Legislative Intern

WHO WE ARE:

The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) is a growing nonprofit organization in Minnesota with offices in Saint Paul and Duluth dedicated to protecting Minnesota’s environment and natural resources through legal action, policy advocacy, and community engagement.

For 51 years, MCEA has been a leading voice for environmental protection in Minnesota, working alongside community leaders, scientists, policy makers and community members to preserve the state’s natural beauty, promote sustainable development, and ensure that all communities have access to clean water and clean air regardless of race, color, ethnicity, income, or zip code.

At MCEA, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work and strive to create a workplace culture, policy and practice that reflects these values. We respect the individual strengths, views, and experiences of all employees and understand that we thrive in our differences. We acknowledge that fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion is an ongoing process, and we are dedicated to continuous learning, active listening, and growth.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

Provide support to MCEA’s legislative team through scheduling meetings with legislators, monitoring committee hearings, overseeing bill tracking, and helping coordinate MCEA staff at the Capitol. This is an opportunity to learn from seasoned lobbyists working on the most important environmental issues of the day–gaining experience and knowledge on lobbying and the legislature. The selected candidate may also assist with lobbying efforts, submitting testimony on bills, and other administrative duties. The Legislative Intern reports to the Legislative Director.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Monitor key events during the 2026 Legislative Session, providing real time updates to MCEA staff, and help coordinate staff schedules/testimony.
• Produce short but high-quality memos on committee hearings, floor sessions and other public meetings.
• Assist legislative team with scheduling meetings, editing action alerts, facilitating document distribution, and internal and public bill tracker.
• Additional tasks as assigned by the Legislative Director.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS in environmental studies, political science, or related degree; or commiserate life experience.
• Some familiarity with the legislative process, for example participating in the Capitol pathways internship.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and Google Suite; experience with project management systems.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with others across communities, with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Commitment to public interest, environmental advocacy and environmental justice.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

COMPENSATION, HOURS, AND LOCATION:

MCEA strives to create a mission-focused work environment that is equitable and inclusive. MCEA highly values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to support our employees through a range of strategies. This internship begins on February 2nd ahead of the Legislative Session, and runs until the end of May.  20 hours per week, depending on availability and schedule. This is an hourly non-exempt position paying $20 per hour.

The position does not qualify for MCEA health, vacation, or paid leave benefits.