Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Policy Intern - (2400038Z)

Description

Internship Position Description: 

The Department of Energy Resources’ (DOER) mission is to create a clean, affordable, equitable and resilient energy future for all residents, including low-income and Environmental Justice populations, businesses, communities, and institutions in the Commonwealth. To meet these objectives, DOER develops and implements policies and programs to ensure the adequacy, security, diversity, and cost-effectiveness of the Commonwealth's energy supply. DOER is committed to working to promote energy programs and policies that are developed and implemented to ensure environmental justice among all the Commonwealth's citizens, communities, businesses, and institutions. 

The Policy, Planning, and Analysis Division supports the DOER's energy policy work through research and analysis. The Policy Intern will support the Division’s work on electric distribution policy, electric supply policy, and environmental justice. Projects for the Policy Intern will be based on Division needs but can take into account Intern interests and skills. Projects may include: 

1. Supporting DOER projects related to electric distribution system planning by conducting policy and data analysis related to distributed energy resource (DER) integration and integrated distribution system planning efforts across the country and applying lessons learned for the Commonwealth; 
2. Identifying the current status of mechanisms to manage electric load in the Commonwealth, including managed changing, demand response, and virtual power plants, and produce a literature review of other states’ load management policies and incentives;
3. Meeting with various DOER/executive agency staff to learn about Massachusetts policy goals and developing a clear reference guide for DOER policies and programs related to distribution system planning;
4. Producing public-facing materials, including written reports and data visualizations, to describe DOER policies and communicate about energy policy and electricity markets to consumers; 
5. Analyzing datasets related to energy burden or other topics relevant to EJ populations; 
6. Assisting with the collection and analysis of data related to the interconnection of distributed energy resources to the electric grid, including producing summaries of interconnection status, identifying key challenges, and providing analysis of policy implications for the future of long-term electric distribution system planning.

DOER is looking for a motivated candidate with an interest in energy policy, the clean energy transition, utility regulation, policy analysis, data analysis, and state government functions. The internship will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about energy markets, electric distribution system planning, and policy, develop policy and data analysis skills, gain experience working on a team, and build a network in the clean energy and policy sector. The Intern will be given opportunities to shadow Division staff and managers in internal and external meetings to learn about DOER’s work. 

Description of Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Assist in internal DOER policy recommendations and external deliverables as they pertain to electric distribution planning and supply. 
• Provide analysis of external studies related to DOER's positions and present these findings to DOER staff. 
• Participate in team meetings and policy development exercises. 
• Collaborate with multiple DOER staff members to inform policy research and development.
• Analyze policy, legislative, and regulatory data and information to drive policy and planning priorities and initiatives.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills: 

• General knowledge of clean energy and electricity is preferred 
• Knowledge of public policy, environmental science, energy policy, planning, or data analysis 
• Demonstrated qualitative and quantitative analytical skills 
• Experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint 
• Ability to work independently, problem solve, and manage multiple tasks 
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with team members 

Hours per Week: Full time – 37.5 hours per week 

Other relevant information: 

• This position is partially remote with a hybrid schedule of going into the office in Boston a minimum of one day per week. 
• Contracted Student Internship compensation will be up to $23/hour for College Undergraduate Students and up to $35/hour for Graduate Students.

Please provide a Cover Letter as part of your application describing your interest in the position, how it relates to your career goals, and what you would hope to learn by interning at DOER. 

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Please see Preferred Qualifications.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title: Contracted Student Interns

Primary Location

: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge Street

Job

: Environmental and Energy

Agency

: Department of Energy Resources

Schedule

: Full-time

Shift

: Day

Job Posting

: Mar 25, 2024, 3:55:17 PM

Number of Openings

: 1

Salary

: 23.00 - 35.00 Hourly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Andrea Rivera Casul - 8572746194

Bargaining Unit: Non

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes

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