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Climate Policy Intern Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

New York Aquarium

Federal Legislative Intern

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$17 - $22/hr

The intern will gain experience in shaping environmental policy to protect wildlife and natural ... Possible topics for projects include nature-based solutions to climate change, combating wildlife ...

Bezos Earth Fund

Macroeconomist Intern

Washington, DC

$35/hr

... climate change and protecting nature. To inform its strategy and investment decisions, the Bezos ... policy is preferred. Skills and abilities: * Excellent writing, editing, organizational, and ...

Bezos Earth Fund

Macroeconomist Intern

Washington, DC · On-site

$35/hr

... climate change and protecting nature. To inform its strategy and investment decisions, the Bezos ... policy is preferred. Skills and abilities: * Excellent writing, editing, organizational, and ...

Bezos Earth Fund

Macroeconomist Intern

Washington, DC

$35/hr

... climate change and protecting nature. To inform its strategy and investment decisions, the Bezos ... policy is preferred. Skills and abilities: * Excellent writing, editing, organizational, and ...

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How much do climate policy intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for climate policy intern in Washington is $18.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $21.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Climate Policy Intern jobs in Washington?

For Climate Policy Intern jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Climate Policy Intern jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Climate Policy Intern jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Climate Policy Intern jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Climate Policy Intern job openings:

Climate Policy Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Climate Policy Intern job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,494 per year, or $19 per hour.

Policy Director

Washington, DC • On-site

Environmental and Energy Study Institute
Environmental Consulting Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Environmental and Energy Study Instituteexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Position Announcement
Policy Director
Environmental and Energy Study Institute
Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
Founded by a bipartisan group of members of Congress, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) has worked since 1984 to provide nonpartisan, science-based educational resources to policymakers and the public about environmental, energy, and climate topics.
EESI's Policy Director will help advance environmental, energy, and climate policies and solutions that will put the U.S. on a cleaner, more secure, and sustainable path. As a member of the EESI management team, the Policy Director will also inform overall organizational strategy and decision-making, contribute to budget preparation and grant reporting, and grant proposal development. They will lead the design of educational resources with broad bipartisan appeal for members of Congress, their staff, and the public. Our approach requires thorough research and analysis to support fact-based information, conclusions, and policy recommendations.
The Policy Director will directly supervise policy staff and fellows and help ensure good management of policy interns. The position reports to the President.
The Policy Director will oversee and guide EESI's efforts to:
  • Develop and implement EESI's environmental, energy and climate policy initiatives, including innovation, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.
  • Plan and execute EESI-convened Congressional briefings by researching briefing topics, identifying speakers, and coordinating event logistics.
  • Communicate with Congressional staff to share EESI resources and respond to queries for information and analysis from Congressional committees and members of Congress and their staff.
  • Develop and write content for publication, including web articles, fact sheets, and other policy-oriented written materials; edit and provide editorial feedback for the policy team.
  • Serve as a resource for information and analysis for the media.
  • Represent EESI in coalition groups and build relationships with new and existing partners to advance EESI's understanding of key issue areas and maintain a strong network.
  • Build and grow EESI's overall knowledge base.
  • Serve as part of the organization's cross-functional management team.
  • Foster a collaborative, collegial, and supportive work environment; encourage staff development, growth in capabilities, and high levels of effectiveness.
  • Support organization leaders in staff and intern hiring processes.
  • Collaborate with the communications team to develop and implement overall communications strategy and policy messaging.
  • Play a key role in developing ideas and preparing proposals to secure the financial resources necessary to support our policy initiatives in collaboration with the development team; coordinate the policy team's contribution to grant reporting.
  • Manage the policy team budget.

At a minimum, competitive candidates will have the following qualifications:
  • A bachelor's degree and at least four years of relevant work experience or a graduate degree and three years of relevant work experience.
  • At least two years of work experience in a state or federal legislature, or a state or federal agency or a nonprofit organization dealing with environmental, energy, and climate issues. Preference will be given to candidates with experience working in a House or Senate office or on Capitol Hill in advocacy and policy.
  • Broad and extensive knowledge and understanding of environmental, energy, and climate policy (including innovation, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience) and relevant science and technology topics. Candidates with experience in national security and international climate diplomacy are encouraged to apply.
  • Experience with designing nonpartisan and educational programming for policymaker audiences.
  • Skilled in leading a team responsive to each team member's needs.
  • Demonstrated experience in effective management, including by incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities when considering the impacts and outcomes of decision-making.
  • Excellent writing and verbal communication skills and an understanding of how to communicate complex issues to non-technical as well as non-policy-oriented audiences.
  • Creative thinker who likes to brainstorm and to bring together information from multiple sources in planning topic coverage and approaches that best serve EESI's decision-maker audience.
  • Sophisticated critical thinking, problem-solving, and research and analysis skills; keen attention to detail.
  • Flexible and adaptable
  • Organized and able to advance multiple projects that take place over different time horizons.
  • Relationship-oriented person who is always looking to build and sustain connections for EESI across the environmental, energy, and climatecommunities, including with private-sector stakeholders.
  • Interest in working collaboratively with other committed professionals across teams to advance our work.
  • Some flexibility to attend evening events like receptions on behalf of EESI and potential limited travel outside of the DMV to conferences

The salary range for the position is $95,000 to $115,000.
EESI offers an excellent benefits package, including:
  • Family health insurance and dental coverage
  • 15 days of paid vacation (year 1) to 20 days (year 2-5) and then 25 days
  • 15 paid holidays
  • Retirement plan- EESI contributes 9% of salary after one year of service (no employee match requirement)
  • EESI is an eligible employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) federal program.

To apply, submit your cover letter, resume, and two brief climate, environmental, or energy policy-oriented or related writing samples. The application deadline is September 30, 2026.
EESI is committed to building a community of staff, board members, advisors, donors, interns, fellows, and volunteers, and partners that holds diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values. This commitment strengthens the organization, improves our overall effectiveness, and helps ensure the policies we advance and programs we implement promote an equitable transition to a decarbonized, clean energy economy.
Diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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