The posting
Position: Government Relations Intern
Reports to: Government and Stakeholder Relations Lead
Compensation*: Competitive starting pay rate: $18.00 per hour.
*Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, and certifications in the pay equity assessment to determine equitable salary placement. Candidates should expect compensation offers within the starting compensation range. The full pay range is included to show the potential earnings for this position with sustained high performance*.
Employment Classification: Non-Exempt / Internship
Application End Date: 10/13/2026
Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible; position is open until filled
Office Location: Portland Metro Area, Oregon, USA
Energy Trust is committed to pay equity. Energy Trust is committed to fair employment
practices and non-discrimination, including pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected class (race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation) in the payment of wages or screen applicants on the basis of their current or past compensation. We determine salary by completing a review of your application materials to evaluate your related education, experience, and training.
BACKGROUND
About Energy Trust of Oregon
Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to energy efficiency and renewable energy development. We serve Oregon customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista, and SW Washington customers of NW Natural. Year over year Energy Trust is recognized as one of the 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon.
Our Vision
Clean, affordable energy for everyone.
Our Commitment to Diversity
We recognize the lack of diversity in our industry, and we actively seek to address it with our hiring and retention practices as well as our values. We believe every person and their lived experience is integral to building a vibrant culture and delivering effective services to all customers we serve. We are committed to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and we encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and experience to apply.
Our Location
Energy Trust provides for a range of work location options, including remote, hybrid and in-office work. This position will represent Energy Trust in public settings and potentially at community events. We are open to candidates who live throughout Oregon and Washington.
What We’re Looking For:
The Government Relations Intern will support the Communications and Customer Service Group on engagement needs, efforts, systems and processes designed to provide information to elected officials, state, local and Tribal government entities, and other entities about Energy Trust programs and services. The intern will also support staff participating in state agency policy forums, including workshops, rulemakings and advisory group meetings, through monitoring meetings, taking notes and conducting research. The intern will gain knowledge and exposure to Oregon policy-making processes and outcomes, including state legislative bill tracking and Oregon Public Utility Commission rulemaking; Energy Trust relationship management approaches; Energy Trust program information; and communications and outreach work to help stakeholders, policymakers and policy implementers understand Energy Trust’s role in helping Oregon meet its clean energy goals.
This individual reports to the Government and Stakeholder Relations Lead. This position is expected to report to the Portland office quarterly at a minimum for all staff and other in-person meetings.
This is a temporary, part-time internship (15-20 hours per week, negotiable upon hire) and may not exceed 1,000 total hours worked.
What You’ll Do:
Oregon Legislature Monitoring and Coordination on Issues (50% of time)
- Coordinate overall team responsibilities related to legislative session, including tracking on upcoming deadlines and assignments, scheduling meetings, drafting internal updates, and coordinating team delivery of public reports and presentations to the Energy Trust board, advisory councils and staff on the 2027 legislative session.
- Track state legislative proposals and bills as they move through the legislative process that could connect to energy efficiency, renewable energy and/or Energy Trust.
- Monitor and take notes of relevant committee hearings and floor debates.
- Support scheduling of informational briefings with legislators and help staff prepare for briefings.
- Assemble information to respond to legislators, community groups and stakeholders inquiring about energy issues and Energy Trust programs, services and results.
Oregon Regulatory Monitoring and Support (20% of time)
- As assigned, track, document status and synthesize findings from Oregon Public Utility Commission rulemaking and dockets related to Energy Trust, energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental justice. Augment summaries with relevant research of policy concepts from other states as assigned.
- As assigned, monitor public rulemakings and workshops at Oregon Department of Energy, Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Housing and Community Services and other state agencies whose work intersects with Energy Trust programs.
Team Projects and Tasks Support (30% of time)
- Participate as a project that develops and distributes Energy Trust district-level reports to individual state legislators.
- Enter activities conducted by team members into tracking software, and maintain process documentation.
- Working across teams, maintain the Local and Tribal Government Energy Planning Tracking spreadsheet.
- Work collaboratively with communications, marketing and web teams on communications, messaging and materials development.
- Create templates for team projects and processes.
- Attend and take notes at energy, climate, and environmental justice coalition meetings.
- Assist with other team projects and tasks related to government relations (local, state, federal and Tribal) and stakeholder engagement, including new team information tracking tools, policy research, assembling materials, preparing backgrounders, responding to information requests and taking notes.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
- Perform all functions of the job in a safe manner.
Supervisory Responsibility
- This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Requirements
- College/graduate level coursework in public policy, communications, journalism, energy or other relevant experience/degree, preferred.
- Experience in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, databases, and PowerPoint software.
- Experience using cloud-based applications for project coordination and management, and file sharing.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- High organizational skills with experience managing multiple tasks simultaneously and an ability to reprioritize work based on emerging needs.
- Ability to work independently and as a supportive, contributing team member.
- Ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds.
- Must be able to interact with a diverse workforce and be comfortable working in culturally diverse settings and groups.
The above information is designed to outline the major functions and position requirements of this job. It does not identify all tasks that may be expected, nor address the performance standards that must be maintained.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please submit your resume and brief cover letter that shares your interest in this role. All applicants must submit via Energy Trust’s website www.energytrust.org/About/careers.
All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background check (which may include employment verification, education verification, criminal history, motor vehicle record) and reference checks.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that candidates from certain demographics are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification—for example, women and People of Color. At Energy Trust we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace—if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.
Energy Trust of Oregon is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, medical condition, genetic information, mental and physical disability, political affiliation, union membership, status as a parent, military or veteran status or other non-merit based factors. We will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the application, interviewing and employment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, contact us. Energy Trust of Oregon is an E-Verify employer. This policy is applicable to all phases of the employment relationship, including hiring, transfers, promotions, training, terminations, working conditions, compensation, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment.Energy Trust is committed to pay equity. Energy Trust is committed to fair employment practices and non-discrimination, including pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected class (race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation) in the payment of wages or screen applicants on the basis of their current or past compensation. We determine salary by completing a review of your application materials to evaluate your related education, experience and training.
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