Legislative Affairs Intern - County of Orange

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The County of Orange, County Executive Office (CEO) along with its agencies, partners with the Board of Supervisors to provide exceptional public service to the residents of Orange County. Its core businesses are public safety, public health, environmental protection, regional planning, public assistance, social services and aviation.

The CEO - Office of Legislative Affairs (CEO/LA) serves as the liaison between the Board of Supervisors and County departments to the California Legislature and United States Congress. CEO/LA is the focal point for coordination of legislative policy and strategy for the County of Orange. In consultation, the County legislative advocates and County departments develop legislative priorities and policies semi-annually for consideration by the Board, and analyzes legislative proposals throughout the year. CEO/LA tracks and analyzes legislation that may impact its departments and monitors implementation of statutory changes and directives. In addition, CEO/LA assists legislators and legislative staff in responding to constituent inquiries and requests for assistance.

Intern Duties/Responsibilities:

The internship provides students and recent graduates an opportunity to learn about public policy and the legislative process within the County of Orange. Interns who are accepted into the program will expand their political/legislative knowledge by supplementing academic studies and classroom participation with real-life experience in a large governmental organization. Interns will be offered an opportunity to work in a stimulating, fast-paced environment while learning the many facets of municipal government.

Throughout the course of the internship, participants will be asked to handle a variety of assignments including the following:

• Conduct legislative research
• Analyze legislation impacting the County of Orange
• Track legislation of interest to County departments and agencies
• Draft letters, talking points and newsletters
• Attend Board of Supervisors hearing and legislative meetings
• Assist with daily administrative tasks and other duties as assigned

The internship provides insight related to the operations of local government.

Educational Requirements:

Ideal candidates will have completed at least two years of undergraduate study at a community or four-year college/university in one of the following academic majors: political science, public administration, law/pre-law, public affairs, communications, public relations, public policy, history or related fields. Applicants with a strong interest in public policy and the legislative process are preferred.

Skills, Training or Qualifications:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Ability to demonstrate a professional work ethic and commitment to ethical conduct at all times
• Ability to research and prepare reports/correspondence in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel
• Previous office/administrative 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.). Applicants able to schedule the maximum hours/duration listed for the internship typically gain a more in-depth experience.

Benefits Available to the Intern:

Although the internship is an unpaid position that does not lead to paid employment or include employee benefits, students and recent graduates are offered an excellent opportunity to:

• Acquire valuable skills, experiences and contacts that will enhance career prospects
• Balance and complement their academic preparation with practical experience
• Apply academic skills and knowledge to the workplace
• Fulfill college/university internship requirements
• Network with professionals who are dedicated to making a positive difference in Orange County

Additional Information:

Background screening, including LiveScan fingerprinting, may be required. A U.S. Social Security number and a valid driver's license or state-issued picture identification are required to process the background screening.

How to Apply:

Please email a resume, cover letter and unofficial transcript to countyoforange.interns@ocgov.com. The cover letter is an opportunity for students/recent graduates to describe career and academic goals, to elaborate upon personal and academic accomplishments, to share areas of interest that relate to the internship and to identify what type of internship experience they are seeking. Please include GPA, preferred start and end dates for the internship, number of hours that can be scheduled on a weekly basis and days/timeframes available to schedule internship hours.