Government Affairs Intern

Government Affairs Intern (Spring 2026)

Department: Government Affairs
Reports to: Vice President of Government Affairs

Location: Remote – Washington DC or Minneapolis MN regions preferred

Application Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Anticipated Start Date: January/February 2026

ABOUT US        

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 500,000 hunters and conservationists is dedicated to the protection of our uplands through habitat improvement, public access, education, and advocacy. A network of 754 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent—the only national conservation organization that operates through this grassroots structure. Since its creation in 1982, the organization has dedicated more than $1 billion to 580,000 habitat projects benefiting 31 million acres. Our Government Affairs team advances pragmatic, bipartisan policy solutions that support wildlife, strengthen rural communities, and improve hunting access and opportunity for sportsmen and sportswomen.

POSITION SUMMARY

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever seek a motivated and detail-oriented Government Affairs Intern to join our team between January and April. This internship is ideal for a college, post-college, or graduate student in government affairs, public policy, law, environmental studies, natural resources, or a related field who is looking to gain hands-on experience navigating both federal and state conservation policy.

The intern will support the organization’s advocacy on issues such as the federal farm bill, public lands management, state agency conservation funding, hunting regulations, and policy frameworks linked to nonprofit fundraising. This role may also support policy communications, member-driven grassroots engagement, and volunteer coordination. The position is fully remote and pays up to $20 per hour, depending on experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy & Legislative Research

• Track and analyze federal and state legislation relevant to wildlife habitat, agricultural conservation, public lands management, hunting regulations, and related issues.
• Prepare policy briefs, backgrounders, hearing summaries, and internal memos.

Advocacy & Communications

• Draft policy-focused content, including blog posts, social media copy, talking points, and press releases.
• Assist with the creation of action alerts, fact sheets, and materials for lawmakers, conservation partners, staff, and volunteers.
• Help maintain clear, consistent messaging rooted in PF & QF’s mission and values.

Grassroots Engagement & Volunteer Support

• Support coordination with volunteers and chapter leaders on advocacy campaigns.
• Help manage communication lists, outreach tools, and volunteer participation tracking.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work closely with conservation, development, and communications staff to align policy and fundraising priorities.
• Participate in internal strategy calls, briefings, and partner meetings as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A passion for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s mission, as well as knowledge and appreciation of conservation, hunting, and the outdoors.
• College, post-college, or graduate coursework or experience in public policy, government affairs, law, environmental/natural resources management, or related fields. Familiarity with conservation, agriculture, wildlife, or rural community issues is a plus.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear and engaging communications.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, Word, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Comfort working with volunteers and grassroots networks.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced, remote environment.
• Commitment to bipartisan, science-based conservation policy.

COMPENSATION, SCHEDULE, AND LOCATION

• Up to $20/hour, depending on experience.
• Part-time schedule averaging 10–20 hours per week (flexible with academic commitments).
• Fully remote; occasional in-person opportunities may be available if located near Washington, DC or Minneapolis, MN.