- 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 or remote in New York State
Duration: 3-6 months
Hours: Flexible. 15-18 hours a week for full time students. Eligible interns not taking classes can work up to 40 hours per week.
Compensation: $22 - $25/hour
Job Summary
The Research Associate at Mid-Hudson Energy Transition (MHET) will investigate and explore case studies, policy, and any developments in the fields of energy justice, energy innovation, and wealth building. In addition, the Associate will support MHET's current plans, projects, and programs that seek to deliver ownership and climate resilience to priority populations.
Responsibilities
- Conduct research on thermal energy networks, solar development and relevant funding opportunities, and ad hoc community energy case studies and policies, all through the lenses of equity, energy justice, and energy democracy.
- Assist in the research and planning of a community led planning process for the City of Kingston.
- Collaborate with other interns and program managers to find applications for innovative programs and innovative ownership models in MHET"s current and planned programs.
- Stay up to date on energy technology, policy, and grant opportunities related to thermal energy networks, solar projects, and miscellaneous sustainable initiatives in the public and private sectors.
- 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, models of ownership, and innovation in the energy ecosystem in general.
- Qualitative and quantitative research experience
- 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 project development is a plus.
Eligibility: Applicants are 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
- You can identify a disadvantaged community using this link: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/ny/Disadvantaged-Communities
- Priority population is defined as follows:
- Veterans;
- Individuals with disabilities;
- Low-income individuals, whose household's total income is below or at 60% of the State Median Income, or whose household has been determined eligible for or is receiving assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or other human service benefit programs;
- Incumbent or unemployed fossil fuel workers;
- Previously incarcerated individuals;
- 16- to 24-year-olds who are enrolled in or have completed a comprehensive work preparedness training program such as those offered by Boards of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES), technical high schools, Conservation Corps, YouthBuild, and AmeriCorps. The training program must include a combination of rigorous clean energy education with hands-on technical training. Eligibility for work preparedness programs under this category will be considered on a case-by-case basis.;
- Homeless individuals;
- Single parents.
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