Public Policy Internship - Summer 2026

Rails To Trails Conservancy • Washington, DC

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community of more than 1 million strong—dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Founded in 1986, Rails to Trails Conservancy's national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Baltimore, and Milwaukee. For more information, visit www.railstotrails.org. Connect with RTC @railstotrails on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter).

RTC is a significant player in influencing federal and state transportation and recreation policies to support the development of trail and active transportation networks that promote mobility, health, economic vitality, livable communities, and environmental justice. Our strategy is to focus on making system-wide improvements to create safe, convenient walking and bicycling access to routine destinations so that people of all ages and abilities, regardless of their ZIP code, can get around on foot, bike, or wheelchair. Interns working with the RTC Policy team will have the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced policy professionals in Washington, D.C., and from around the country, and advocate on the state and federal level for transformative policy on active transportation and trail infrastructure.

This 12-week internship program begins in June 2026. Interns will have the flexibility to work 20-35 hours per week on a regular, consistent schedule.

Requirements

• RTC is seeking a graduate or undergraduate student (Senior preferred) working toward a degree in a relevant field such as urban planning, public policy, environmental studies, economics, social sciences or political science.
• Applicants whose permanent residence is in one of the states where RTC operates will be considered for this internship program. This criterion aligns with our strategic goals and operational requirements. We are looking forward to discovering motivated and talented individuals from the District of Columbia, CA, CO, FL, MD, ME, MI, MT, NJ, OH, OR, PA, VA, or WI.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred candidates should demonstrate an emphasis on American politics, fiscal policy or transportation planning, or significant coursework or experience in any of these fields.
• Candidates should be task-oriented and highly organized and possess a strong interest or background in trails and active transportation, the environment, sustainable transportation, urban planning and land use, public health, outdoor recreation, and/or the art and sciences of legislative advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Supporting RTC staff and assisting with legislative advocacy for the policy agenda.
• Conduct background research on key members of Congress to determine their records and previous positions on active transportation and trails.
• Identify communities with active transportation and trail network plans in key states and congressional districts.
• Analyze active transportation and trail network plans in key states and congressional districts.
• Produce project content for the RTC website and handouts.
• Assist with coordinating meetings with congressional staff.
• Additional communications and writing tasks, and potential cross-departmental work, as it arises, to assist with legislative advocacy work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees