Summer 2025 - Public Policy Internship
Summer 2025 - Public Policy Internship
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Job Description
Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nations largest trails organizationwith a grassroots community of more than 1 million strongdedicated to building a nation connected by trails reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk bike and be active outdoors. Founded in 1986 Rails to Trails Conservancys national office is located in Washington D.C. with regional offices in California Florida Ohio Pennsylvania Baltimore and Milwaukee. For more information visit . Connect with RTC @railstotrails on Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter).
Job Summary
RTC is a significant player in influencing federal and state transportation and recreation policies to support the development of trail and active transportation networks that promote mobility health economic vitality livable communities and environmental justice. Our strategy is to focus on making systemwide improvements to create safe convenient walking and bicycling access to routine destinations so that people of all ages and abilities regardless of their ZIP code can get around on foot bike or wheelchair. Interns working with the RTC Policy team will have the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced policy professionals in Washington D.C. and from around the country and advocate on the state and federal level for transformative policy on active transportation and trail infrastructure.
This 12week internship program begins in June 2025. Interns will have the flexibility to work 2035 hours per week on a regular consistent schedule.
Job Location
This position is located in our Washington D.C. National Headquarters and is eligible for a remote or hybrid work schedule in accordance with RTCs policies. A hybrid schedule is preferred (working every Tuesday and/or Thursday in the D.C. office).
Job Duties
The Public Policy Intern will assist the Policy Team with implementing strategies to achieve favorable outcomes in federal and state legislative efforts necessary to make our vision a reality.
Duties will include the following:
- Supporting RTC staff and assisting with legislative advocacy for the policy agenda
- Conduct background research on key members of Congress to determine their records and previous positions on active transportation and trails.
- Identify communities with active transportation and trail network plans in key states and congressional districts
- Analyze active transportation and trail network plans in key states and congressional districts
- Produce project content for the RTC website and handouts.
- Assist with coordinating meetings with congressional staff.
- Additional communications and writing tasks and potential crossdepartmental work as it arises to assist with legislative advocacy work.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.
Basic Qualifications and Personal Attributes
RTC is seeking a graduate or undergraduate student (Senior preferred) working toward a degree in a relevant field such as urban planning public policy environmental studies economics social sciences or political science. Preferred candidates should demonstrate an emphasis on American politics fiscal policy or transportation planning or significant coursework or experience in any of these fields. Candidates should be taskoriented and highly organized and possess a strong interest or background in trails and active transportation the environment sustainable transportation urban planning and land use public health outdoor recreation and/or the art and sciences of legislative advocacy.
Applicants whose permanent residence is in one of the states where RTC operates will be considered for this internship program. This criterion aligns with our strategic goals and operational requirements. We are looking forward to discovering motivated and talented individuals from CA CO DC FL MD ME MI MT NJ OH OR PA VA or WI.
Work Environment
Normal office setting with a low noise level.
Employers Right: RTC reserves the right to revise change or reclassify this job description at any time in accordance with RTCs business needs. This job description is not an implied contract.
Commitment to Diversity
Rails to Trails Conservancy seeks diverse passionate and qualified individuals who want to make a difference in the world. RTC is an equalopportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability veteran status age and other legally protected characteristics.
If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process please email and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.
Required Experience:
Intern
Employment Type
Intern
