Legislative Affairs and Policy Internship

State of Oregon; Salem (VA); Hybrid; USD 3,993,000 - 5,686,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

PERS after 6 months

Sick leave accrual

Job summary

The Department of State Lands in Salem offers a part-time Legislative Affairs and Policy Internship. The role provides research, tracking, and administrative support for policy and legislative activities, with a hybrid remote schedule and occasional in-office meetings.

Hours range from 15 to 38 per week and compensation is $20.26 to $21.57 per hour. The internship lasts through June 30, 2027 and offers exposure to state and federal policy with guidance from Government Relations managers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or enrollment at least half-time in a graduate program.
• Background in political science, public policy or related fields is encouraged.
• Strong writing, research and organizational skills expected.

Responsibilities

• Monitor state and federal legislation and agency actions.
• Support research, tracking and briefing materials for policy work.
• Prepare presentations, handouts and meeting materials.
• Maintain calendars of deadlines and policy-related events.
• Assist Government Relations managers on related projects as directed.
• Gather publicly available information on legislative topics.
• Support efficient policy development and administrative tasks.

Skills

Policy research

Legislative tracking

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft 365

Excel

Pivot tables

Gantt charts

Project management tools

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/15/2026 Application Deadline: 09/25/2026 Agency: Department of State Lands Salary Range: $3,513 - $3,513 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Legislative Affairs and Policy Internship Job Description: Are you studying government, public policy, law, natural resources, environmental issues, or public administration and interested in learning more about the legislative process? This part-time internship is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule and is expected to be in our Salem office occasionally for scheduled meetings and events. The hours are flexible to accommodate school schedules and can range from 15 to 38 hours per week, to be discussed with the hiring manager. Candidates with academic backgrounds in political science, public policy, law, English, communications, environmental science, biology, natural resource management, engineering, planning, or related fields are encouraged to apply.

Make a Difference for Oregon. The Department of State Lands manages the lands that help fund our public schools and protects the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide. Our stewardship ensures vital natural and financial resources contribute to a vibrant, healthy Oregon now and forever. The DSL team makes a difference for Oregonians every day. As our Legislative Affairs and Policy Intern, you will too.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide research, tracking, and administrative support for the Department's policy and legislative activities. The successful candidate will assist with monitoring policy developments, organizing information, preparing materials, and supporting projects related to state and federal legislative and regulatory issues affecting DSL. This position provides support to the Government Relations managers on issues concerning the Department’s authorities, responsibilities, and resources as directed by the Director and the State Land Board. This position is not represented by a union or include benefits and is expected to last through June 30th, 2027.

We invite you to join us for an informational session to learn more about this opportunity: When: Monday, September 21st, 2026 Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (PST) Format: Virtual session via Microsoft Teams (link below) Purpose: This session is designed for individuals interested in learning more about DSL, the Legislative Affairs and Policy Internship, and to meet our recruitment team. Please note that this session is not part of the interview process and is open to the public. To join the session via your computer, mobile app, or room device, simply click this link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/258440016065534?p=WhPlPZWFyB7kVaOIrk Meeting ID: 258 440 016 065 534 Passcode: W4rN9Da2

We look forward to having you join us and to providing valuable information about this exciting opportunity. Thank you for your interest!

What’s in it for you?

• Learn about the legislative process and policy development in the state’s oldest natural resource agency!
• Receive 1-on-1 mentoring and support from natural resource experts.
• Join an organization with collaborative and engaged co-workers who care about Oregon’s economy, environment, and communities, and their co-workers.
• Automatically enroll into the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) after 6 months of full-time service or after working the equivalent number of hours.
• Accrue up to 8 hours of sick leave per month, prorated based on weekly hours.
• Earn $20.26 per hour for employees new to public service; current PERS employees earn $21.57 per hour.

Working Conditions:

Much of the work is in a hybrid office setting; occasional travel may be required. DSL provides agency-maintained vehicles, reimbursement for field gear, and travel expenses for authorized, on-the-job travel.

What you will be doing:

• Gain exposure to state and federal legislative processes.
• Learn how public agencies monitor and respond to policy developments.
• Develop skills in policy research, legislative tracking, government relations, professional writing, and public-sector administration.
• Conduct background research on legislative, regulatory, and public policy topics relevant to the Department.
• Monitor and track state and federal legislation, agency actions, and policy developments.
• Review State legislative policy committee agendas, hearings, and meeting materials to identify topics of potential interest to the Department.
• Assist in maintaining calendars of legislative deadlines, hearings, and policy-related events.
• Gather publicly available information related to legislative and regulatory activities.
• Assist with preparing presentations, handouts, briefing packets, and meeting materials.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have a bachelor’s degree or be enrolled at least half-time in a graduate degree program.
• Candidates with academic backgrounds in political science, public policy, law, English, communications, environmental science, biology, natural resource management, engineering, planning, or related fields are encouraged to apply.

Desired Attributes:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills to interact with a variety of internal and external partners
• Strong research, data entry, and organizational skills
• Ability and motivation to learn about legislative processes, public agencies and policy development
• Mastered knowledge of proper punctuation, spelling, and capitalization, with exceptional attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to consistently proofread and produce polished, error-free work
• Ability to perform assigned tasks quickly and accurately from oral and written instructions
• Ability to operate office equipment such as dictation equipment, computer terminal, word processor, calculator, and photocopier
• Microsoft 365 experience, including skills in Excel to create Gantt charts, pivot tables, and project management tools

Additional Information:

First time applying to the State of Oregon? Consider utilizing a WorkSource Oregon Resource event! You can also view this video or this knowledge article for assistance. This recruitment may be used to fill future positions. The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the application or selection process, please contact [e-mail] and please be sure to include the job requisition number. For more information about applying for positions with the State of Oregon via Workday, you may visit the Oregon job opportunities website at: www.oregon.gov/jobs The state of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process. Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources. After you apply, you may be asked to provide additional optional information. Please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks or actions under your My Applications section. Be sure to check both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. For questions about the job duties or application process, please contact [e-mail] to connect with our recruitment team.

We are committed to seeking and sustaining a culturally, racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse working environment. The Department hires staff interested in supporting environmental justice by including communities traditionally underrepresented in public processes. We encourage members of these communities to apply, even if they do not meet 100% of the desired attributes. The Oregon Department of State Lands understands that an authentic focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace will in turn create a workforce aligned to meet the challenge of serving all Oregonians.

We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon flies with her own wings.