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 Agrivoltaics Associate at Mid-Hudson Energy Transition (MHET) will investigate, report on, and develop agrivoltaics projects through the lens of community benefit and equity. The Associate will create meeting agendas, lead discussions, and become a source of agrivoltaics knowledge for MHET. In addition, this position will directly support current MHET goals, projects, and programs involved in the development of agrivoltaics as well as single-use solar projects. 

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on agrivoltaic case studies, policies, and their application, specifically through the lenses of equity, energy justice, and energy democracy.

• Report and present on agrivoltaic strategies and technologies that could be applied to MHET’s existing programs or used to start new programs.

• Assist in the planning and implementation of community energy projects and programs, researching opportunities for agrivoltaics projects from the perspective of land use, partner organizations, community benefit, and financial possibility. 

• Collaborate with other interns and program managers to find applications for innovative programs and models in MHET's current and planned operations.

• Stay up-to-date on developments of energy technology and policy in the public and private sectors.

• Maintain an organized record of research, analysis, reports, sources, and follow up questions that should be explored or answered.

Successful candidates will have:

• Enthusiasm for community energy systems, renewable technology and models of ownership, and innovation in the energy ecosystem in general.

• Experience reading and synthesizing policy and funding opportunities. 

• 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 working on agricultural and/or community solar projects 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.