Legislative Affairs intern - OC Community Resources (unpaid internship)
County of Orange, Santa Ana, CA, United States
Legislative Affairs Intern - OC Community Resources (unpaid internship)
Deadline to Apply: Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM (PST).
OC COMMUNITY RESOURCES (OCCR)
OC Community Resources (OCCR) consists of 6 Programs – OCCR Administrative Services, OC Animal Care, OC Community Services, OC Housing & Community Development, OC Parks, and OC Public Libraries. OC Community Resources is committed to connecting people with resources. The Legislative & Government Affairs unit serves as an in-house resource to OCCR Programs and provides liaison between CEO Legislative Affairs and OCCR Programs.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The primary duties of the legislative intern will be to research pending state and federal legislation and related topics, prepare reports regarding legislative activity, and present reports and analyses to staff. Duties may also include assisting staff in their day-to-day assignments; researching the political landscape; providing assistance with special projects, preparing written communications; attending meetings; filing, faxing, photocopying, etc.
The legislative affairs intern(s) will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support throughout the duration of the internship. Upon onboarding, the intern will participate in an orientation session to become familiar with the program’s structure and the functions of OC Community Resources, with a particular focus on County legislative advocacy.
Training will include:
An overview of the state and federal legislative process.
Instruction on how to track and analyze pending legislation using legislative tracking resources.
Guidance on writing legislative analysis, tracking reports, policy briefs, and memos.
Opportunities to observe and participate in legislative strategy meetings and discussions.
Supervision will be provided by the Government & Legislative Affairs Manager (Supervisor) for OC Community Resources who will serve as the intern’s primary point of contact. The Supervisor will hold regular check‑ins to review progress, provide feedback, and offer mentorship. Additional support will be available from team members within the Strategic Operations and Professional Standards team to ensure a collaborative learning environment. The intern will have access to professional development resources and will be encouraged to ask questions, contribute ideas, and reflect on their learning experiences.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited college, university, or trade school and majoring in Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Public Affairs, Communications, Public Relations, Public Policy, History, or related fields; or be a recent graduate who has completed their degree in one of the above fields of study.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to research information and prepare reports and other correspondence; experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel; reliable, outgoing and able to work independently. Previous office experience preferred. Professional appearance and business attire required.
TIME COMMITMENT
Minimum 12 – 20 hours per week for 1 – 2 semesters/quarters. Hours must be scheduled in 3‑ to 8‑hour blocks of time during regular business hours (Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.) and will be in the office.
Summer placement of a shorter duration may be available. Applicants able to schedule the maximum hours/duration listed for this internship typically gain a more in-depth experience.
BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO INTERN
Although this is an unpaid internship that does not lead to paid employment or include employee benefits, students and recent graduates are offered an excellent opportunity to:
Build resumes/work history and explore career options
Apply skills and knowledge acquired in an academic setting to the workplace
Intern with one of the premier employers in the region
Fulfill college/university internship requirements
Network with professionals in their field of interest
EEO Statement
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Deadline to Apply: Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM (PST).
OC COMMUNITY RESOURCES (OCCR)
OC Community Resources (OCCR) consists of 6 Programs – OCCR Administrative Services, OC Animal Care, OC Community Services, OC Housing & Community Development, OC Parks, and OC Public Libraries. OC Community Resources is committed to connecting people with resources. The Legislative & Government Affairs unit serves as an in-house resource to OCCR Programs and provides liaison between CEO Legislative Affairs and OCCR Programs.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The primary duties of the legislative intern will be to research pending state and federal legislation and related topics, prepare reports regarding legislative activity, and present reports and analyses to staff. Duties may also include assisting staff in their day-to-day assignments; researching the political landscape; providing assistance with special projects, preparing written communications; attending meetings; filing, faxing, photocopying, etc.
The legislative affairs intern(s) will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support throughout the duration of the internship. Upon onboarding, the intern will participate in an orientation session to become familiar with the program’s structure and the functions of OC Community Resources, with a particular focus on County legislative advocacy.
Training will include:
An overview of the state and federal legislative process.
Instruction on how to track and analyze pending legislation using legislative tracking resources.
Guidance on writing legislative analysis, tracking reports, policy briefs, and memos.
Opportunities to observe and participate in legislative strategy meetings and discussions.
Supervision will be provided by the Government & Legislative Affairs Manager (Supervisor) for OC Community Resources who will serve as the intern’s primary point of contact. The Supervisor will hold regular check‑ins to review progress, provide feedback, and offer mentorship. Additional support will be available from team members within the Strategic Operations and Professional Standards team to ensure a collaborative learning environment. The intern will have access to professional development resources and will be encouraged to ask questions, contribute ideas, and reflect on their learning experiences.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited college, university, or trade school and majoring in Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Public Affairs, Communications, Public Relations, Public Policy, History, or related fields; or be a recent graduate who has completed their degree in one of the above fields of study.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to research information and prepare reports and other correspondence; experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel; reliable, outgoing and able to work independently. Previous office experience preferred. Professional appearance and business attire required.
TIME COMMITMENT
Minimum 12 – 20 hours per week for 1 – 2 semesters/quarters. Hours must be scheduled in 3‑ to 8‑hour blocks of time during regular business hours (Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.) and will be in the office.
Summer placement of a shorter duration may be available. Applicants able to schedule the maximum hours/duration listed for this internship typically gain a more in-depth experience.
BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO INTERN
Although this is an unpaid internship that does not lead to paid employment or include employee benefits, students and recent graduates are offered an excellent opportunity to:
Build resumes/work history and explore career options
Apply skills and knowledge acquired in an academic setting to the workplace
Intern with one of the premier employers in the region
Fulfill college/university internship requirements
Network with professionals in their field of interest
EEO Statement
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr