Join Russian Riverkeeper’s Legal & Policy team and help protect the Russian River Watershed through real-world environmental advocacy. Interns work directly with our Policy Director & Staff Attorney, and Deputy Director on active policy initiatives, legal research, and watershed governance strategies.
About the Internship:
This internship offers hands-on experience in environmental law and policy within a small, mission-driven nonprofit. Interns support ongoing watershed advocacy through legal research, writing, and policy analysis on issues ranging from California water rights and the Public Trust Doctrine to the Clean Water Act, while also gaining exposure to nonprofit programmatic and administrative work.
What You’ll Do:
- Conduct legal research on issues including California water rights, the public trust doctrine, and the Clean Water Act
- Draft internal legal and policy memos
- Assist with written comments to regional and state agencies
- Help translate complex water issues into public-facing communications
- Observe and participate in public hearings and agency meetings
Compensation & Schedule:
- Paid Summer Internship @ $23/hr
- Part-time: 15–20 hrs/week (12 weeks)
- Full-time: 32–40 hrs/week (12 weeks)
- Remote position aligned with academic calendar
We’re Looking For:
- Current law students or graduate students in environmental or related fields
- Strong research, analytical, and writing skills
- Demonstrated interest in environmental protection or water policy
- Self-motivated and able to work independently in a remote setting
Application Process:
Please submit the following materials in PDF format to susan@russianriverkeeper.org with the subject line: RRK Internship Program.
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Unofficial Transcript
- Legal or Policy Writing Sample
Note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled, with early applications preferred. All applications will be anonymized before review by supervising staff. Only once potential candidates have been selected for an interview will any identifying information be revealed. Those chosen for interviews will be contacted to set up a date and time for a zoom meeting.
Join us in our mission to protect and preserve the Russian River for future generations!