Summer Internship in the Office of Government Relations

Santa Clara Valley Water District; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 34.000 - 43.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

Valley Water’s Sacramento Office of Government Relations offers a Summer Internship focused on water policy, climate resilience, and environmental management. The program runs February through September, featuring professional development training, networking events, and capstone preparation.

Interns will engage with state legislation and prepare briefing materials in a hands-on setting. The internship includes in-person meetings and occasional travel to San Jose for events, with a hybrid

Qualifikationen

• Pursuing a major in Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Political Science, Law, Communications, or related public policy fields.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills, detail oriented, analytical, organized.

Aufgaben

• Participate in learning sessions with interns focusing on career readiness and networking.
• Track and analyze legislation and work with local government and federal affairs staff.
• Prepare speaking points, speeches, and presentations for Board members and staff.
• Attend internal and external meetings and prepare white papers and summaries.

Kenntnisse

Communication

Written communication

Analytical thinking

Organization

Public policy interest

Ausbildung

Undergraduate or Graduate studies in Public Policy/Environmental Studies/Political Science

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Jobbeschreibung

SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY!

Summer Internship in Office of Government Relations

Location: 1121 L St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA

1 Internship Available!

OVERVIEW

Are you interested in water, natural resources, and environmental protection? Do you want to gain valuable experience working on state policies related to water supply, climate resilience, and flood protection? Do you want to gain valuable experience working on state policies related to climate change, water supply, and flood protection? Do you want to expand your network and build your resume while learning about the state legislative process? If you do, then Valley Water’s Sacramento Government Relations internship may be right for you!

Valley Water’s mission is to provide Silicon Valley with safe, clean water for a healthy life, environment, and economy. We manage an integrated water resources system that includes the supply of clean, safe water, flood protection, and stewardship of streams on behalf of Santa Clara County's 2 million residents. Our popular internship program provides excellent opportunities to explore your chosen career path, develop industry specific skills and knowledge, and increase your professional network!

This position is a hybrid internship where the candidate will start part-time in February, transition to full-time during the summer internship program, and return to part-time before concluding in September. During the Summer program, this intern will be given professional development training, participate in networking events, attend virtual meetings with our San Jose office, and prepare a Capstone presentation at the end of the program. Interns will travel to San Jose at least 2 times for in person events. Valley Water’s Sacramento Office of Government Relations serves as the internal and external connection for state legislation, regulation, and supplemental funding opportunities for Valley Water.

Interviews for this position will be held in person 11/16/2026 - 11/20/2026.

Intern compensation is $28.27 per hour.

INTERNSHIP LOCATION STATUS

• This internship will be held in Valley Water’s Sacramento Office – 1121 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, near the State Capitol.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working up to 40% remote and 60% onsite. For hybrid work, the intern must perform their work in the State of California within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in (Sacramento, California) by their start date.

WE LOOK FOR INTERNS WHO ARE:

• Pursuing a major in Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Political Science, Law, Communications, or other majors with a nexus to public policy or environmental management.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills, detail oriented, analytical, organized, quick learner a MUST.
• Comfortable engaging new people in any environment.
• Comfortable with a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.

AS AN INTERN, YOU WILL:

• Participate in learning sessions alongside fellow interns, focusing on elevating career readiness, cultivating professional development skills, and networking.
• Track and analyze legislation and work closely with local government and federal affairs staff.
• Prepare speaking points, speeches, presentations, and other communications for Board members and staff.
• Attend internal and external meetings and prepare white papers and summaries to brief staff.
• Under mentor supervision, receive and respond to inquiries from external partners and Santa Clara County residents.
• Assist in coordinating tours of Valley Water facilities for elected and appointed officials and stakeholders.
• Assist in coordinating Valley Water's participation in community events and festivals.
• Advocate and help secure support for Valley Water projects from elected officials and advocacy stakeholders.
• Interact with Valley Water Board members and staff, external elected officials, diverse advocacy stakeholders, and community groups.
• Support other Government Relations programs and projects as needed.

ELIGIBILITY:

• Undergraduate applicants must be enrolled in an accredited community college or college/university and have completed at least two full-time years of study (i.e., entering their third or fourth year) by Fall 2027, or have graduated within the past six months before their start date.
• Graduate applicants must be enrolled in an accredited graduate program at a college or university in Fall 2027 or have completed their degree within the past six months.
• Proof of enrollment will be required prior to the start of the assignment.
• Applicants must be able to work part time from February till the summer and then full-time (40 hours/week) during the Summer Internship Program
  1. June 2nd – August 13, 2027 (Semester Students)
  2. June 15th – September 3, 2027 (Quarter Students)
• Only applicants who have not participated in a Valley Water College Summer Internship Program before will be considered.
• Selected candidates must pass a pre-employment process, which includes reference and background/criminal checks.