Zoo Intern Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Department:Public Affairs 
Title:Federal Legislative Intern 
Dates:September to December 2026, with flexible start and end dates to accommodate academic schedules
Number of Openings: 2 - 3 
Location:Options for remote or hybrid schedules 
Hours: 14-30 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate class schedules
Position Summary: 
The Federal Affairs office of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) seeks motivated, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented Federal Affairs interns. This internship is designed to provide experience in legislative and governmental affairs, policy, and the Congressional appropriations process. The intern will gain experience in shaping environmental policy to protect wildlife and natural resources on a global scale while learning about the legislative process first-hand. Possible topics for projects include nature-based solutions to climate change, combating wildlife trafficking, and federal funding for international conservation, ocean conservation, and endangered species conservation. This internship is unpaid but will provide academic credit if applicable. Interns will have the option of remote or hybrid schedules. 
WCS combines the power of its zoos and an aquarium in New York City and a Global Conservation Program in more than 50 countries to achieve its mission to save wildlife and wild places. WCS runs the world's largest conservation field program, protecting more than 50 percent of Earth's known biodiversity; in partnership with governments, Indigenous People, Local Communities, and the private sector. Its four zoos and aquarium (the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium) welcome more than 3.5 million visitors each year, inspiring generations to care for nature. WCS's Federal Affairs office is an interface between our conservation experts and policy decision-makers in Washington, D.C. 
Objectives: 

• Help track developments in Congress and relevant Federal Agencies related to wildlife conservation, natural resources management, and foreign policy. 

• Learn to identify potential Congressional allies and environmental policy priorities. 

• Research and analyze legislation related to wildlife conservation, natural resources management, and foreign policy. 

• Have the opportunity to attend virtual Capitol Hill related briefings, hearings, and events. 

• Learn about and gain experience in developing and implementing Congressional engagement strategies, working in coalitions, and the federal budget and appropriations process.