New York is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. The Climate Act (https://climate.ny.gov/) has created the most aggressive climate change goals in the nation and requires an ambitious agenda that blends proven catalysts with innovative approaches while operating across a broader energy arena that is rapidly evolving. New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a driving force in realizing this agenda. NYSERDA works with stakeholders that span residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that:

• Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York's clean energy economy.

• Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York.

• Enable New York's communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy.

NYSERDA recognizes the role that public policy has played in perpetuating inequities faced by historically marginalized communities while working to leverage its critical role in addressing the climate crisis, energy injustice, and the legacy of environmental racism. To meet the State's ambitious climate and equity goals, NYSERDA is transforming its approach to advance energy and climate justice (https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Energy-and-Climate-Equity-Strategy/Climate-Justice) through investments in our economy and workforce that address historic inequities and improve health and resilience for all New Yorkers. NYSERDA is working to address the challenges historically marginalized communities have faced in accessing programs and using their lived experience to inform solutions that support an inclusive clean energy transition.

The Energy and Climate Equity team drives NYSERDA's Climate Equity Strategy, NYSERDA is shifting investments to reduce burden and increase benefits to frontline and historically marginalized communities while designing inclusive pathways for meaningful exchange to ensure these communities are front and center in the decisions that impact their everyday lives.

The Climate Act requires that Disadvantaged Communities receive a minimum of 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits from investments in clean energy and energy efficiency programs. This goal also extends to energy-related projects in housing, workforce development, pollution reduction, transportation, economic development, and low- and moderate-income energy assistance. Disadvantaged Communities were identified based on criteria established by the Climate Justice Working Group to ensure that frontline and underserved communities benefit from New York's clean energy transition.

NYSERDA is focused on shifting to initiatives that allow for deeper, more coordinated engagement and collaboration with historically marginalized communities around program planning and policy development. The Energy and Climate Equity team's initiatives are intended to create more inclusive pathways for meaningful community input and to shift NYSERDA investment and programs to reduce burden and increase benefit to frontline communities.

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW

This is a paid internship for current full-time or part-time students at an accredited college. The pay rate is from $16 to $19 per hour based on current class year. This internship will begin in the Fall 2024 semester and continue to Summer 2025 or Fall 2025.

Interns must be located in New York State or an adjacent state while working. It is expected that interns will follow our telework policy, with a combination of in-office and remote work. Interns work up to 18.5 hours per week during the semester, and up to 37.5 hours per week between semesters, when not attending classes.

The Energy and Climate Equity team is seeking up to three interns to support the team's equitable community engagement efforts such as the Energy Equity Collaborative, the Regional Clean Energy Hubs, and/or disadvantaged communities stakeholder services compensation.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform research and associated analytic tasks.

• Assist with scheduling and other administrative, functions necessary to support the implementation of initiatives focused on disadvantaged communities

• Data entry and data quality control

• Note taking and attendance tracking for meetings

• Assistance with processing and monitoring contracts and solicitations

• Coordinate and manage communication among NYSERDA teams, contractors, and external stakeholders and community groups

• Provide administrative support for one or more taskforces or advisory groups

• Track external stakeholder engagement interactions using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system or similar feedback tracking system

• Contribute to the development of a CRM user guide for the organization's internal Knowledge Base

• Produce reports, presentations, and other documents, as needed

• Perform other responsibilities, as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be enrolled currently as a full-time or part-time student at an accredited college

• Enthusiasm for energy equity and climate justice issues especially as they relate to the quality of life for NYS residents and communities

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently

• Strong verbal and writing skills to effectively communicate with diverse audiences to effectively translate technical information for a diverse audience and help elevate under-resourced, diverse community voices in state planning processes

• Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet project timelines, be responsive, and operate with speed and accuracy

• Proven ability to anticipate and articulate needs in advance, propose solutions, multi-task, plan, and react positively to challenges and new assignments

• Possess a strong work ethic

• Demonstrated ability to perform research utilizing both primary and secondary sources

• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current, full-time or part-time undergraduate or Masters' student pursuing a degree in environmental policy, energy management, urban planning, public administration, or a related field is preferred, but other fields will be considered

• Proficiency in hosting virtual and hybrid meetings is a plus

• Salesforce CRM experience is a plus

• Proficiency in other languages is a plus

Please submit two files, one for your cover letter and another for a resume.