Government & Community Affairs Intern - Fall 2026

The Wildlife Conservation Society is offering a Government & Community Affairs Internship for Fall 2026 at the Bronx Zoo. This paid internship involves working approximately 2 days per week for 14 weeks, focusing on public policy, community affairs, and conservation. Interns will gain hands-on experience in government relations, advocacy, and community engagement while developing professional skills under mentorship. Applications are due by August 15, 2026.
Job Description
Government & Community Affairs Intern - Fall 2026

Location: Bronx Zoo

Department: Government & Community Affairs

Duration: Fall 2026

Schedule: Approximately 2 days per week for 14 weeks

Stipend: $880 paid as one lump sum upon successful completion of the position, less applicable taxes.

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received by August 15, 2026. The position may be filled before the deadline. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Overview:

The Government & Community Affairs Internship offers students a unique opportunity to learn about the intersection of public policy, community affairs, and conservation within a leading global nonprofit organization. Interns will gain exposure to the Wildlife Conservation Society's (WCS) Government & Community Affairs Department, which leads the organization's government relations, community engagement, public policy, and advocacy efforts across New York City, New York State, and the United States.

Under the mentorship of the Associate Manager, Government & Community Affairs, interns will have a front-row seat to a variety of activities involving community programming, stakeholder engagement, event coordination, communications, and database management. Through hands-on learning, observation, and close mentorship, interns will build professional skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how government and community partnerships advance WCS's mission and strengthen its impact across New York City and beyond. This internship is designed as an immersive learning experience for students interested in exploring careers at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and conservation.

Learning Outcomes:

Interns will develop an understanding of how government relations, public policy, advocacy, and community engagement support the mission of a global conservation organization.Interns will strengthen professional communication, project management, organizational, and administrative skills through guided exposure to event coordination, meeting support, stakeholder communications, and database management.Interns will gain hands-on learning experience with tools such as Salesforce and Microsoft Office Suite, while being introduced to best practices in data management, stakeholder engagement, and community programming.Interns will build foundational research and analytical skills through mentored involvement in information gathering and departmental projects, while cultivating workplace professionalism, collaboration skills, and a broader awareness of career pathways in government affairs, community relations, public policy, and nonprofit conservation.

Qualification Requirements
Eligibility Requirements:

Must be 18 years of age or olderCurrent college or graduate student enrolled in a degree-granting programMust be eligible to work in the United StatesImportant Information about the Application:

To be fully considered for this role, applicants must upload both a resume and cover letter.