Buffalo, NY– Erie County Legislature Minority Leader Thomas A. Loughran (D-Amherst) is seeking college students to serve as unpaid interns for the 2017 summer and fall semesters.

Interns will assist the elected legislators and their support staff during the regular session of the Erie County Legislature for college credit and/or for experience, and will be expected to complete 15 hours of service a week. 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;

·         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.

Students meet weekly with legislators, department heads, and various committee members to deepen their understanding of all components of local government. Students 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 intern program coordinator, Tamell Walker, at 858-8853 or tamell.walker@erie.gov .