Legislative Research Assistant - Paid Internship

JOB OVERVIEW
The City of Harrisburg is accepting applications for a Legislative Research Assistant Intern who will support the Office of the City Clerk and Harrisburg City Council through a combination of legislative research, administrative assistance, and project-based work. The position is designed as a summer internship centered on the development of an independent research project aligned with municipal policy interests and the intern’s academic or professional areas of interest. The intern will conduct independent and comparative research on municipal practices, assist in analyzing relevant legal and administrative frameworks, and help translate findings into practical insights or recommendations. This role provides hands-on exposure to local government operations while contributing to meaningful policy exploration relevant to the City of Harrisburg.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This is a temporary, project-based paid internship position for Summer 2026. The internship is anticipated to run for approximately 10 weeks, beginning in late May and concluding in early August 2026, with flexibility based on academic schedules. The position offers an hourly rate of $15.00 per hour and is expected to average 40 hours per week.

City of Harrisburg, Bureau of Human Resources
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City Government Center
10 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Phone: (717) 255-6475
Email: HR@harrisburgpa.gov

The City of Harrisburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Wanda R. D. Williams, Mayor

Job Title:
Legislative Research Assistant (Paid internship)
Office of Harrisburg City Clerk / City Council

DEFINITION:

The Legislative Research Assistant Intern will support the Office of the City Clerk and Harrisburg City Council through a combination of legislative research, administrative assistance, and project-based work. The position is designed as a summer internship centered on the development of an independent research project aligned with municipal policy interests and the intern’s academic or professional areas of interest. The intern will conduct independent and comparative research on municipal practices, assist in analyzing relevant legal and administrative frameworks, and help translate findings into practical insights or recommendations. This role provides hands-on exposure to local government operations while contributing to meaningful policy exploration relevant to the City of Harrisburg.

JOB LOCATION/EQUIPMENT:

Work is performed primarily at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City Government Center, located at 10 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, with occasional travel to neighborhoods and community locations within the City of Harrisburg for outreach and engagement activities. The position involves the use of standard office equipment including computers, printers, copiers, scanners, telephones, and other research-related technologies. Typical hours are weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening hours may be required to attend public meetings, community events, or outreach efforts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The intern will undertake a summer research project on a policy topic selected in coordination with the Office of the City Clerk and City Council, including researching comparable initiatives in Pennsylvania third class cities and similarly situated municipalities, reviewing relevant legal frameworks and precedent, and evaluating administrative feasibility for potential application in Harrisburg. As appropriate to the selected topic, the intern may develop and utilize surveys, questionnaires, or other information-gathering tools, and will analyze findings and synthesize results into a comprehensive final work product that may include a defined problem statement, comparative analysis, and well-supported recommendations. The intern may also assist in drafting legislative concepts or supporting materials and will support the City Clerk’s Office with legislative research, preparation of materials for meetings and hearings, drafting of resolutions and other official documents, maintaining accurate records, and limited professional interaction with members of the public.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable findings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to engage professionally with residents, community stakeholders, and public officials.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and general internet research tools.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Critical thinking skills and attention to detail.
• Interest in public policy, local government, and community development.
• Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information with discretion.

QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalent. Current undergraduate, graduate, or law student enrolled in an accredited college or university (preferred). Academic background in public administration, political science, law, economics, or a related field (preferred). Demonstrated interest in public service, government, or community engagement. Harrisburg Resident (Preferred). Applicants must possess a valid state identification (valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, Class C preferred, but not required).