Policy & Legislative Affairs Intern (Unpaid Intern)

This internship recruitment will remain posted on a continuous basis until the needs of the Agency are met. Students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply immediately.

 

The Board of Supervisors oversees the management of County government. It functions as both a legislative and executive body. In its legislative duties, the Board adopts ordinances and resolutions within the limits prescribed by State Law. As an executive body, the Board: establishes policy, approves the annual budget; appoints a CEO, approves contracts for public improvement projects, conducts public hearings on certain land-use matters and makes appointments to various boards and commissions.

THE OPPORTUNITY
Duties may include assisting staff in the day-to-day operations within a Board of Supervisor's office; answering inquiries by phone and through written communications; preparing letters, memos, certificates, resolutions, proclamations or reports; assisting with research assignments and special projects; analyzing policy; attending meetings or community events; filing, faxing, photocopying, etc.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited college/university and majoring in Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Public Affairs, Communications, Public Relations, Public Policy, History, Social Ecology or related fields. Recent graduates who have completed their degree in one of the above fields are eligible to apply.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to research information and prepare reports and other correspondence; experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel; reliable, outgoing and able to work independently. Previous office experience preferred. Professional appearance and business attire required.

TIME COMMITMENT
Minimum 12 - 20 hours per week for 1 - 2 semesters/quarters. Hours must be scheduled in 3- to 8-hour blocks of time during regular business hours (Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.). Summer placement of a shorter duration may be available. Applicants able to schedule the maximum hours/duration listed for this internship typically gain a more in-depth experience.

BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO INTERN
Although this is an unpaid internship that does not lead to paid employment or include employee benefits, students and recent graduates are offered an excellent opportunity to:

• Build resumes and explore career options
• Apply academic skills and knowledge to the workplace
• Fulfill college/university internship requirements
• Network in their fields of interest with professionals who are dedicated to making a positive difference in Orange County
• Intern with one of the premier employers in the region

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applicants must attach a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts to their application. The cover letter is an opportunity for students to describe career and academic goals, to elaborate upon personal and academic accomplishments, and to identify what type of internship experience they are seeking. Learn more about what to include in a cover letter HERE.   

Applications that do not include a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts will not be considered.

REQUIRED BACKGROUND SCREENING/REFERENCE CHECK
The background screening requires the applicant's full legal name, date of birth, address and U.S. Social Security number. Turn-around time for the background screening is approximately 72 hours.