PCL and PCL Foundation internships are a great way to become familiar with environmental policy in California, and to network with other environmental non-profit organizations, government representatives, and other stakeholders. We have a friendly, flexible, and fast-paced office, and our interns provide key support to our environmental mission.

Work assignments include policy research, report writing, event planning, and outreach to community groups. Interns work on a core project and often provide support to PCL staff on other assignments. You will also have opportunities to work at the Capitol, such as attending hearings and meetings on assigned bills.

Please contact us if you are interested in an internship in conjunction with your school or university. Below is the job description for our Policy Associate Internships. – You can also download the PDF.

Policy Associate Internship

The Planning and Conservation League (PCL), a Sacramento-based nonprofit organization that connects grassroots organizations to advocate for policies to protect California’s lands, air, waters, and communities, seeks an energetic, self-motivated individual to intern in its legislative program. The Policy Associate Intern may act as a spokesperson for PCL in the State Capitol during legislative session, assist with the management of, and coordinate, PCL’s legislative agenda, and track all bills considered to be a PCL priority. This position has varying levels of intensity and work hours throughout the session and requires occasional weekend and evening hours.

Responsibilities

The Policy Associate Intern’s duties include, but are not limited to:

• Working with the Policy Director and other staff to conduct the PCL legislative work plan.
• Coordinating legislation on behalf of PCL.
• Assisting with the legislative tracking system used by PCL.
• Preparing and overseeing the preparation of support and opposition letters, bill analyses, and floor alerts.
• Monitoring and recommending positions on all relevant environmental and public health legislation to the Policy Director.
• Testifying before legislative and administrative boards and committees.
• Collaborating with legislators and legislative staff to promote PCL’s legislative strategies, including coordination of briefings and workshops.
• Communicating and collaborating with relevant interest groups.
• Drafting articles, op-eds, and support materials for priority PCL legislation.
• Supporting PCL priority campaigns, including CEQA, water, and land-use/transportation, through coordination of workshops, community organization, and mobilization.
• Maintaining and building relations with relevant individuals and organizations.

Qualifications

Applicants should have already taken relevant coursework in policy, government, or political science, be familiar with the legislative process, and have a passion for the environmental policy field. The successful applicant must be hard-working, extremely organized, self-motivated, enjoy working in a team setting, and demonstrate a deep commitment and passion for conservation and environmental protection. Strong written and verbal communication skills are a must. 

Organization Description

The Planning and Conservation League, founded in 1965, is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that serves as the lobbying arm of the environmental community, passing, enforcing, and protecting laws and initiatives that safeguard our lands, air, waters, and communities. PCL’s sister organization, the PCL Foundation, was founded in 1972 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to protect California’s environment and ensure that California continues to be an attractive, livable, and equitable state by engaging in cutting‑edge environmental public policy research, and by educating and empowering local communities to participate in local and state environmental decision-making processes.

Terms
Schedule: Part-time, temporary position
Start Date: As soon as filled

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Planning and Conservation League is committed to workplace diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. All candidates with appropriate qualifications are encouraged to apply for the Legislative Advocate position.

To Apply

Email a resume, cover letter, and writing sample (minimum 3 pages) to  johnnie@pcl.org by Friday, May 1st, 2026.