Research and Policy Intern Summer 2025

For five decades, the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) has played a pivotal role in shaping the fields of environmental law, policy, and management, both domestically and internationally.  

ELI is hiring interns to support the research and publications departments of the Institute. Interns work directly with staff attorneys, editors, scientists, and policy analysts on a variety of projects. Substantive areas of focus in local, regional, federal, and international policy and law include: climate change, green technology, land use, biodiversity, air quality, public health, hazardous waste and brownfields, wetlands and watersheds, armed conflict and the environment, environmental management systems, public participation, environmental justice, Indigenous issues, and environmental enforcement. 

ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP 

Interns conduct in-depth secondary and primary research, attend and report on outside events, analyze, edit, and synthesize scholarly material, assist with preparation for environmental training courses, and provide limited administrative support. ELI integrates interns into the day-to-day operations of the Institute, and interns are encouraged to attend ELI-sponsored workshops, seminars, roundtable, and other events. In addition, interns will develop and complete an independent research project under the guidance of ELI staff. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Eligibility is limited to students enrolled in an undergraduate program who have at least completed their first year of college. Applicants are ineligible if they graduate from college/university before or during this summer 2025 internship. 
• Candidates should possess superior research, writing, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as a deep desire to gain knowledge of the environmental field. 
• A strong academic background is required, but specific environmental experience is not. 
• Candidates should demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, the ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds, and the willingness to learn new digital tools. 

ABOUT ELI 

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is an environmental law, science, and policy center that makes law work for people, places, and the planet. We envision a healthy environment, prosperous economies, and vibrant communities founded on the rule of law. Our mission is to foster innovative, just, and practical law and policy solutions to enable leaders across borders and sectors to make environmental, economic, and social progress. 

ELI’s Research and Policy experts develop innovative legal and governance solutions to challenges in areas such as climate change; environmental justice; natural resource management; land conservation and smart growth; biodiversity loss and habitat destruction; and air, water, and soil pollution. Together, ELI’s staff aims to: 

• Build the skills and capacity of tomorrow’s leaders and institutions 
• Research and analyze complex and pressing environmental challenges 
• Promote and disseminate the best thinking through print and electronic media 
• Work with partners to develop and implement laws, policies, and other means to protect the environment and society 
• Convene people with diverse perspectives to build understanding through robust dialogue 

For more information on ELI’s programs, visit https://www.eli.org/programs. 

COMPENSATION & PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 

ELI will provide interns an hourly wage of $18.00. If an intern desires to receive course credit for the internship and the intern’s school prohibits earning income for the same work as the course credit is being received, accommodations can be made.

Candidates for the summer internship must be available to work approximately 37.5 hours/week for at least 10 consecutive weeks from June to August 2025. This is a hybrid internship experience. Therefore, you must be physically present in the DC metro area (where ELI’s office is located). 

HOW TO APPLY 

To apply, submit an application package via ELI's online application system at https://www.eli.org/employment. Note that your submission must contain the following uploaded documents (Word or PDF format), as follows:   

• 1-page resume (including overall GPA)
• Cover letter (including hours per week and number of weeks available) 
• 3–5-page analytical writing sample

Candidates invited to interview will also be asked to complete a 1–2-hour skills assessment. Reasonable accommodations are available during the hiring process. Please direct all inquiries to internsearch@eli.org. Phone calls are not accepted. For more information on the Institute, visit www.eli.org. 

Applications must be submitted no later than January 13, 2025 at 11:59pm ET and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You must use ELI’s online application system; ELI cannot accept applications submitted by email, USPS or other shipping service, or hand delivery. This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship. 

ELI is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to achieving an inclusive, diverse workforce that values every individual. We firmly believe that hiring individuals with varying perspectives and backgrounds contributes to our success as an organization, and we strive to create an environment that fosters inclusiveness. As such, minority candidates and candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.