White House Council on Environmental Quality Internship Program
Who Are We?
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) coordinates Federal environmental efforts and works closely with agencies and other White House offices in the development of environmental policies and initiatives. CEQ was established within the Executive Office of the President by Congress as part of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).
The Council’s Chair, Nancy Sutley, serves as the principal environmental policy adviser to the President. Chair Sutley assists and advises the President in developing environmental policies and initiatives.
Through interagency working groups and coordination with other EOP components, CEQ works to advance the President’s agenda. It also balances competing positions, and encourages government-wide coordination, bringing Federal agencies, state and local governments, and other stakeholders together on matters relating to the environment, natural resources and energy.
CEQ also oversees the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive, which works to promote sustainable environmental stewardship throughout the Federal Government.
In addition, CEQ oversees Federal agency implementation of the environmental impact assessment process and acts as a referee when agencies disagree over the adequacy of such assessments. In enacting NEPA, Congress recognized that nearly all Federal activities affect the environment in some way and mandated that before Federal agencies make decisions, they must consider the effects of their actions on the quality of the human environment. Under NEPA, CEQ works to balance environmental, economic, and social objectives in pursuit of NEPA’s goal of “productive harmony” between humans and the human environment. 42 U.S.C. §4331(a).
NEPA assigns CEQ the task of ensuring that Federal agencies meet their obligations under the Act. The challenge of harmonizing our economic, environmental and social aspirations has put NEPA and CEQ at the forefront of our nation’s efforts to protect the environment.
What Does the CEQ Intern Program Entail?
Our interns work on a number of issue portfolios such as climate change, land conservation, clean water, green jobs, environmental justice, NEPA, clean energy, and ocean and coastal affairs. Our internship program is designed to give students an unparalleled introduction to the Federal Government’s role in clean energy and environment decision-making. In addition, interns can gain experience in communications and media relations, legislative affairs, and policy outreach.
Interns are given a wide range of assignments including conducting research, attending meetings, managing incoming inquiries, and writing memos on a variety of environmental issues. Interns have the opportunity to be involved in groundbreaking projects, working closely with staff at all levels and from a
variety of backgrounds. The pace in the office is fast, so accuracy and attention to detail are absolute requirements.
Interns can expect to begin with the basics and gradually add more specialized projects as they gain experience.
Other essential intern duties include answering phones, routing mail, copying documents, filing and retrieving information (conventionally or electronically), assembling briefing materials and performing assigned research tasks.
Who Are We Looking For?
We are seeking talented, hard-working students interested in using public policy to improve our nation. You will have the chance to work in a challenging workplace with today’s top environmental policy analysts.
Candidates must have:
• The ability to handle the inherent pressure that accompanies working within the Executive Office of the President.
• The capability to work within a team-based environment, think quickly, and posses problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communications skills and computer literacy.
• Relevant classroom or practical experience.
• Strong interest in environment, energy, and government issues and a strong desire to learn.
• A high level of motivation and enthusiasm.
Applying
Most interns work a typical semester-based schedule (May – August, September – December, January – April); however a position may be customized based on applicant availability and project needs. (We strongly prefer candidates who are available to work full-time, but will consider applicants who cannot.)
• CEQ will work with interns who are attempting to arrange credit with a college or university to help fulfill academic requirements. All internship positions are unpaid.
• Please apply online at http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/internships.
• Email any questions to internships@ceq.eop.gov.
Application Deadlines
For a Spring Internship, please apply by November 1st.
For a Summer Internship, please apply by March 1st
For a Fall Internship, please apply by July 1st.