Policy Intern Opportunities with TWS

Wildlifers have an opportunity to work for their professional society and contribute to the policy activities of the organization. TWS is currently looking to fill two policy intern positions at Headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, running from July to December.

The policy intern positions are an excellent opportunity for upper-level wildlife students or early-career wildlife professionals. Interns cover a wide portfolio of wildlife biology and management related policy issues with potential for some duties to be tailored to specific interests.

“Working as a policy intern for TWS has been a challenging, but exciting opportunity; I’m constantly learning,” says current TWS Policy Intern, Colleen Hartel. Hartel graduated with a B.S. in wildlife from Purdue University in 2014.

“I’ve been able to use my education in wildlife biology as a basis for exploring related policy topics and processes,” says Hartel. “I’ve also made valuable contacts both within and outside the policy realm by participating in coalitions and meeting with congressional staff.”

Policy interns are an integral part of the Government Affairs & Partnerships team. Interns are engaged in the policy process through attending legislative hearings, researching and preparing background information for comments and testimony, participating in coalition activities with outside organizations, and drafting content for TWS publications.

Former TWS policy interns have gone on to work for government agencies and non-profits like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, American Bird Conservancy, and National Audubon Society and secure M.S. and Ph.D. graduate positions focusing on policy or wildlife biology and management topics. Several interns have been accepted into the federal government’s prestigious Presidential Management Fellows program.

Potential applicants are encouraged to submit their application materials by the end of April. More information is available on the TWS Policy webpage.