Solar Equity and Climate Finance Intern

Position Overview

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is seeking a part time or full time Solar Equity and Climate Finance Intern for the second half of 2024 (July 2024 – December 2024) with the possibility to extend through Spring 2025. The Solar Equity Fellow will primarily support the development of programming focused on access to solar in Low Income and Underserved communities, all in support of the Commonwealth’s Clean Energy and Climate Plan. This role will focus on solar equity programming, particularly the development of initiatives that may be supported through the EPA’s Solar For All competition, as well as MassCEC’s efforts to support the access to financing for clean energy and decarbonization projects. This role will also include support of MassCEC’s legacy solar focused programming including the Mass Solar Loan program, and other solar informational content and programming. The fellow will assist in reviewing program applications and other submissions, support the development of program guidelines and procurements, analyze data trends, create reports and presentations, and assist in the day-to-day operations of the programs. The role is likely to include assisting MassCEC in developing future financing or solar equity programming.

The internship program at MassCEC includes various educational and networking opportunities, including:

• In-depth overview presentations from division heads;
• Lunch-time Tech Talks and Brown Bag Presentations;
• Guided tour of the Wind Technology Testing Center; and 
• Other industry related events.

Job Duties

• Work with staff to maintain operational flow of MassCEC programs, including facilitating funding requests, managing quality control of documentation, communicating program requirements to relevant stakeholders, and ensuring projects do not exceed term end dates.
• Manage incoming phone and email inquiries about solar and MassCEC programs, communicate responses to stakeholders including installers, developers, advocates, or homeowners, and coordinate responses with MassCEC staff.
• Review detailed project or deliverable information to facilitate incentive program approval and/or payment.
• Assist in the refinement and development of programming focused on solar access amongst low income and underserved communities, via research, support and participating in stakeholder engagement, and developing new program documents.
• Work independently to analyze existing project data, identify trends, and develop effective communication tools (i.e., graphs, charts, tables)
• Draft memos and presentations to summarize projects and research findings.
• Assist in development and review of consumer-facing solar and program content.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications

Education:

We welcome applicants from various backgrounds and experience levels for this role. Whether you're a college undergraduate (sophomore or higher) or a graduate student, pursuing a degree in science, environmental studies, business administration, public policy, or any related field, we encourage you to apply. What matters most to us is your passion for clean energy and environmental sustainability, along with a desire to contribute meaningfully to our initiatives.

• The candidate will be enrolled in or a recent graduate of an Associates, Bachelors, or Masters collegiate program. Relevant majors may include science, environmental studies, economics, communications, public policy, public health, or environmental justice-focused or similarly focused major. Students from any major with relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities are encouraged to apply

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Familiarity with or interest in clean energy issues
• Familiarity or interest in building science
• Familiarity or interest in environmental justice and equitable energy solutions
• Approaches tasks with strong attention to detail and critical thinking
• Strong recordkeeping and organizational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Customer service skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (recommended)

Timing & Location

MassCEC is looking for an intern who can start in July 2024 and continue at least through the end of December 2024 on a full or part time basis. Applicants should be available to work at least 25 hours per week up to 40 hours per week. The number of hours worked per week may vary over the course of the internship based on the applicant’s schedule and MassCEC’s workload. MassCEC is open to extending the internship through summer 2024 on a part time or full-time basis if there is mutual interest. 

MassCEC prefers candidates that are able to start on 7/9/2024 but is open to discussing other starting dates. 

MassCEC staff work on a hybrid model: part time in our downtown Boston office and part time remote. We are open to considering a candidate that would like to work fully remotely.

Supervision

The fellow will work under the supervision of building decarbonization staff at MassCEC.

Salary

The fellow will earn $18 per hour and be eligible to work for up to 40 hours per week.

About the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center: 

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits and to secure long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. MassCEC works to increase the adoption of clean energy while driving down costs and delivering financial, environmental, and economic development benefits to energy users and utility customers across the state. 

Mission

MassCEC’s mission is to accelerate the clean energy and climate solution innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals, advancing Massachusetts’ position as an international climate leader while growing the state’s clean energy economy.

Our values

MassCEC is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization where everyone is welcomed, supported, respected, and valued. We are committed to incorporating principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice in all aspects of our work in order to promote the equitable distribution of the health and economic benefits of clean energy and support a diverse and inclusive clean energy industry. MassCEC strives to lead and innovate in equitable clean energy and climate solutions.

To Apply

Qualified candidates are encouraged to email a resume and cover letter detailing the candidate’s interest in working at MassCEC and relevant qualifications through our Online Career Center.

Applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives are encouraged to apply