Community Solar Outreach Internship

Get first-hand experience in New York City's exciting solar and green energy landscape! Solar One welcomes applicants for our Community Solar Outreach Internship program to assist our organization in this work. You will learn how New York communities can access the benefits of solar power through mentored outreach, research, and writing for our 501c(3) organization in Long Island City.

Solar One's mission is to design and deliver innovative training and technical assistance that fosters sustainability and resiliency in diverse urban environments. Our organization is proud to spearhead community solar projects that serve renters located in New York City - bringing low-to-moderate income New Yorkers energy savings and the future of a cleaner, decarbonized grid.

Internship Details

• Hybrid internship program with 15-18 hours required a week
• Paid internship - $17/hr.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate for student classes
• Start date: October 1, 2024
• End date: 6 months from start date

Eligibility

• Students currently enrolled in a college or university within New York City; or
• A New York State resident having attended a college or university within New York between 2023-2024 currently living in NYC

Internship Overview

Solar One is developing community solar projects, large solar projects that serve hundreds of renters throughout New York City by providing utility bill savings, in close partnership with affordable housing providers and environmental justice organizations across the city. As the Community Solar Outreach Intern, you will become an integral member of Solar One's Here Comes Solar (HCS) team. The Community Solar Intern will learn about the community solar project development process and gain firsthand experience educating New Yorkers about the benefits of community solar and assist customers in completing the enrollment process, including qualification, consultation, and contract signing. The intern will also provide support to the Program Manager by fielding incoming emails and calls about Solar One's community solar projects, conducting short public-facing workshops about the enrollment process, partner outreach, and various tasks related to project development. This internship is currently a hybrid internship, with the flexibility to work at home and in person at Solar One's office in Long Island City and at in-person events throughout NYC. Attendance at in-person events is required for the internship. There will be opportunities for interns to meet with their supervisor, other interns, and HCS team members. Also, there will be opportunities to attend events in New York City, such as visiting solar installations, forums, workshops, and team gatherings.

Internship Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to educate New Yorkers about community solar projects on the ground and via email and phone calls
• Assist with planning and executing outreach events and creating materials
• Guide potential customers through the sign-up process, including requesting utility bills, reviewing a contract, and answering questions
• Follow up with individuals that have not yet completed their enrollment through email, phone, or text
• Attend HCS events and team meetings to support projects and partnerships
• Participate in mentorship activities with supervisor and other Solar One staff

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of and/or interest in renewable energy, environmental justice, community organizing, and/or affordable housing; a New York City focus is a plus
• Eagerness to learn and apply new skills and will be open to feedback and collaboration.
• Team player committed to advancing access to clean energy through outreach and enthusiastic communication with diverse stakeholders, from everyday New Yorkers to solar developers
• Strong interpersonal, time management, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and proven ability to handle competing priorities.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and internet research.
• Proficiency in speaking a second language such as Spanish is preferred, but not required
• Individuals who meet some but not all of these requirements are encouraged to share how their skills and lived experiences would enhance their approach to this work

Solar One is an equal-opportunity employer. Solar One strives to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in all elements of our work and with our partners to support the interdependent needs of renewable energy and resilience and people in a rapidly changing world. Solar One recruits and employs through a lens of equity and encourages people of all races, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law to apply.