The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit whose scientists and engineers work to solve some of our planet’s most pressing environmental and safety problems. We also believe science can and should be applied to reduce racial and economic inequity. UCS combines technical analysis and effective organizing and advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for stemming the tide of global warming, sustainable food policy and agriculture, energy and transportation, fighting misinformation and reducing the threat of catastrophic nuclear war, while looking at these issues through an equity lens.
Under the supervision and mentorship of the Center for Science and Democracy Washington Representative, this full time, three-month internship supports work on regulatory reform, chemical facility safety, endangered species protection, and attacks on science and scientists. You will track legislation and relevant events, represent UCS at certain coalition meetings, attend hearings and briefings on Capitol Hill, research and prepare informational materials, do outreach, and communicate with Hill offices. You’ll also provide general support with report production, research, or event logistics.
Responsibilities
- Prepare background information about members of key Senate and House committees
- Help prepare briefing memos and help fact-check and proof materials sent to Hill staff
- Summarize and compare the policy approaches taken by relevant legislation
- Help write, fact-check, and develop advocacy emails. Research and write memos analyzing issues that intersect with our campaign work.
- Track legislation, represent UCS at certain coalition meetings and attend meetings on Capitol Hill
- Help draft sign-on letters, and communicate with key Hill staff
- Assist in preparation for relevant committee meetings and markups
- Monitor daily print media and blogs for pertinent coverage of legislative issues
- Maintains spreadsheet tracking letters of support, testimony, policy recommendations
- Help organize and publicize briefings on Capitol Hill and meetings with partners, as needed.
- Assist with event planning, logistics and outreach
Qualifications and Experience
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
- Knowledge of office and administrative support procedures, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Docs, research and database and graphic manipulation software preferred.
- Knowledge or willingness to learn about incorporating justice and equity into the work of the Center.
- Understanding of legislative process, regulatory process, and agency rulemaking preferred
- Ability to work in fast-paced environment and a positive, team-oriented attitude
- Web research skills preferred
- Outreach and organizing skills highly desirable
- Interest in and/or experience working on public interest advocacy campaigns and science policy issues is a plus
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
This job entails extended periods at a computer. Little or no exertion. May occasionally lift and carry boxes of supplies or publications. No travel.
At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.
UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We’ve adopted this commitment because we believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.
Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time, 3 month internship based in UCS’s Washington, DC office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is the equivalent of $15 per hour, $31,200 annually. Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org.
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and how you learned about the position via email to internship@ucsusa.org and include “CSD Legislative Intern” in the subject line. Email materials in PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: until filled.
For more information, please visit http://www.ucsusa.org/about/jobs-ucs#legintern.
