The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Science, Technology, and Policy Program is designed to provide opportunities for students, postgraduates, established scientists and faculty to participate in programs, projects, and activities at the Department. Fellows will receive hands-on experience that provides an understanding of the mission, operations, and culture of DOE. As a result, fellows will gain deep insight into the federal government's role in the creation and implementation of energy technology policies; apply your scientific, policy and technical expertise to the development of solutions to issues of importance to the DOE and continue your education and involvement in areas that support the DOE mission either in a technical or policy-related role. The DOE Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) is seeking ORISE fellows to support its mission and construct several clean energy and energy efficiency programs.

About The Office of State and Community Energy Programs

As part of DOE’s Office of the Under Secretary for Infrastructure, the mission of the Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) is to support state, local and tribal governments as they significantly accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies and practices through place-based strategies. SCEP was created in January 2022 to implement key parts of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; the office oversees nearly $18 billion in funding. SCEP is responsible for several foundational grant, prize, and technical assistance programs, including the Home Energy Rebates, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, the State Energy Program, and the Weatherization Assistance Program. SCEP also is responsible for launching several new and exciting programs that will support state, tribal, and local governments.

These activities help decrease energy costs and contribute to decarbonization efforts, provide good-paying jobs with a fair and free choice to join a union and collectively bargain, and secure clean energy economy benefits for all Americans, especially marginalized and low-income communities that have long borne the brunt of pollution.

About the IRA Home Energy Rebates Program

On Aug. 16, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden signed the landmark Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law. The law includes $391 billion to support clean energy and address climate change, including $8.8 billion in rebates for home energy efficiency and electrification projects.

The Home Energy Rebates will help American households save money on energy bills, upgrade to clean energy equipment and improve energy efficiency, and reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that these rebates will save households up to $1 billion on energy bills each year and support over 50,000 U.S. jobs. 

DOE envisions that the Home Energy Rebates will help grow the equitable clean energy economy by scaling access to and demand for home energy upgrades for all. The mission of DOE’s Home Energy Rebates team is to work with diverse market actors to leverage the unprecedented IRA investment in residential efficiency and electrification to develop, discover, and scale successful models for home energy upgrades.

Fellowship Duties

Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participant will serve as a fellow within the SCEP office. The successful candidate will learn from federal staff regarding content development and various roles associated with communication activities. The objectives of this opportunity include learning and developing in the areas of:

• Content development — possibilities include:
  • Creating and revising content for DOE’s website
  • Drafting email announcements
  • Developing social media content
  • Designing graphics
  • Contributing talking points and content for speeches
  • Developing briefing memos and slide decks
  • Shooting and editing videos
• Clean Energy Knowledge and Expertise:
  • Building knowledge and expertise around energy efficiency measures and technologies
  • Collaborating with contractors or DOE staff to deliver clean energy technical assistance, materials, curriculums, webinars, workshops, etc.
• Building an innovative new team at DOE
  • Participate with a new DOE office as it stands up a large clean energy program to help state and tribal governments reach their clean energy and energy efficiency goals.
  • Coordinating with other DOE offices and engaging stakeholders, including state and tribal governments, public and private interest groups, and private sector organizations.

As a result of their participation on this program, participants are expected to:

• Gain insight into the federal government's role in the creation and implementation of policies and programs that affect clean energy technology developments.
• Learn about the implementation of energy projects by gaining a better understanding of communications within DOE and its grantees.
• Continue education and involvement in areas that support the SCEP mission either in a communications, programmatic, or policy-related role.

Fellow Benefits

Selected candidates will receive a stipend. Amounts are determined by DOE officials, based on the candidate’s academic and professional background, starting at approximately: 

• Undergraduate degree: $58,800
• Master’s degree: $71,500
• PhD: $94,100

Fellows are eligible for health insurance benefits. Participants will also receive a travel allowance of $10,000 per appointment year to cover travel-related expenses to project and professional development activities.

Appointment Location

This will be a remote appointment.

Duration

Fellowships are initially for one year in length and may be renewed yearly up to an additional four years. Renewals are determined by SCEP based on the project needs, availability of funds and fellow interest and availability.

Nature of Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE letter of appointment and Terms of Appointment.