About the role#
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Internship at Lake County Government offers a flexible, hands-on experience designed to introduce students to the functions of local government. This role is highly collaborative, allowing you to shape your projects based on your specific skills and the current priorities of the County. You will work directly with Commissioner Elsa Tharp to gain exposure to civic decision-making and community infrastructure.
What you'll do#
- Research and develop policy recommendations for local issues or internal County processes.
- Investigate the history and local impacts of the Colorado Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR).
- Analyze community feedback from various platforms to support local elected officials.
- Create clear resources, such as public hearing cheat sheets, to help residents navigate County processes.
- Design data visualizations to explain how public funds are allocated.
- Develop a roadmap for potential consolidation or coordination of City of Leadville and Lake County services.
- Collaborate with other Colorado County Commissioners on political advocacy and legislative engagement.
- Attend at least five public meetings to gain firsthand experience with local government and community organizations.
- Participate in weekly check-ins and one-on-one brainstorming sessions to track progress and identify new opportunities.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in high school, community college, trade school, or another post-secondary program.
- An interest in local government, public service, and community affairs.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to summarize information clearly.
- Organizational skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
- The ability to work independently while seeking guidance when needed.
- A professional approach when interacting with county employees, officials, and community members.
- A willingness to learn new systems and approach unfamiliar issues with curiosity.
- Relevant experience from school, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrates responsibility and teamwork.
Location & details#
- Location: Leadville, Colorado.
- Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: $16 per hour.
- Schedule: Flexible hours, determined in collaboration with your supervisor to accommodate school and extracurricular commitments.
- Term: Rolling.
About Lake County Government
Lake County Government provides public services to the community of Leadville, Colorado. Established in 1861, the agency manages various departments including public health, law enforcement, and public works. It operates from multiple locations across the county with a staff of 66 employees. The organization coordinates regional infrastructure, emergency management, and community resources.
How to get in at Lake County Government
Securing an internship at Lake County Government often comes down to timing. Because many government roles fill quickly, Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a position is posted so you can apply among the first. Getting your application in early ensures your materials are reviewed before the applicant pool grows too large to manage. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the specific recruiters behind these roles. Reaching out directly to ask about the department or a potential referral often improves your response rate compared to waiting in a general queue.
