Legislative Intern

City of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Austin offers a part-time internship to gain hands-on exposure in municipal government. Under general supervision, you will assist in general administrative or research functions to develop a working knowledge of a targeted area in the department.

Observing professionals, coordinating, researching data, and preparing reports are key parts of the role. You must be enrolled in an accredited college or university and complete some advanced coursework related to the internship program.

Qualifications

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to create clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

Responsibilities

• Observes and assists professionals in the assigned department to learn about areas of career interest.
• Assists, as necessary, in the coordination, administration, or monitoring of specific programs.
• Assists with researching, collecting and organizing data, performing analyses, and preparing reports to supplement knowledge gained through academic courses.
• Participates, as necessary, in finding solutions to existing problems and discusses recommendations with administrative personnel to acquire skills in problem solving.
• Assists with special projects.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Statistical analysis

Computer skills

Report writing

Education

High school diploma

Undergraduate student

Tools

Office suite

Job description

About This Position

Under general supervision, this position assists in general administrative or research functions to develop a working knowledge of a targeted area in municipal government.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

• Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following.
• Other related duties may be assigned.
• Observes and assists professionals in the assigned department to learn about areas of career interest.
• Assists, as necessary, in the coordination, administration, or monitoring of specific programs.
• Assists, as necessary, with researching, collecting and organizing data, performing analyses, and preparing reports to supplement knowledge gained through academic courses.
• Participates, as necessary, in finding solutions to existing problems and discusses recommendations with administrative personnel to acquire skills in problem solving.
• Assists with special projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to create clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Enrolled in an accredited college or university undergraduate degree program, with some advanced coursework related to the internship program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Government, Business Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences, History, Liberal Arts, Natural Sciences, Engineering, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Experience with the Texas Legislature and/or legislative processes.
• Experience analyzing legislation and/or statutes.
• Familiarity with water utility operations and/or municipal government.
• Experience interpreting and communicating technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and manage shifting priorities while maintaining attention to detail.

Location

Waller Creek Center, 625 E 10th St, Austin, TX

Days and Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, part-time

Driving Requirement

• This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date.
• External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite.
• To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Travel

• If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties.
• Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Critical Employee

This position has been designated as critical for the City of Austin. Critical positions are necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. Work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees may be reassigned to another area to provide essential services to support any extraordinary situations or emergency conditions.

Secondary Employment

• All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.
• Austin Water will review all secondary employment.
• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.

90-day Provision

This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur within the department. All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises. Please note this posting may close any time after 7 days.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
• By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

EEO Statement for City of Austin

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.