Transportation Policy Internship, Research/Outreach/Federal Relations — Washington, D.C.

Organization: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Job Title: Transportation Policy Internship

Location: Washington, D.C.

Hours and Compensation: unpaid and part-time

Application Deadline: rolling

Posted On: Dec. 4, 2012

Organization Overview

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the nation’s leading advocate for trails and a national champion for active transportation. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a significant voice in federal legislation related to creating bikeable and walkable communities. RTC is headquartered in Washington DC with regional offices in California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

Description

RTC is looking for interns interested in working on environmental and public policy issues. Interns will participate as full members of the team and are included in staff meetings and social gatherings. Hours are flexible to accommodate class schedule(s) or other commitments. Hours are weekdays 9 to 5.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Policy team has an opening for a 2-4 month internship. US Congress will soon start debating how to shape the next decade of transportation investments, and this is an opportunity to play a role in our efforts to influence that process.

Responsibilities

The Policy/Research intern will assist the team on one or more aspects of making our case to Congress:

• Assist the Director Policy Outreach in producing a report on the significance and potential of bicycling and walking beyond urban centers. This project will provide a narrative and policy-making tools to increase the stature of active transportation for regions of the U.S. that are not densely populated. Tasks may include:
  • Produce charts and graphs from quantitative data.
  • Conduct testing & user trials of a new policy tool to make it more useful and usable.
  • Gather best practices information from the U.S. and international successes in increasing the transportation mode share for walking and bicycling.
  • Write and produce content for this project for the Rails-to-Trails website.
  • Assemble and rewrite stories gathered and match them with photos from RTC’s extensive photo library.
• Mobilizing stakeholders and organizations to achieve support for our primary federal legislative agenda. Tasks may include:
  • Identify and contact organizations around the country and/or in key legislative districts.
  • Creatively identify and establish relationships with listserves, groups, and other interested parties.
  • Target specific groups for more in-depth relationship cultivation
• Support the Senior VP of Federal Relations in the effort to build relationships and support through direct lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill.

Qualifications

Senior undergrad or master student working towards their degree in Planning, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Transportation Engineering, or a related field. Applicants should be task-oriented, highly organized and possess a strong interest in the topics of health, environment, sustainable transportation, pedestrians, bicycles, or trails.

How to Apply

Submit a resume and cover letter noting how you learned of this position announcement via: E-mail: [email protected];

Mail: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Duke Ellington Building, Attn: Elton Clark, 2121 Ward Court, 5^thFloor, Washington, DC 2003; or Fax: (202) 223-9257