Legislative Intern (Spring)

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Legislative Research Council in Pierre seeks 26 college interns to support lawmakers during the 2027 South Dakota Legislative Session. Interns assist legislators and observe the lawmaking process while potentially earning college credit.

Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college, all majors welcome; preference to South Dakota residents. A party preference may be requested to balance interns by house, but does not affect eligibility.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled at an accredited college or university.
• All majors considered; preference for SD residents.
• Party preference may be requested to balance interns by house.

Skills

Enrolled student

Education

Enrolled in accredited college/university

Job description

Session: Spring (January-March)

Position Title: Legislative Intern

Supervisor: Amanda Marsh

Agency: Legislative Research Council

Location: Pierre

Application deadline/Close date: 10/16/2026

Position Description

The South Dakota Legislature is currently in search of 26 college students to serve as interns during the upcoming 2027 South Dakota Legislative Session. Interns provide the legislators with the assistance they need to survive the rigors of a hectic legislative session. While in Pierre, interns can observe the lawmaking process in action, learn about the many issues confronting the state, and may earn college credit all at the same time.

Qualification

To qualify, you must be enrolled at an accredited college or university. All majors are accepted. Preference may be given to South Dakota residents or to students who have completed a year or two of college coursework.

However, all interested students are encouraged to apply.

Interns are needed to serve members of both parties. If you apply to serve as an intern, you will be asked to state your political party preference. This ensures that Republican interns are assigned to Republican legislators and Democratic interns are assigned to Democratic legislators. Party preference is not used to qualify or disqualify an applicant, but the number of interns selected from each party is reflective of the partisan composition of each house of the Legislature.

Compensation

$185 per day