Undergraduate Intern Program

Earn college credit and help safeguard equitable access to Montana’s public lands and waters.

PLWA’s Undergraduate Interns will learn valuable non-profit operation skills tied to public access investigation, grassroots advocacy and community engagement, fundraising, partnership building, legal elements of public access work, and digital communications techniques.

Graduate student internships are available at the discretion of the Executive Director. Reach out to Alex@plwa.org to discuss the possibility and availability of a graduate internship or partnership with your graduate studies program.

The PLWA Undergraduate Intern will be eligible to receive:

  • 3 independent study college credits through their approved Department.

  • Letter of recommendation from supervising coordinating Professor and Executive Director.

  • Real experience in organizational operations of a non-profit.

  • Mentorship through working with the PLWA leadership team.

Responsibilities of a PLWA Undergraduate Intern:

  • Expected to complete 135 work hours (averaging 10 hours per week) between January and May, or September and December.

  • Must be present and focused, either remotely or at the office (located at 2100 Fairway Dr, Suite 211) 10 hours per week for 12 weeks. Location of work is dependent upon needs of PLWA and will be based on an agreed upon weekly schedule between assistant and Executive Director.

  • Must arrive to scheduled meetings on time and be prepared for preassigned work duties.

  • Must demonstrate strong communication skills in person, on the phone, and by email.

  • Will receive comprehensive explanations and oversight of PLWA-related tasks, expectations, and delivery outcomes.

  • Will assist with verbal and written communications with PLWA members and constituents.

  • Will receive training and feedback on non-profit management systems, access investigation, digital communication, and in regards to the quality of work delivery.

  • Will receive an end-of-semester work evaluation.

  • Must keep a task log using provided software to receive credit.

Students will design an individual plan to complete (3) college credits (supervised by coordinating Professor). Potential ways to log your hours may include:

  • Attend partner meetings and PLWA outreach events.

  • Help arrange and oversee a PLWA Education and Outreach programming event on campus during the semester.

  • Take photos, author articles, and help produce PLWA newsletters, educational materials, and digital media posts.

  • Complete and submit a reflection paper or approved project.

Qualifications

  • Must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student.

  • Must have a means of computing and attending virtual meetings, and transportation (if needed) for on-site meetings. A remote internship may be considered depending on the strength of the candidate.

Applications for the FALL 2024 PLWA Internship will open in Spring of 2024. Micro-internship opportunities will be announced via Social Media and on this page in Spring/Summer 2024. Submit questions or requests for graduate or legal internships to:

Alex Leone, Executive Director, Public Land Water Access Association – Bozeman, MT, - alex@plwa.org