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Climate Policy Intern Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

In your cover letter, please describe your interest in environmental law, policy, justice and ... Legal & Regulatory team contribute meaningfully to the team's work securing clean air and climate ...

New

Economics Research Intern

Boulder, CO ยท On-site +1

$18 - $20/hr

... climate harming impacts to communities from petrochemical pollution and other critical ... As part of this effort, the intern will support the compilation of policy briefs, memos, and ...

Climate Policy Intern information

What types of projects and collaborations can I expect as a climate policy intern?

As a Climate Policy Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects such as researching policy impacts, analyzing climate legislation, and assisting in the preparation of reports or presentations for stakeholders. Interns often collaborate closely with policy analysts, advocacy teams, and sometimes external partners like NGOs or governmental agencies. This role typically involves attending team meetings, contributing to brainstorming sessions, and supporting outreach efforts. The collaborative environment provides valuable exposure to the policymaking process and offers networking opportunities that can enhance your understanding of climate advocacy and policy development.

What is the difference between Climate Policy Intern vs Climate Research Assistant?

AspectClimate Policy InternClimate Research Assistant
Required CredentialsUndergraduate or graduate student, knowledge of climate policyUndergraduate or graduate student, background in environmental science or related field
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, NGOs, think tanks, policy-focused organizationsResearch labs, academic institutions, environmental organizations
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in policy development and advocacy sectorsPrimarily in scientific research and data analysis sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to climate policy developmentUnderstanding roles focused on scientific research in climate science

While both roles involve environmental work, a Climate Policy Intern focuses on developing and analyzing climate policies within governmental or advocacy settings, whereas a Climate Research Assistant concentrates on scientific research, data collection, and analysis related to climate science. The roles often overlap in credentials and work environment but differ in their primary focus and industry application.

What does a climate policy intern do?

A Climate Policy Intern supports organizations, such as government agencies, NGOs, or research institutions, in developing and analyzing policies related to climate change. Their responsibilities often include conducting research on climate legislation, helping draft policy recommendations, attending meetings or hearings, and preparing reports or presentations. Interns may also assist with stakeholder engagement and tracking the progress of current climate initiatives. This role provides valuable experience for those interested in environmental policy, advocacy, or public administration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a climate policy intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Climate Policy Intern, you need a strong background in environmental studies, public policy, or related fields, along with analytical research and writing skills. Familiarity with policy analysis tools, data visualization software, and proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Suite are commonly expected. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively are crucial soft skills that distinguish top candidates. These competencies enable interns to effectively support policy development, communicate findings, and contribute to impactful climate solutions.
What are popular job titles related to Climate Policy Intern jobs in Colorado? For Climate Policy Intern jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Climate Policy Intern jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Climate Policy Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Climate Policy Intern job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Legal Intern, Clean Affordable Power

Osv_edf

Boulder, CO โ€ข On-site, Remote

$28.57/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

EDF internships provide high-quality experiences (including relevant projects and opportunities for networking) that form the foundation for any individual who is serious about pursuing an environmental career.

Location

U.S. Remote with the option to work in a hybrid arrangement from EDF offices in Boulder, CO, or Washington, D.C. Team members work across the D.C. and Boulder offices, as well as remotely throughout the U.S.

Term

Fall 2026

Hours

Part-time (10-15 hr/week)

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application, together with a writing sample and unofficial law school transcript. In your cover letter, please describe your interest in environmental law, policy, justice and relevant completed coursework.

Program/Department Overview

The U.S. Legal & Regulatory team envisions a world in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected to the environmental challenges we face and are engaged in creating durable, equitable solutions. We are dedicated to achieving that vision in our work, helping achieve clean air and a stable climate for all. The U.S. Legal & Regulatory team works out of the Washington, D.C., Boulder, CO offices and remotely.

Legal interns on the U.S. Legal & Regulatory team contribute meaningfully to the team's work securing clean air and climate protections. We aim to make our interns' experience relevant, challenging, and rewarding. Our interns have directly contributed towards landmark cases over the years and have supported activities including U.S. Supreme Court litigation, D.C. Circuit litigation over greenhouse gas regulation under the Clean Air Act, major international agreements and guidelines regarding trans-boundary pollution control programs in the U.S./Mexico border region, and projects that work towards ensuring protections for low-income and vulnerable communities from air pollution. Interns have also contributed to energy regulatory advocacy seeking to prevent wasteful expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure and to facilitate the clean energy transition.

Overall Function

The intern will support EDF's Clean Affordable Power legal team in regulatory proceedings before state public utility commissions across the Midwest and Northeast. Working closely with attorneys, the intern will conduct legal and policy research, analyze utility filings and testimony, and help develop comments, briefs, and other advocacy materials on issues including utility rate design, demand response, heat pump deployment, distributed energy resources, and utility planning. The intern will also support EDF's Community Voices in Energy initiative by developing educational resources, researching best practices for meaningful public participation, and contributing to projects that strengthen community engagement and advance equitable utility decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks may include but are not limited to:

  • Analyze utility rate cases, integrated resource plans, performance metrics proposals, and other state regulatory filings.
  • Research legal and policy approaches to improving utility accountability, affordability, reliability, and equity outcomes.
  • Assist with stakeholder engagement efforts and projects designed to increase participation from communities historically underrepresented in energy decision-making.
  • Draft public-facing documents such as fact sheets and blog posts about legal issues.
  • Provide other support to the team's litigation efforts and regulatory advocacy.
  • Support environmental justice initiatives, particularly those related to addressing the disparate impacts of climate change.
  • Participate in advancing EDF's organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.

Qualifications

  • Current student at ABA-approved law school.
  • Interest in energy utility litigation, with previous working experience or energy law course work.
  • Demonstrated interest or experience related to diversity, equity, and inclusion as it intersects with environmental law.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Must be well organized, motivated, and detail oriented.
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
  • Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
  • Demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills.

Compensation

This internship would involve compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits at an hourly rate of $28.57.

Learn more about internships at EDF -http://www.edf.org/environmental-careers/internships