Intern - Communities and Local Government

Job Description

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 ours 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 Summer 2026 (June 1, 2026) and continue to Summer 2027.

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, and administrative tasks.
• Conduct research and compile methodology on building energy efficiency improvements, energy audits, and local governments.
• Assist in contract lifecycle management.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Present regularly to the Communities & Local Governments team on ongoing research and projects.
• Support activities to launch 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.

Please submit two files, one for your cover letter and another for a resume, through our Careers page online.

(Applications submitted only through your school's recruiting portal will not be considered.)

Please note that during the application process, you may be prompted to opt-in to Artificial Intelligence ("AI") scoring. This is an automatic request in the ADP system but is not a feature that is used by NYSERDA in its recruiting and hiring process. Your response will have no impact on your application to NYSERDA.

Salary

The salary range is $18 - $20 hourly. Income is calculated based on class standing.