Government Affairs Intern; Public Affairs Intern

The Fertilizer Institute Internship Program

Company Overview

The Fertilizer Institute envisions a world without hunger: Ensuring food production and security for a thriving tomorrow. We seek to empower the fertilizer industry to nourish our world. This vision is accomplished through Productive Policy, a Strong Industry and a Healthy Environment.

TFI is a trade association representing the needs of member companies. We are proud to partner with fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers, and the many businesses that serve the industry. By leveraging the power of a unified industry voice, together we rise above the noise and ensure that the business interests of the industry are served.

Internship Overview

TFI prides itself in providing a meaningful paid Summer internship experiences. Summer internships last up to 12 weeks, from June to August, at its Arlington, VA office. Each intern works toward capstone project, while completing the daily and weekly projects assigned by their intern manager and other staff. 

TFI’s interns have worked to develop valuable one-pagers on key industry issues, added to Farm Bill markup efforts, researched and compiled fertilizer tonnage reporting information for member use and other impactful projects. 

2026 TFI Summer Internships 

The Fertilizer Institute is excited to offer three intern positions for the Summer of 2026. When submitting an application, please select the position for which you are applying. 

Government Affairs Intern: (two positions available)

The Government Affairs Intern will assist the Government Affairs team with advocacy efforts and policy analysis that impact the fertilizer supply chain. Responsibilities include researching legislative issues, summarizing information from briefings and meetings and developing key deliverables to advance policy work. A genuine interest in agriculture and government relations is essential. 

Public Affairs Intern: 

The Public Affairs Intern will support the Public Affairs team with tasks including website content development and edits, media engagement, graphic design, narrative development, writing, and advocacy campaigns. Majors of communications, journalism or an agriculture-related field are preferred. Strong writing skills are essential. 

Required Education

• Candidates must be enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program (or higher) in public policy or government affairs, agriculture, environmental science or related program. 
• Candidates must have completed two (2) years of study towards a Bachelor's degree program prior to starting the position.

Required Experience & Skills

• Candidates must be able to commit to full-time onsite employment for 10 - 12 weeks
• Candidates must have strong Microsoft Office skills
• Candidates must have strong scientific communication and policy communication skills, including the ability to distill complex information into accurate summaries and deliver presentations related to scientific concepts or policy issues. 

Preferred Experience & Skills 

• Candidates should be highly motivated, driven and willing to take the initiative to learn about the fertilizer supply chain, member companies and policy issues affecting the industry. 
• Candidates should have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Candidates should be comfortable using a PC computer and proficient in Windows-based operating systems and basic applications, such as MS PowerPoint
• Candidates should have demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• Candidates should have experience collaborating with others on project teams
• Candidates should have time management skills (e.g. manage multiple projects/assignments & deliver each on time and of high quality)

Compensation & Office Environment

TFI offers interns with a stipend of $1,100/pay period for hours worked (twice a month). Travel and relocation costs, as well as living arrangements, are the responsibility of the intern. Intern positions are full-time in-person. TFI interns will be provided with desk space, an office phone, and laptop. 

Travel Requirements

No travel required, however, optional opportunities to travel for work projects may present themselves. 

How to Apply

Interested applicants should use this form to submit a resume and cover letter for the summer internship program. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be considered until 5:00 pm EST on March 9, 2026. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application no later than March 31, 2026. 

For questions, please reach out to David Townsend (dtownsend@tfi.org).