Environmental Policy Intern

IAA Illinois Agricultural Association; United States; Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance benefits

401(k) with company match

Parental leave

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Volunteer time off

Job summary

Illinois Farm Bureau is seeking an Environmental Policy Intern to join the Government Affairs Division. You will research emerging environmental issues, support policy and educational initiatives, and help communicate timely information to farmers and County Farm Bureaus across the state.

This internship offers exposure to policymaking, regulatory processes, stakeholder engagement, and the challenges facing modern agriculture.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Crop Sciences, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Sustainable Agriculture, Agricultural Science, or related fields.
• Must be able to work full-time hours from late May 2027 to early August 2027.
• Graduation date of August 2027 or beyond.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS.

Responsibilities

• Research emerging environmental issues and summarize findings for internal teams.
• Support policy and educational initiatives within the Environmental Policy Team.
• Communicate timely information to farmers and County Farm Bureaus across Illinois.

Skills

ArcGIS

Communication

Research

Education

Soil Science

Agronomy

Environmental Science

Natural Resources

Tools

Policy analysis tools

Job description

Join us at the Illinois Farm Bureau to become part of an influential leader that has a rich history and vision toward the future of agriculture. We’re excited you’re looking for a career with Illinois Farm Bureau as we advocate for farmers and agriculture. We’re a grassroots organization made up of people who support farms, food and families in Illinois.

About the role

The Illinois Farm Bureau is the state's largest agricultural organization and serves as a leading voice for Illinois farmers on environmental and natural resource issues. As an Environmental Policy Intern, you will work closely with the Government Affairs Division's Environmental Policy Team to research emerging environmental issues, support policy and educational initiatives, and help communicate timely information to farmers and County Farm Bureaus across the state. This internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to environmental policymaking, regulatory processes, stakeholder engagement, and the challenges and opportunities facing modern agriculture.

Application Timeline

We know waiting can be difficult, so we want to set expectations upfront. Our internship recruiting process takes place over several months. Applications open in mid-September and are reviewed as they are received. HR interviews are expected to begin in mid-October, followed by interviews with hiring leaders. Depending on the role and applicant volume, hiring decisions and offers may be made anytime from October through January. We appreciate your patience throughout the process and will communicate updates as they become available.

How does this role make an impact?

"Test drive" a potential career path through real corporate projects, collaboration in meetings, and several networking opportunities. While working alongside and learning from expert leaders at all levels of the company, in addition to teaming up with fellow interns to showcase your ideas, our interns impact the business, and experience professional and personal growth.

Do you have what we’re looking for?

• Pursuing a degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Crop Sciences, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Sustainable Agriculture, Agricultural Science, or related fields.
• Must be able to work full-time hours from late May 2027 to early August 2027.
• The internship may be extended part-time through fall 2027 and spring 2028.
• Graduation date of August 2027 or beyond.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Dependable and detail oriented.
• Strong interest in agriculture, conservation, soil health, and environmental policy.
• Ability to research, analyze and summarize environmental issues.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS.

Why work with us?

Illinois Farm Bureau planted roots in 1916 and is one of the largest Farm Bureau organizations in the United States. Illinois Farm Bureau is a voice for Illinois farmers, farm families, and anyone involved in food and agriculture. That covers a lot of ground. Illinois Farm Bureau represents members in Springfield, IL and Washington D.C. When you become a part of Illinois Farm Bureau, you become part of something that touches the lives of people every day. You truly make a difference.

You’ll be able to take advantage of our benefits package, which includes insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, disability, and life), 401(k) with company match, parental leave, paid time off, paid company holidays and time off to volunteer.

Illinois Farm Bureau is committed to providing equal opportunity in all areas of employment, and in providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

Illinois Farm Bureau does not generally sponsor individuals for employment-based visas for this position.

IFB is headquartered in Bloomington, IL, with hybrid positions available at our home office and statewide across our 93 County Farm Bureau offices.

Our Mission

Improve the economic well-being of agriculture and enrich the quality of farm family life. Since 1916, IFB has remained dedicated to advocating for farmers and agriculture, connecting the farming community with consumers and promoting the values and quality of life we hold dear in Illinois. We’re a grassroots membership organization made up of people who support farms, food and families in Illinois. Our members join because they are looking for advocacy, access to reliable agricultural information and education and our member benefits. We also invest in the future of agriculture via the IAA Foundation, grow agricultural leaders through developmental programming and events, cultivate environmental stewardship and champion innovation by working with our partner and affiliated organizations, such as COUNTRY Financial; GROWMARK; Prairie Farms Dairy and the state commodity groups. Our employees — regardless of their connection to agriculture — are instrumental in providing this value to our members by creating and managing programs, services and activities. We support their development through continuous learning and training, tuition assistance and a competitive, full-range package of benefits. Our people are our members’ neighbors, and we work to ensure they share the same opportunities for personal and professional growth and contributing to their communities.