Energy and Climate Data Analysis Internship

Acadia Center is a non-profit research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future by offering real-world solutions to the climate crisis. 

Summer 2024 Energy and Climate Data Analysis Internship 

Acadia Center’s approach to policy includes a foundation in high-quality data analysis and research. Our Climate, Energy, and Equity Analysis team provides a unique capacity to combine a wide range of data sources, complex technical research, and economic, health, and consumer analysis into helpful information for policymakers, the media, and the public.

Acadia Center is seeking motivated undergraduate and graduate students for a summer internship program. The Energy and Climate Data Analysis Intern will conduct data research and analysis projects under the supervision of our CLEAN-EAnalysis team on issues around climate, clean energy, and energy justice challenges. Candidates should be excited by opportunities to use data to inform public policy and enjoy exploring creative ways to communicate their findings to broad audiences. Depending on the projects, the interns may have the opportunity to meet with policymakers, attend state hearings and meetings, and work in coalitions. Project areas will be developed with the Intern and could include the following areas: 

• Exploring energy use and cost-saving potential from energy efficiency and heating electrification in buildings
• Summarize information about existing and emerging building decarbonization technologies and analyze data on improving the least energy-efficient building stock. The least efficient homes account for a disproportionate share of greenhouse gas emissions and negative health impacts associated with criteria air pollutants.
• Conducting economic/consumer analyses pertaining to energy cost burdens and impacts of rate design on energy affordability, improving poorer quality housing that are the largest residential emitters of climate pollution and creates the worst indoor air quality impacts;
• Evaluating greenhouse gas reduction pathways, Investigating the pros and cons associated with electricity generation technologies, including hydropower and biomass emission profiles of technologies such as hydropower and biomass, and claims surrounding renewable natural gas, and assessing grid-level emission profiles and their impacts on cost-benefit analyses;
• Analyzing community-level energy options, such as geothermal energy networks, and associated emissions and cost/ benefits;
• Conducting analysis that deepens our understanding of the connections between environmental justice issues, housing, transportation, and power generation;
• Working with Acadia Center’s CLEAN-E team analysis team to assess state and regional greenhouse gas emissions levels, policy implementation progress, energy market trends, energy justice issues, and other items;

Relevant areas of expertise and skills include the following. The ideal candidate would possess significant experience in all these categories, but we understand and expect that some candidates will have more in-depth experience in particular areas than others.:

• Interest in energy, climate, housing, transportation, and energy systems.
• Quantitative experience in the application of data to energy, climate, transportation, buildings, and energy justice policy issues.
• Greenhouse gas emissions accounting experience.
• Experience with energy efficiency evaluation, measurement, and verification.
• Experience in using information to build coalitions and facilitate conversations.
• Microsoft Excel proficiency is highly valued; familiarity with programming (Python, R, SQL), data visualization software (Tableau, Power BI), power systems, transportation, and economic impact modeling (REMI, JEDI, e.g.), and proficiency in GIS mapping tools is an asset but not required.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, written, and presentation communication skills, including distilling complex subjects and communicating them effectively to a diverse array of audiences.
• Enthusiasm for Acadia Center’s mission and approach to equitable climate solutions.

Diversity and Climate Justice Commitment

Acadia Center is committed to a diverse work environment that advances goals to remedy racial, environmental, and climate justice issues. We value a workplace of mutual respect, the ability to learn from one another, a team culture of inclusion, shared responsibilities, and decision-making.  We apply diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice values to our program and organization’s activities.  We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply. 

To Apply 

The Data Analysis Intern position is fully remote, though there may be possibilities for in-person connections near Acadia Center staff locations in Rockport, ME; Boston, MA; Providence, RI; Hartford, CT; and New York City.  The internship is expected to run full-time for 8-10 weeks in June, July, and August and can is expected to be structured as full-time during regular working hours, Monday through Friday (alternative schedules can be discussed) or flex time. Acadia Center will provide a stipend of $4,000 - $5,000 (full-time level) depending on factors such as degree level, background experience, and schedule. Applicants are encouraged to seek support from other school or work support programs, such as those offered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center InternMassachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Current undergraduate or graduate students studying economics or policy, energy policy, environmental science, engineering, computer science, public health, statistics, or related fields strongly focusing on energy policy research and/or data analysis are invited to apply. Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter detailing interests, and a brief (ideally no more than 5-10 pages) writing sample and optional diversity statement by March 31 with the subject line “Energy and Climate Data Analysis Internship” to internship@acadiacenter.org. Please note that applications will be processed on a rolling basis.

Organization 

Founded in 1998, Acadia Center is a leading non-profit whose mission is to advance bold, effective, and equitable clean energy solutions for a livable climate and a stronger, more equitable economy. Acadia Center achieves change through thought leadership, analysis, advocacy, coalition building, and engagement with the public in the Northeast and beyond. Acadia Center emphasizes a commitment to use data and research to demonstrate the energy, climate, public health, consumer, and equitable distribution potential of reforms and build awareness and diverse support for its program. More information is at http://acadiacenter.org. Acadia Center has received Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating for fiscal management and devotion of revenues to program work.

Acadia Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Acadia Center seeks to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital or civil union status, military service, citizenship, or any other characteristics and traits protected under applicable federal, state or local law.