Summary:
The Energy and Climate Advocacy Intern will support the Energy & Climate Program's efforts to promote clean and renewable energy adoption through legal, policy, and community engagement activities in South Carolina. This role involves conducting research, monitoring regulatory filings, assisting with policy advocacy, and engaging with stakeholders to advance an equitable clean energy transition. This internship is ideal for individuals passionate about environmental issues, renewable energy, and policy advocacy. The internship is a 10-week program with up to 16 hours per week.
Essential Functions:
Regulatory Monitoring and Research:
- Conduct research on clean energy and climate policies, renewable energy regulations, and past cases at the local, state, and federal levels (including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the courts).
- Produce summaries and reports on applications, testimonies, and final orders for utility regulatory proceedings.
- Review and summarize hearings from the Public Service Commission and state legislature.
Policy Advocacy and Development:
- Assist in developing advocacy strategies to promote clean and renewable energy policies in South Carolina.
- Support the drafting of policy briefs, position statements, and other communications for government agencies, stakeholders, and the public.
- Participate in meetings with Energy & Climate Program staff and external allies, contributing to discussions on policy development and advocacy strategies.
Data Analysis and Reporting:
- Collect and analyze energy and climate data, including utility financial and operational data, and data from renewable energy projects.
- Prepare presentations and reports summarizing research findings and policy recommendations.
Community Engagement:
- Assist in coordinating public awareness community engagement activities to support renewable energy adoption, including organizing events, managing social media engagement, and collaborating with other advocacy groups.
- Attend public hearings and lobby days to advocate for clean energy policies.
General Support:
- Provide general support to the Energy & Climate Program to advance clean energy and climate goals in South Carolina.
- Other duties as assigned.
Authorities:
None
Competencies:
- Strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrated ability to produce well-written and organized documents.
- Excellent research skills, including familiarity with public utility, environmental or climate law.
- Strong collaboration skills.
- Must be analytical and detail oriented.
- Ability to work independently and as part of team.
- Proficient in use of technology to aid research and analysis.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
- Working knowledge of language used in legal and regulatory documents. Able to parse and quickly understand key points and communicate them in a clear and concise manner.
- Ability to work collaboratively with others to identify and tackle serious regulatory and legal issues. Willingness to learn and engage with complex topics.
- Passion for environmental and climate issues and desire to promote the development of clean energy in South Carolina.
Required Education and Experience:
- Rising Junior, Rising Senior currently working towards earning a Bachelor’s degree or Graduate Student in environmental sciences, public administration, data science, economics, political sciences or related field.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Proven academic track record including but not limited to coursework in environmental and energy, involvement in law review, and other related academic success.
- Advanced quantitative analysis skills including statistics and data science.
- Comprehensive understanding of equity issues and community organizing best practices.
- Past work experience in energy- or climate-related fields is a plus.
Work Environment
The position operates in a professional office environment and may include working remotely.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, and climb stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Other duties may be required in the job as requested by the Supervisor.
Equal Opportunity
Cultivating a diverse and inclusive team is an essential component of the Conservation League’s commitment to advancing equity. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The Coastal Conservation League is an equal opportunity employer. The Conservation League does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit, and business need.