Energy Research Associate

About Mid Hudson Energy Transition

Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, Inc. (MHET) is a not-for-profit community-based organization that empowers municipalities, their residents, and businesses to own and share renewable energy, create healthier buildings, and join in community wealth-building to strengthen the resilience of the Hudson Valley in the face of climate change. We engage and build on the active involvement of communities, with particular emphasis on low-income and communities of color that are being harmed first and worst by climate change.

Energy Research Associate
Location(s): Kingston, NY & surrounding areas in Hudson Valley, NY
Duration: 3-6 months
Hours: Flexible. 15-18 hours a week for full time students. Eligible interns not taking classes can work up to 20 hours per week.
Compensation: $22 - $25/hour

The Organization

Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, Inc. (MHET) is a not-for-profit community-based organization that empowers municipalities, their residents, and businesses to own and share renewable energy, create healthier buildings, and join in community wealth-building to strengthen the resilience of the Hudson Valley in the face of climate change. We engage and build on the active involvement of communities, with particular emphasis on low-income communities and communities of color that are being harmed first and worst by climate change.

Job Summary:

• The Energy Research Associate at Mid-Hudson Energy Transition (MHET) will investigate and explore innovative community energy systems and structures, ownership models, and strategies in the public and private sectors to support MHET’s commitment to rethinking and restructuring our current energy systems to deliver energy democracy and material benefit to frontline communities.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on new and existing renewable energy models and their applications for community energy programs, specifically through the lens of equity, energy justice, and energy democracy.
• Report and present on innovative energy strategies and technologies that could be applied to MHET’s existing programs or that could be used to jump start new programs.
• Stay up to date and research developments of energy technology and policy in the public and private sectors. Assist in the analysis and planning of innovative strategies MHET might use to deliver ownership and energy democracy to priority populations.
• Collaborate with other interns and program managers to find applications for innovative programs and models in MHET's current and planned operations.
• Maintain an organized record of research, analysis, reports, sources, and follow up questions that should be explored or answered.

Successful candidates will have:

• Enthusiasm for community energy systems, renewable technology and models of ownership, and innovation in the energy ecosystem in general.
• A desire to deepen their understanding of energy systems and technologies.
• A commitment to equity and inclusion, with a focus on building the capacity of communities to lead their own energy transitions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Prior experience in qualitative and quantitative research and analysis is a plus.

Eligibility: Applicants will be required to meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

• An individual currently attending or who attended a degree program at a college or university, located in New York State within the last 12 months as of the date of the intern application.
• A current New York State resident attending or who attended a college or university outside of New York State within the last 12 months as of the date of the intern application. New York State residency, with proof of residency such as rental agreement or utility bills, must have been established prior to the start of the internship.
• New York State residents who are members of a disadvantaged community and/or Priority Population.

To Apply: To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter to our Careers Page portal explaining your interest in clean energy and community engagement.

Learn more about NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Internship here.