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Climate Policy Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Political Intern

Cheboygan, MI

$14.75 - $19/hr

As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to ... Conduct policy, political, and campaign research related to environmental and public policy issues ...

Political Intern

Lansing, MI · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to ... Conduct policy, political, and campaign research related to environmental and public policy issues ...

Intern

Whitesboro, NY · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

Ability to follow detailed procedures and policies. * Ability to work independently, managing ... Environment is climate-controlled, well lit, and reasonably clean. Typical industrial noise levels ...

Intern

Whitesboro, NY · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

Ability to follow detailed procedures and policies. * Ability to work independently, managing ... Environment is climate-controlled, well lit, and reasonably clean. Typical industrial noise levels ...

Intern

South Windsor, CT · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Ability to follow detailed procedures and policies. * Ability to work independently, managing ... Environment is climate-controlled, well lit, and reasonably clean. Typical industrial noise levels ...

Intern

South Windsor, CT · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Ability to follow detailed procedures and policies. * Ability to work independently, managing ... Environment is climate-controlled, well lit, and reasonably clean. Typical industrial noise levels ...

Roadway Design Intern

Nashville, TN · On-site

$22 - $31/hr

Climate change, urbanization and digitization trends are requiring today's mobility projects and ... We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed ...

Roadway Design Intern

Nashville, TN · On-site

$22 - $31/hr

Climate change, urbanization and digitization trends are requiring today's mobility projects and ... We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed ...

Environmental Intern

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Experience on projects or coursework related to resiliency and/or climate change is a plus ... policy * Participate in training events, project meetings and team meetings Company Overview Wood ...

Intern

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

... climate resilience, security sector reform, and political deconfliction, we bring people together ... Experience in foreign policy, fundraising, and peacebuilding. * Demonstrable interest in creating ...

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Climate Policy Intern information

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How much do climate policy intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for climate policy intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.
More about Climate Policy Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Climate Policy Intern jobs? Cities with the most Climate Policy Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Climate Policy jobs? The most popular types of Climate Policy jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Climate Policy Intern jobs? The top employers for Climate Policy Intern jobs are:
What states have the most Climate Policy Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Climate Policy Intern jobs include:
Infographic showing various Climate Policy Intern job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.
Political Intern

$14.75 - $19/hr

Part-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Political Intern
Department: Michigan Chapter
Location: Hybrid within Michigan
Reports to: Legislative and Political Director
Duration: 10-20 hours/week for 4 months

Open positions: 7 
Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice - a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 800 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.


Scope: In this internship, you will directly assist candidates running for public office that the Sierra Club has endorsed. The Sierra Club maintains a rigorous endorsement process focused on supporting environmentally-minded candidates in competitive races across Michigan.

Interns will receive training in the fundamentals of political and campaign organizing, learn about environmental issues impacted by public policy decisions, and gain firsthand experience working on active political campaigns. Interns may be deployed to support campaigns for varying lengths of time depending on scheduling and campaign needs.

Potential responsibilities include organizing voter outreach efforts, assisting with volunteer recruitment, supporting communications and earned media strategies, conducting policy and campaign research, assisting with fundraising events, canvassing, phone banking, and helping campaigns with administrative and data-entry tasks.

Job activities include but are not limited to:
  1. Support political and electoral organizing efforts for Sierra Club-endorsed candidates through voter contact, canvassing, phone banking, and volunteer recruitment activities. Assist campaigns in engaging voters and mobilizing supporters during key election periods.

  2. Assist with communications and media outreach efforts, including helping coordinate press conferences, drafting press materials, supporting social media content, and assisting with earned media strategy development.

  3. Conduct policy, political, and campaign research related to environmental and public policy issues impacting Michigan communities. Help track legislation, candidate positions, and campaign developments.

  4. Provide operational and administrative support to campaigns and Sierra Club political programs, including event support, data entry, office tasks, and coordination with volunteers and partner organizations.

The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience:
  • Interest in politics, public policy, community organizing, or environmental advocacy, with a desire to learn more about political campaigns and grassroots organizing.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with volunteers, campaign staff, and community members in fast-paced environments.

  • Ability to work independently, take direction on projects, manage multiple responsibilities, and adapt to changing campaign priorities and timelines.

  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, email communication platforms, and social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.

  • Willingness to participate in campaign field activities, trainings, and occasional evening or weekend events as needed.

  • Commitment to environmental justice, civic engagement, and building inclusive democratic participation across communities.

  • Committed to evolution.You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.

  • Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.

The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following experience, skills and competencies:
  • Prior volunteer or internship experience on political campaigns, issue advocacy campaigns, or community organizing efforts.

  • Knowledge of Michigan politics, elections, or environmental policy issues.

  • Experience with graphic design, social media management, voter databases, or digital organizing tools.

$3,000 - $3,000 one-time

Compensation
This internship is unpaid, but includes a $3,000 completion stipend intended to help offset food, transportation, and other related expenses. The stipend would be dispersed at the completion of the 4 month internship.  

Academic credit may be available depending on school requirements and advisor approval. 

This is a category 99 non-exempt, non-represented, temporary position.

Sierra Club is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. Sierra Club employees are not eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.


Sierra Club values the expertise and talents of foreign nationals. Sierra Club sponsors both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas when certain criteria are met, based on immigration laws and organizational needs. Such sponsorship is at the discretion of the Department Head and Sierra Club People Department in consultation with the employee's manager. The Sierra Club cannot guarantee the approval of a visa petition. The Sierra Club is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce belonging.

To Apply

The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.

Applications will be accepted through July 30, 2026.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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