Solar Energy Research Internship

Description

About Generation180

Generation180 is a national non-profit organization based in Charlottesville, VA.

Generation180’s mission is to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. We seek

to inspire and equip individuals to take action on clean energy. We envision a 180-degree

shift in our energy sources—from fossil fuels to clean renewable energy—driven by a

reversal of people’s perception of their own role in making it happen. We want to move

Americans from apathy to agency, from despondency to determination, and from

hopelessness to confidence about a clean energy future.

Solar For All Schools Campaign

Generation180 is working toward a future in which all of our schools are completely

powered by clean energy. We are leading a nationwide movement that will reduce energy

costs, enhance student learning, and foster healthier communities for all. Through our

Solar For All Schools campaign, we are expanding access to solar by providing resources,

sharing success stories, supporting and connecting school leaders, and advocating for

stronger solar policies. The campaign leverages the integral role that schools play in

encouraging clean energy action throughout their communities.

Interns will play a critical role in updating a nationwide census of all K-12 schools in the

country with solar that will be included in our 2022 report Brighter Future: A Study on

Solar in U.S. Schools, Fourth Edition. Interns will be learning the methodology designed by

solar industry experts, and they will apply their data science and research skills to collect,

organize, and analyze the data. Interns will also be working to support the launch of a new

campaign in Pennsylvania to help double the amount of solar on schools in the state by

2024. Interns will gain valuable real-world experience and contribute to our understanding

of the country’s rapid transition to clean energy.

Job Duties

Job Duties

• Conduct desktop research and data collection to help identify schools that have recently

installed solar systems to help the SFAS team update our national census of all K-12

schools in the country with solar that will be included in our report Brighter Future: A

Study on Solar in U.S. Schools, Fourth Edition

• Analyze data and generate statistics for inclusion in campaign reports and materials

• Contact schools, solar advocates and solar installers by email and phone to collect

information on solar systems and solar campaign stories to help build out the Clean

Energy School Leader Network

• Identify and research solar success at schools for inclusion in the report

• Research state and federal solar energy policies and support clean energy advocacy

campaigns

• Support the launch of a new campaign in Pennsylvania to double the amount of solar

installed on statewide K-12 schools

• Collaborate and communicate effectively with Generation 180 staff to complete the

projects and support the overall Solar For All Schools campaign

• Report to the SFAS Program Manager

• Support office logistics and administrative tasks as needed

Skills Required

Basic Qualifications

• Proven ability to take initiative, think critically, and problem solve

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate with various technical

and non-technical audiences

• Strong attention to detail and drive to ensure high data quality and accuracy

• Strong organizational skills and ability to collaborate with a team to get the job done

• Passion for Generation 180’s mission

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in primary or secondary research, data collection, and/or creating reports

• Experience with research, data analysis and experience manipulating and combining

data in various formats

• Relevant experience and coursework in any of the following fields: sustainability,

environmental science, business, communications, data science, information

technology, statistics or a related field

• Prior experience with environmental, energy, or solar advocacy campaigns

Work Schedule

Schedule & Compensation

This internship is a part-time position (minimum 10-15 hrs/week) for Spring Semester

2022 with schedule flexibility to cater to student academic schedules. The interns will

report to the Generation 180 office on the downtown mall and will be able to complete

some work remotely. The preferred start date for the internship is the week of January 17,

2022. The hourly wage is $15/hour.

Additional Info

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a resume and cover letter to careers@generation180.org. Include “Solar

Energy Research Internship” in the subject line of your e-mail. Applications will be

accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Preference will be given to applicants

who apply by Monday, January 3, 2022.

Generation180 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is seeking a diverse slate of candidates for

formal consideration. Applicants with unique experiences and perspectives, including women,

people of color and LGBTQ individuals are encouraged to apply.