Public Policy & Government Relations Intern - Merck Animal Health

Paid • Hybrid • Closes February 17

Job Description

Our Company's Animal Health Public Policy and Government Relations Intern will be supporting the Animal Health overall business in the U.S. 

The intern will provide added value to the our Company's Animal Health Public Policy team, learning to advocate for policy initiatives that support our business and our customers’ businesses.  The intern will interact and build networks with various stakeholders at the state-level, including producer groups, trade associations, multi-stakeholder coalitions, and state government agencies to gain first-hand policy experience. An interest in public policy is critical, but prior experience is not required. Issue areas covered by the public policy team include but are not limited to animal health and welfare, One Health and zoonoses, sustainability, animal traceability, biotechnology, precision livestock agriculture, animal monitoring, telehealth, and international trade. The job scope and primary focus for this position is to actively support the public policy team on a diverse array of projects and priorities that add value to the business including:

• Attend and report out summaries of relevant hearings and bill markups in state legislative bodies

• Policy (legislation and regulation) review and analysis

• Develop and execute plans for engaging with coalitions and trade associations on priority issues

• Participate in meetings and events including trade association and coalition meetings, meetings with legislative staff, briefings and events, etc.

• Ensure clear, concise and timely communication with the policy team and the business on priority issues

• Other responsibilities as assigned

Education Minimum Requirement:

• Currently enrolled in any bachelor’s or graduate degree program

• Completed at least 2 years of college course work by May 2025

Required Experience and Skills: 

• Available for a period of 3 months beginning approximately May 19 to August 8, 2025 (exact dates flexible)

• Excellent interpersonal/communication, writing, and presentation skills 

• General computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

• Ability to be organized, adapt to a changing environment, work independently and as part of a team

• Demonstrates high ethical standards

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Interest in public policy

• Interest in animal health

• GPA of 3.0 or higher

Learn more and apply here.