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Energy Action Network (EAN) is pleased to announce our 2022 Summer Internship Program. Applications are due March 11, 2022 for college students (rising juniors and above) and 2022 graduates excited by EAN’s mission of achieving Vermont’s climate and energy commitments in ways that create a just, thriving, and sustainable future for Vermonters. Goals for the Network are focused on helping Vermont meet the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) requirements to reduce greenhouse gas pollution 26% below 2005 levels by 2025, 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. In addition, EAN is working to help achieve goals in Vermont’s 2021 Comprehensive Energy Plan, including obtaining 90% of Vermont’s total energy needs from renewable resources by 2050.
EAN (the non-profit) is a mission-driven organization founded in 2012 to serve as a “backbone” organization for EAN the Network, a broad and diverse collection of over 200 member organizations and public partners who are committed to helping Vermont achieve climate, clean energy, and energy justice goals and aspirations. EAN’s work is done in a “collective impact” framework, supported by a Board of Directors and core staff. Serving as a Summer Intern will provide an exciting and impactful opportunity to engage with and help inform the future actions of climate, clean energy, sustainability, and energy justice leaders throughout the state.
Internship Areas of Focus
Two Summer Interns will be selected for 2022. Each Intern will develop and carry out a defined research and writing project directly related to the ongoing work of EAN. Applicants are encouraged to review the EAN website and the 2020/21 Annual Progress Report and are encouraged to propose your key areas of interest and one or more possible projects for your internship. Examples of possible internship projects are provided below. They are illustrative only. Other impactful suggestions are welcome as well.
- Conduct research or analysis that supports the work of the Vermont Climate Council to achieve the 2021 Vermont Climate Action Plan (CAP). This could include, for example, building on recent Vermont emissions pathways modeling which informed the CAP or supporting the work of one of the EAN Network Action Teams working on initiatives such as workforce development, creation of a Clean Heat Standard in Vermont, improving transportation equity, or dramatically scaling-up the delivery of weatherization services.
- Research the costs and savings of various energy efficiency and clean energy technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Vermont, and conduct economic analysis that includes equity considerations and potential differences in costs and benefits based on location, utility jurisdiction, and other factors.
- Research one or more policy options under consideration in Vermont, as the state moves to achieve the 2021 Climate Action Plan and recommend ways in which the policy could be tailored to and implemented in Vermont. An example is the Western Climate Initiative underway in the Pacific Northwest focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
- Research the use of diffusion models as a technique for developing strategies for rapidly scaling up market uptake of climate action and clean energy practices and technologies, and assess the potential use of diffusion models to help Vermont meet the aggressive greenhouse gas reduction strategies in the 2021 Vermont Climate Action Plan.
The final area of focus for each internship will be determined during the selection and interview process, prior to the start of each internship.
Work Environment
This internship will be conducted remotely, with most meetings happening via video call. If practical there may also be one or two in person meetings at the EAN office in downtown Montpelier.
Team Engagement
Both interns will be mentored and supported by Christine Donovan, an EAN Senior Fellow and former Board Member. This will be supplemented by periodic team engagement and interaction with: Jared Duval, Executive Director, Cara Robechek, Network Manager, and Mei Butler, Dashboard and Data Manager.
At least 3 one-hour Zoom teleconferences will be held with the interns each week. This will help ensure the interns are welcomed into EAN, experience thoughtful and substantive discussions and interactions with Christine and staff, and enjoy a sense of teamwork and engagement during their internships. In addition, Christine will be available via cell phone for consultation, brainstorming, etc. at any time during normal business hours. Christine will engage Jared, Cara, and Mei as appropriate.
Summer Intern Qualifications
- College student or 2022 graduate, enrolled in higher education for at least two years
- GPA of 3.3 or higher
- Demonstrated research, writing, and verbal communication skills
- Successful experience working independently and producing pre-determined final products on time and with a high-level of professionalism
- Passion for helping lead the transition to a clean energy, decarbonized economy
- Prior course work, internships, or employment in energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean transportation, or related sustainability issues
- Reliable access to the internet as well as access to a personal computer and/or laptop
- Proficient with Word, Excel, Power Point, YouTube, and other forms of social media
Application Process and Schedule
Please send a cover letter, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a 3-to-5 page writing sample by Friday, March 11 at 5 pm ET to: Christine Donovan at ctdonovan@aol.com. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom during the weeks of March 21 and 28. All applicants will be notified of their status by Friday, April 8.
Stipend
A $4,000 stipend is available for each of two Summer Interns for a 10-week, 25-30 hour per week internship beginning Tuesday, June 7 and ending Friday, August 12.
EAN is an equal opportunity employer.
