Legal Intern @ Wyomingoutdoorcouncil

Job Title: Legal Intern

Reports to: Legal and Government Relations Director

Type of Work: part-time, hourly, up to 10 hours a week

Classification: Non-Exempt, temporary

Start Date: June 1, 2027

End Date: Late July to early August, 2027

Location: Negotiable within Wyoming with Lander preferred.

Deadline to Apply: Applications accepted until position is filled, first review of applications will occur December 9, 2026.

Starting salary: $20-$22/hr, with travel reimbursement within Wyoming available

About the Organization

The Wyoming Outdoor Council is the state’s oldest independent conservation organization. We advocate for Wyoming's environment and communities using multiple knowledge systems and evidence-based practices to ensure comprehensive and long-term solutions.

We seek to enact lasting change that protects the land, wildlife, clean air and water we depend on, meet people where they are, ensure diverse perspectives are part of the conversation, build coalitions, and practice reciprocity.

The Wyoming Outdoor Council offers a flexible workplace with competitive compensation.

The Outdoor Council is an equal opportunity employer. We prioritize fairness in salaries across the organization. We are committed to building a diverse staff, board of directors, and an organizational culture of equity & belonging where we live our values.

The scope of this position's responsibilities may change depending upon experience.

Our Values

• Mission. We are mission driven, dedicated to protecting Wyoming’s environment and quality of life now and for future generations.
• Responsibility. In our conservation work, we lead with humility. We value diverse perspectives. We are solutions oriented.
• Respect.

In our words and actions, we contribute to a respectful and equitable workplace where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging.

• Relevance. We seek creative solutions to tough problems. We are flexible and willing to change course if something isn’t working.
• Reciprocity. With kindness and honesty, we communicate directly. We respond to feedback with openness and a growth mindset.

About Your Role

During this summer internship, you will serve as a member of our Legal and Government Relations team. Working under the direct supervision of the Legal and Government Relations Director you will conduct legal research and draft written opinions to support our mission.

This position offers hands-on experience analyzing legal advocacy strategy, engaging with state legislative processes, and pursuing independent legal research topics aligned with your academic interests and the Outdoor Council's priorities. It also offers the opportunity to gain practical exposure to Federal Indian law and Tribal Governance, specifically regarding the Wind River Indian Reservation.

You will

• Research and draft written legal opinions pertaining to the Outdoor Council ’s mission of protecting public land, wildlife, clean air and water.
• Communicate regularly with the legal and government relations director and other staff on targeted research topics.
• Analyze strategy and advocacy of legal issues.
• Develop and lead an independent research topic on a specific conservation issue that aligns with WOC’s priorities and your academic interests.
• Track interim Wyoming legislative topics and proposed bills.
• Attend and prepare testimony for interim legislative committee meetings during the summer of 2027.
• Establish relationships with state legislators, state/federal agencies and non-profit NGOs that help advance WOC’s mission.
• Work alongside the Tribal Conservation team regarding legal research and participate in Tribal community outreach activities, when appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.
• You may work approximately three days a week and up to 10 total hours per week.

About You

• Currently enrolled in an accredited J.D. program (completion of 2L year preferred) with an interest in natural resources, public lands, or environmental law.
• Self-driven, organized, and capable of taking ownership and leadership over assigned projects.
• Detail-oriented with strong writing capabilities and an ability to consistently follow project instructions.
• Comfortable with flexible working hours (up to 10 hours per week).
• Experienced working on Mac operating systems, standard office software, Google Suite collaboration tools.
• Possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Committed to the mission of the Wyoming Outdoor Council and dedicated to fostering equity and belonging in the workplace.

We strongly encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply.

Email Misti Haase at [email protected] with any questions or if you need any accommodations in the application or interview processes (please put “Legal Intern” in the subject.).

Physical Demands

These physical demands are representative of those met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to hold objects, writing instruments, the telephone, or other materials. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and use a keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

$20 - $22/hr, with travel reimbursement within Wyoming