About Oceana
Oceana is a global nonprofit organisation dedicated exclusively to protecting and restoring the world’s oceans.
Founded in 2001, Oceana is the world’s largest nonprofit organisation focused solely on restoring the resilience and abundance of the ocean. The organisation works to achieve measurable change through science-based policy campaigns with clear goals and deadlines.
Oceana’s work focuses on protecting ocean ecosystems, supporting sustainable fisheries, reducing pollution and strengthening policies that protect marine life and coastal communities.
About the Policy Internship
Oceana is seeking a Policy Intern to work closely with its federal policy team in support of its campaigns in the United States.
Job Title: Policy Intern
Job Location: Washington, DC, United States
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Employment Type: Paid Internship
Salary: $19.00–$23.00 per hour
Start Date: October 2026
Closing Date: 18 September 2026
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong interest in Congress, politics, government and the federal policy-making process.
The successful intern will support advocacy and policy initiatives focused on protecting and restoring ocean ecosystems. This includes work relating to offshore oil drilling, plastic pollution, whale and marine mammal protection, responsible fisheries management, illegal fishing and environmental laws.
The internship is based in Washington, DC, with a hybrid work arrangement and a planned start date of October 2026.
Key Responsibilities
The Policy Intern will support Oceana’s federal policy team and may be responsible for:
Policy Research and Analysis
- Conducting research on federal policy and ocean conservation issues.
- Tracking legislation and policy developments.
- Supporting research related to Oceana’s campaigns and advocacy priorities.
- Assisting with policy analysis and background research.
Government and Congressional Engagement
- Attending congressional hearings.
- Participating in internal strategy sessions.
- Assisting with outreach to members of Congress.
- Supporting engagement with the U.S. Administration and other stakeholders.
- Monitoring developments in the federal policy-making process.
Advocacy and Events
- Assisting with advocacy efforts related to ocean protection.
- Helping organise Capitol Hill events and lobby days.
- Supporting outreach to key stakeholders.
- Contributing to Oceana’s policy campaigns in the United States.
Key Policy Areas
The successful intern will support campaigns and policy initiatives focused on:
- Ending offshore oil drilling.
- Reducing plastic pollution.
- Protecting whales and other marine mammals.
- Promoting responsible fisheries management.
- Deterring illegal fishing through greater transparency.
- Defending important environmental laws.
Minimum Requirements
The ideal candidate should have:
- A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- A strong interest in Congress, politics and the U.S. federal policy-making process.
- Knowledge of or a strong interest in ocean conservation.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Strong research, writing and communication skills.
Preferred Experience
Experience in government or advocacy is preferred.
This experience may have been gained through:
- Paid employment.
- Volunteer work.
- Advocacy activities.
- Government-related roles or internships.
Work Schedule and Location
Oceana’s U.S. offices operate on a hybrid work schedule.
Employees are required to work from their assigned office on:
- Tuesday.
- Wednesday.
- Thursday.
With agreement from the employee’s supervisor, employees may work from home on:
- Monday.
- Friday.
Salary
The salary range for this paid internship is:
$19.00–$23.00 per hour.
Why Apply?
This internship offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in federal policy, advocacy and environmental conservation while contributing to campaigns focused on protecting the world’s oceans.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced policy professionals and gain exposure to:
- Congressional hearings and legislative processes.
- Federal policy development.
- Environmental advocacy.
- Stakeholder engagement.
- Policy research and analysis.
- Capitol Hill events and advocacy activities.
Diversity and Inclusion
Oceana is committed to building a diverse workforce and welcomes candidates from a wide range of backgrounds.
The organisation considers qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and seeks to recruit from a broad and inclusive candidate pool.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application for the Policy Intern position before the closing date.
Application Deadline
18 September 2026
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:
Greenlight America is Hiring a Communications Senior Associate (Remote) – $60,000–$85,000
