Onshore and Offshore Access Intern

The Upstream Onshore and Offshore Access Intern will contribute to API's policy development on pivotal onshore and offshore federal access issues. The Upstream Department handles API's exploration and production work (e.g., the right to develop the surface and mineral rights, drilling, and compliance with associated environmental regulations).

Throughout the summer, you will gain a clear understanding of how environmental laws impact oil and gas leasing and production activities on federal lands and waters. This is an excellent opportunity to work on regulatory actions in the headlines with a close knit advocacy team whose background encompasses Capitol Hill, government agencies, and the foreign offices of several international organizations. In the past, we have worked with candidates to help them develop a tailored writing sample appropriation for their next step (Capitol Hill work, law school, a MBA program, etc.).

Your perspective will also help shape API's integrated advocacy - how we work with cross functional teams to accomplish our policy goals. Intern work is likely to include attending API member committee meetings and collaborating with API Communications, Legal, Government Affairs, and API's industry-leading global standards department, which contributes to effective operations worldwide.

This will be a robust, substantive experience that also leaves time for active participation in the many fun activities API organizes for its annual class of interns. The weekly time commitment is flexible, with an expected duration not to exceed 35 hours per week, Mondays through Fridays (recognizing that Mondays and Fridays will likely be remote). Work may be completed on a flexible schedule between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT.

Candidates wishing to begin with other members of API's 2026 intern cohort should plan to begin on May 19 and conclude on August 6.

Projects and Tasks

• Federal lands and waters access. Conduct regulatory, legal, legislative, and economic research to support evolving integrated advocacy needs. Extensive interaction with federal relations and communications teams is expected, particularly as work products evolve after coordination with API staff, allied trades, coalitions, and other stakeholders.
• Potential supporting attendance at meetings for API and the industry with national, state, and local policy makers as well asprivate sector companies,the media, think tanks,andnon-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Tailored projects. While projects will vary according to time-sensitive advocacy needs, last year's Upstream intern attended meetings on Capitol Hill, drafted integrated advocacy collateral for several issues, and helped develop comments on evolving regulations.

Qualifications

• Preferred Majors: Political Science; Communications; Economics; Petroleum Engineering/Geoscience (or other relevant engineering majors); and Environmental Science related majors. This would be an ideal experience for either a technical candidate hoping to build a career in the oil and gas industry, or a political / communications candidate hoping to build a career in Washington.
• Additional Experience & Skillsets: Familiarity with the oil and gas industry a plus, project management, and/or website management/organization are also desired skillsets.
• All candidates must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in a relevant area, or other related field equivalent work experience.
• Excellent communications (written, verbal and graphical), planning, organizational skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications are an advantage.
• Enthusiasm for learning about the oil and natural gas industry is essential.
• Initiative and ability to work both independently and collegially with others (in the department, across the organization, with member company representatives and allies) is also important.

Physical Requirements

• Able to remain in a stationary position working on a computer
• Move about the office to access office machinery, meeting rooms, etc.
• Operate a computer and other office machinery such as printers and copy machines
• Transport items and equipment up to 25 lbs. on occasion

Travel Requirements

• No travel is expected for this role.

This job description outlines the typical accountabilities and requirements of the position, but should not be construed as an all-encompassing description of every duty performed by or expected of the incumbent.

EEO Statement

API is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Our success in maintaining a reputation for professional excellence depends on selecting the best qualified candidates. Achieving this objective means that no employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth, related medical conditions, breastfeeding, and reproductive health decisions), genetic information, national origin, disability, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, credit information, the status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual offense, or any prohibited basis under federal, state or local law.

API is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Department via email at HumanResources@api.org.

Candidates are typically hired at a point in the salary range based on prior experience, education, and market demand for the role; candidates are also compared internally to their peers.

API offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families. More information about our benefits may be found at api.org/about/careers/benefits.