Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Federal Policy Intern plays a supporting role in assisting advocacy, public policy, communications, and government relations functions to further The Nature Conservancy’s mission in Oregon. The Federal Policy Intern works on policy research and writing-related projects centered on The Nature Conservancy’s priorities. They will assist with researching and analyzing legislation, elected officials, developments in the political and advocacy landscape at the federal level, and emerging conservation, climate, and natural resources issues.

Location: This position can be remote or hybrid with the ability to travel to the Portland, Oregon office and participate in field visits a couple of times over the duration of the internship.

Internship Duration: The desired internship length is 10-12 weeks with a desired start day on May 26th or June 2nd.

Time Commitment: This is a full-time commitment of 35 hours/week.

We’re Looking for You:

The Federal Policy Intern provides research and policy analysis in support of The Nature Conservancy’s policy priorities and tracks public policies and decisions that directly affect conservation goals. They will help prepare advocacy and public education materials, correspondence, and reports as needed. They will also provide briefing materials for the Federal Policy Advisors’ meetings on Capitol Hill and Field visits in the state.

RESPONSIBILITES & SCOPE

• Supports the Federal Policy Advisor in influencing the outcome of policy, legislative initiatives, and issue campaigns at the federal level.
• Provides research and policy analysis in support of legislative, regulatory and/or policy priorities for the Oregon Chapter.
• Develops policy briefs to help educate elected officials, partner organizations, board of trustees, and the general public.
• Monitors legislative, regulatory, and administrative matters related to policy issues important to The Nature Conservancy at the federal level.
• Supports government relations, policy, and advocacy business needs including developing presentation materials, providing trustee government relations committee support, lobbying reports and relationship management tracking
• Supports developing and deploying inclusive, just, and equitable advocacy strategies and assists in associated message development, implementation of advocacy plans, and related engagement.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and currently enrolled in, or recent graduate of, a graduate program in law or public policy.
• Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling results into a cohesive reporting structure.
• Verbal and written communicator with graduate-level analytical, writing, and problem-solving skills
• Experience organizing and delivering high quality work products with attentive to detail and meeting tight deadlines.
• Experience cultivating and growing effective working relationships with a wide variety of people.
• Experience in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Fluency in English and written material development.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with legislative, planning, policy, or strategic communications initiatives.
• Experience navigating complex projects and working across teams.
• Experience and interest in working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, supporting multiple projects on varying issues simultaneously.
• Professional, lived, or volunteer experience with conservation, environmental or other natural resources issues.
• Experience working independently and with self-initiative who can thrive in a matrixed organization with minimal oversight.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!