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.
T eam 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 an