Distributed Energy Resources and Technology (#195) - Albany or New York City Office
New York is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. With the passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) 
, New York has codified the most aggressive climate change program in the nation with goals to reach zero carbon emissions in the electricity sector by 2040; install 9 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2035, 10 gigawatts of solar by 2030, and 6 gigawatts of energy storage by 2030. With the recent approval of the Climate Action Council’s final Scoping Plan, we have a strong framework to achieve an 85% reduction in GHG emissions from 1990 levels by 2050, and eventually net zero emissions economy-wide.
- 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.
The Distributed Energy Resources (DER) team is comprised of New York State’s solar energy (NY-Sun ) and Energy Storage initiatives. The selected individual will work closely with the DER team -a dedicated group of about a dozen clean energy professionals- to support the effective and responsive delivery of state programs that enable solar and energy storage project development in New York State, including the Climate Act mandate to deliver at least 35% of benefits to disadvantaged communities.
Through this internship interns will gain familiarity with how solar and energy storage development, business practices, program development, and stakeholder engagement, will assist in New York to achieve our clean energy goals. The intern will learn how both private and public programs work, and the balance required to ensure a self-sustaining solar market.
The NY-Sun team is supporting the deployment of 10 GW of solar by 2030, and the Energy Storage team has a filed a plan to support the deployment of 6 GW of energy storage by 2030. In order to meet these goals, the team is focusing on the implementation and operational processes for multiple programs within the DER portfolio. The DER intern will help in completing multiple tasks as part of the implementation of new Program offerings.
This is a paid internship for current, full-time college students. The pay rate is from $15 to $17 per hour based on current class year. This internship will begin on June 1st, 2023 and continue through the Summer and academic year.
Interns must be located in New York 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 37.5 hours per week during the Summer and up to 18.5 hours per week during the semester, when attending classes.
Primary Responsibilities
- Assist the team with program implementation.
- Review current process documents to recommend potential process improvements, enhancements, and clarity.
- Document new and existing processes and procedures.
- Create and update process guides and materials for Program Staff.
- Conduct testing on new software processes and improvements.
- Prepare supporting documents to communicate technical information to non-technical business users.
- Perform other tasks as assigned.
Project Will Include
- Support the NY-Sun Program Staff along with other DER groups in the analysis, development and implementation of operational, process, and resources to support Program objectives and long-term strategic goals.
- Development of viso process documents, operational manuals, identifying and recommending streamlined processes. The interns work will also look to analyze our current how to documents for Contractors, and ensure all current operational processes are clearly outlined and documented.
- The final work product will be a written product (operational manuals, how to documents, process documents) that delves into one component of the NY-Sun program and provides recommendations. This will be accompanied by a final PowerPoint presentation that summarizes the intern’s project and findings. A detailed scope of the intern’s projects will be developed by the intern and project staff in the first 2-4 weeks of the internship and may shift based on program needs. The intern will also perform other responsibilities as assigned by the DER team and other NYSERDA staff.
Minimum Qualifications
- Current, full-time college student pursuing a degree in business management or related energy field focusing on policy and program development.
- Excellent skills with the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
- Exceptional written and oral communications skills; ability to edit and convert technical information to lay terms.
- Demonstrated ability and experience in communicating ideas and concepts to a wide range of audiences.
- Comfort reviewing and analyzing process documents in order to provide recommendations to streamline processes.
- Demonstrated ability to research primary and secondary sources.
- Attention to detail, exceptional time management skills, excellent critical thinking skills, and experience effectively maneuvering shifting priorities and deadlines.
- Skill in managing multiple activities, delivering on commitments, and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment.
- Self-motivation and strong work ethic
- Ability to work independently and within team settings.
To Apply
Please submit one file that includes both your cover letter and resume.