Buffalo, NY- Erie County Legislator, Chairwoman April N.M. Baskin is seeking high school students to serve as unpaid interns from February through May of 2020. 

Interns will assist the legislator and her support staff during regular sessions of the Erie County Legislature and in her district office to gain relevant experience. Interviews will be scheduled with prospective intern candidates; women and minority students are strongly encouraged to apply.

The desired intern qualifications are:

 A strong desire to learn public policy and the legislative process;

 Excellent written communication skills;

 Analytical and research skills;

 Strong work ethic;

 Ability to handle a fast-paced environment.

Duties may include assisting staff in the day-to-day operations within the Legislative offices; answering inquiries by phone and through written communications and email; preparing some of the following: letters, memos, certificates, resolutions, proclamations or reports; assisting with research assignments and special projects; attending meetings or community events; filing, faxing, photocopying, etc.

Interns will work Thursday evenings during the week in Legislator Baskin’s district office, researching policy and developing civics projects based on local government legislation. Occasional attendance at evening community events and participation in frequent civics-based workshops during internship hours required.

There is no compensation for program participation.

Students will interact with County officials as they learn about the function of county government, the procedures for introducing new legislation, and the roles of the various departments in each branch. Interns will be supervised by a legislative staff person and will be assigned to either subject-oriented committees or to the offices of staff.

For more information, please contact Pedro Gonzalez at the district office at 716-895-1849 or via email at pedro.gonzalez-ortiz@erie.gov.