About the Position
The Illinois Environmental Council works to ensure a healthful environment for all Illinoisans through education, communication and collaboration. IEC is looking for a Spring Legislative Intern to work closely with and support IEC’s Legislative Team during session. Their role will mainly focus on attending committee meetings, monitoring bills, attending meetings to take notes, attending events, and other items that may come up at the end of session. Additionally, they would provide administrative support for program and policy staff, as needed.
This is a unique opportunity to see firsthand how the Illinois legislative session operates and how bills become laws with the active engagement of advocates and lobbyists.
This part-time position will be located in Springfield, IL and will last approximately 8 weeks. Candidates must reside within Illinois, and they must report to our Springfield office.
Responsibilities
- Attend committee meetings, hearings, and legislative sessions, and provide summaries of key discussions and activities.
- Support with the tracking of IEC monitored bills
- Join IEC staff and partners in meetings and events with legislators and other key stakeholders
- Provide reports and analysis as necessary
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Educational or work experience related to environmental issues and/or general public policy.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong time management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups and people.
- Commitment to and knowledge of equity, diversity, inclusion, and allyship work.
- Proficiency using both the Microsoft and Google software suites
- Highly organized.
- Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and work independently.
- Knowledge of sustainable office practices such as plastic reduction and recycling.
- Interest in environmental issues and policies.
Physical Requirements — Have the ability to:
- Operate a computer.
- Work at a desk for extended periods.
- Stand, walk, and be on your feet outdoors for extended periods.
- Communicate and exchange information.
Equal Opportunity Employer
IEC/IECEF is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, gender expression or identity, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, veteran status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, certain arrest or criminal history records, homelessness and use of lawful products outside of work during non-working hours or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
Equity, Allyship, and Powerbuilding Values
IEC/IECEF is always working to ensure that everyone on our team feels engaged and supported in all areas of the organization’s operations as we work to become a fully inclusive, multicultural, and anti-racist organization.
We are only as powerful as the people in our movement and those we serve. Building power for people and our environment in Illinois requires us to actively combat social and political power dynamics that disenfranchise marginalized communities across a broad range of issues beyond those that fall squarely within traditional environmental policy. When marginalized communities are empowered, environmental protections become more possible. Thus we are called to stand in solidarity as allies with those fighting for justice and to strengthen our democratic institutions where power drives policy change.
About Our Pay and Benefits
The Internship is a part-time in-person position located in Springfield, IL. Candidates must reside in Illinois. Compensation for this position is $16/hr for 30-40 hours of work per week, for 8 weeks.
- Location requirements: In-person
- Compensation: $16 per hour
Hours per week: Estimated 30 hours per week - Duration: 8 Weeks
How to Apply
Introduce yourself to us as a colleague in your cover letter. Show us your future here! We value great writers, so be yourself and take your time with the application. Stock cover letters won’t do. Tell us why you want this job.
IEC/IECEF is an equal-opportunity employer.
Applications must be received by March 13, 2026.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to:
Cate Caldwell, Sr. Policy Manager, cate@ilenviro.org
About IEC
Since 1975, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) and Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF) have worked to safeguard Illinois—its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends by building power for people and the environment. Representing over 130 environmental organizations and over 600 individuals in the state, IEC carries out its mission to advance equitable public policies that ensure a healthy environment across Illinois through collaboration, building power, and advocacy.
IEC advances sound environmental laws and policies at all levels of government by bringing together the Illinois environmental community to influence decision-makers and ensure clean air, clean water and healthy communities. From lobbying at the State Capitol to building consensus around an annual environmental agenda, IEC takes pride in leading our environmental movement in Illinois. We coordinate our affiliate member organizations to share resources, mobilize supporters and respond quickly to the most pressing issues facing the environment in Illinois.
IEC also supports environmental activists across the state, building programs and resources to cultivate the next generation of environmental leadership, such as our Young Professionals Board, Community Council, annual environmental scorecards, and other educational programs like our Civics for Environmentalists and Lunch & Learn series.