Our Vision

Our long-term vision is for every Mid-Hudson resident to be supplied with local renewable, affordable energy and enjoy clean air and water. We envision every Mid-Hudson resident having an affordable home and workplace that is free of harmful environmental toxins and fossil fuels, as well as the freedom to stay or migrate. We believe in consciously empowering the community to make judgments about its energy future and institutionalizing community control.

Location(s): Kingston, NY or remote in New York State

Duration: 3-6 months

Hours: Flexible. 15-18 hours a week for full time students. Eligible interns not taking classes can work up to 40 hours per week.  

Compensation: $22 - $25/hour

The Organization

Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, Inc. (MHET) is a not-for-profit community-based organization that empowers municipalities, their residents, and businesses to own and share renewable energy, create healthier buildings, and join in community wealth-building to strengthen the resilience of the Hudson Valley in the face of climate change. We engage and build on the active involvement of communities, with particular emphasis on low-income and communities of color that are being harmed first and worst by climate change. 

The Clean Energy Internship

The Community Energy Canvasser will serve as an important link between MHET’s programs and the communities they serve, specifically making these connections face-to-face and in the neighborhoods MHET serves. This individual will develop strategies for outreach, build and strengthen relationships with local organizations and community partners, and communicate program details and benefits to those the programs are intended to serve through meetings, tabling at outreach events, and through door-to-door outreach.

Responsibilities: 

• Conducting door-to-door canvassing and outreach in support of MHET’s programs and clean energy initiatives that benefit community members; having initial conversations and collecting information for follow-up conversations.

• Understand MHET’s programs (including Community Solar, Home Upgrade Grants, and the Home Energy Loan Program) to effectively educate community members on program goals and benefits.

• Communicate details of programs in an accessible, clear way.

• Assist in the planning and execution of outreach events and campaigns. 

• Provide follow up support to community members on program questions and sign-ups.

• Document outreach activities, successes and failures, and community feedback in our CRM.

Successful candidates will have:

• Enthusiasm for community engagement and outreach.

• A desire to learn about energy systems; in-depth prior knowledge is not needed. 

• Experience working with diverse communities and a commitment to equity and inclusion, with a focus on building the capacity of communities to lead their own energy transitions.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and time management skills.

• Prior experience in community organizing, marketing, or related fields is a plus.

• Ability to conduct local outreach in Kingston, NY. 

• Fluency in Spanish and English is a plus.

To be eligible for the program, you must qualify as at least one of the following:

• An individual currently attending or who attended a degree program at a college or university, located in New York State within the within the last 12 months as of the date of the intern application.
• A current New York State resident attending or who attended a college or university outside of New York State within the last 12 months as of the date of the intern application. New York State residency, with proof of residency such as rental agreement or utility bills, must have been established prior to the start of the internship.
• New York State residents who are members of a disadvantaged community and/or Priority Population.