning about the legislative process first-hand. Possible topics for projects include nature-based solutions to climate change, combating wildlife trafficking, federal funding for international conservation, ocean conservation, and endangered species conservation.
This internship is unpaid, but will provide academic credit if applicable. Interns will have the option of remote or hybrid schedules.
WCS combines the power of its zoos and an aquarium in New York City and a Global Conservation Program in more than 50 countries to achieve its mission to save wildlife and wild places. WCS runs the world’s largest conservation field program, protecting more than 50 percent of Earth’s known biodiversity; in partnership with governments, Indigenous People, Local Communities, and the private sector. Its four zoos and aquarium (the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium ) welcome more than 3.5 million visitors each year, inspiring generations to care for nature. WCS’s Federal Affairs office is an interface between our conservation experts and policy decision-makers in Washington, D.C.

Objectives:
• Help track developments in Congress and relevant Federal Agencies related to wildlife conservation, natural resources management, and foreign policy.
• Learn to identify potential Congressional allies and environmental policy priorities.
• Research and analyze legislation related to wildlife conservation, natural resources management, and foreign policy.
• Have the opportunity to attend virtual Capitol Hill related briefings, hearings, and events.
• Learn about and gain experience in developing and implementing Congressional engagement strategies, working in coalitions, and the federal budget and appropriations process.

Internal Qualification Requirements
Qualifications:
• Working towards earning a Master’s Degree with a concentration in political affairs, foreign policy or natural resources policy; OR, a law student with a strong interest/background in legislation and policy. Advanced undergraduate students and recent graduates will also be considered.
• A strong interest and/or background in wildlife conservation, foreign policy, and other federal legislative issues.
• Strong communication, research, writing, analytical, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work remotely, with no or limited distractions.

EOE/ AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

How to Apply:
For consideration, please submit a Cover Letter and a Resume/CV.
You will see a field for uploading a Cover Letter and a field for uploading a Resume/CV.
Please including in your Cover Letter the following:
• What are your interests in environment and natural resources policy?
• Why would you like to gain experience with the Wildlife Conservation Society?
• How will this internship benefit your future studies or professional development?
• Please include your weekly availability