Intern

Intern, Communities & Local Governments

As a leader in advancing New York’s energy transition, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has remained a credible, objective and trusted partner in our state’s energy planning as well as deploying new and innovative technologies to expand New York’s economy. NYSERDA has worked for the past 50 years to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, lower energy costs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA engages with stakeholders including 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 in the clean energy transition. 

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW

This is a paid internship for current students at an accredited college. The pay rate is from $18 to $20 per hour based on current class year. This internship will begin in the Spring semester of 2027 and continue through the Spring of 2028. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university to be eligible.

Interns must be located in New York State or an immediately 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.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The intern will assist NYSERDA’s Communities & Local Development department supporting two high-priority initiatives, Clean Energy Communities (CEC) – Action Track and Cohort Track, to enable and encourage increased engagement and investment in clean energy by municipalities and communities throughout New York State. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support Clean Energy Communities Program activities such as tracking program correspondence, creating participation and budgeting reports, reviewing program materials for newsletter and social media content, and administrative tasks.
• Conduct research and compile methodology on building energy efficiency improvements, energy audits, and local governments.
• Assist in contract lifecycle management. 
• Contribute to engagement activities with internal and external stakeholders.
• Present regularly to the Communities & Local Governments team on ongoing research and projects.
• Support activities for the CEC Cohort Track.
• Perform other tasks as assigned in a timely manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Current undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college.
• Excellent skills with the Microsoft Office suite of programs and ability to utilize various Excel functions (e.g., VLOOKUP)
• Demonstrated leadership and the ability to work in collaborative environments.
• Skill in managing multiple activities, delivering on commitments, and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment.
• Strong work ethic.
• Ability to demonstrate respect, equity and inclusive behavior and practices of a diverse workforce and community.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated interests in Local Government, Clean Energy, and/or Building Science preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to research primary and secondary sources.
• Shown interest and passion in public speaking.

TO APPLY 

Please submit your resume.  A cover letter is welcome but not required. 
 

Equal Employment Opportunity Requirements

It is the policy of NYSERDA to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), age, marital status, familial status, citizenship status, disability or genetic information or handicap or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.