Autumn 2015 Internships, Biomass Thermal Energy Council – Washington, DC

Organization: Biomass Thermal Energy Council

Position Title: Autumn 2015 Internships Available for Clean Energy Nonprofits

Location: Washington, DC

Dates and compensation: All positions will become available beginning in August. We seek candidates able to commit to terms through mid-December 2015, but will consider extensions as determined by performance and needs. College student applicants considering working during the Autumn semester are asked to provide dates of availability in cover letters. Stipend of $500/mo. for full-time employment. TTC does not provide compensation for personal/sick time off or holidays, but interns may opt to make up lost hours or be paid on an hourly basis for partial weeks worked

Application Deadline: Positions open until filled

Description: We are seeking interns with college-level, graduate, and recent graduate-level experience and looking to expand their knowledge in the clean energy sector. You can expect to develop significant experience in a broad array of clean energy technologies and industries by becoming immediately active in the programs TTC manages. The internships include Policy & Government Affairs and Communications & Outreach opportunities with TTC’s client organizations.

1) Policy and Government Affairs

TTC has two Policy/Government Affairs positions available for researching, monitoring, and reporting on renewable energy legislation and regulations at the federal, state and regional level.

The first position requires candidates be familiar with a variety of online resources, databases, and news sources to research proposals and developments that impact renewable energy markets. The individuals may also be asked to reach out to state agencies in collecting data. Some membership and potential member interaction may also be assigned.

The Policy internship supports the American Biogas Council (ABC, www.americanbiogascouncil.org). Responsibilities for this position include:

• Track legislation at the state level favorable to biogas and use of anaerobic digester technology.
• Research, monitor, and report on biogas/AD legislation and regulations at the state level
  • Search for opportunities for biogas companies related to carbon credits, organics diversion and biomethane/CNG policies.
• Attend relevant hearings related to biogas legislation and report to staff/co-chairs the results of those hearings.
  • Help organize meetings of the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs (LRA) Committee and subgroups.
• Provide follow-up support to the LRA Committee co-chairs as needed.
• Write letters of support to legislators and regulators.
• Analyze the gap between our model legislation and proposed legislation.
  • Communicate complex policy language in layman’s terms through bi-monthly written reports.

The second Policy/Government Affairs fellowship position supports the Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) (65%) and Renewable Energy Markets Association (REMA) (35%). Responsibilities for this position include:

• Researching, monitoring, and reporting on renewable energy legislation and regulations at the federal, state and regional level.
• Research proposals and developments that impact renewable energy markets.
• Reach out to state agencies in collection of data.
• Attend relevant Congressional hearings related to biomass legislation and report to staff the results of those hearings.
• Assist association members in arranging meetings with state and local officials.
• Update website with factsheets, presentations, and social media postings.
• Provide administrative support on conference calls (e.g. taking minutes and follow-up actions)

BIOGAS:

For this internship, we are seeking qualified college-level, graduate students and recent graduates and/or individuals with experience in Communications and looking to expand their knowledge of biogas, AD technology and clean energy, and apply their knowledge gained and skill sets towards real-work projects and activities.

The internship supports the American Biogas Council, in support of membership development, database updating, communications, and speaking invitations. This position requires the candidate have strong communication skills. The ideal candidate should also have familiarity with sustainable agricultural and/or wastewater treatment practices.

Tasks:

• Draft, layout and distribute semi monthly Biogas News (ABC’s electronic newsletter)
• Membership relations (approach industry leaders for information and respond to inquiries by fielding questions to appropriate staff or answer them directly)
• Market biogas events through email and biogas industry partners
• Speaker management for ABC webinars and workshops
• Update and distribute ABC reading materials to members who are traveling to and speaking at biogas industry events

Projects:

• Development of brand new U.S. database of operational biogas projects and associated maps and online tools for systems on farms, at wastewater facilities, landfills and other generators of organic waste.
• Member recruitment
• Semi-monthly webinars and workshops at industry events
• Biogas News

Skills:

• Proficiency with database management for U.S. operational digester database
• Proficiency with MS Excel
• Experience with the analysis of data to create fact sheets, tools and/or educational resources preferred
• Science or technical background preferred
• Must be able to comfortably and confidently approach senior industry executives by phone and in person. (We work with senior leaders in hundreds of organizations from start-ups to federal government leaders and executives in multi-national corporations like GE, Waste Management, Toyota and Shell. You will be new to our team and we expect you to integrate quickly to become a part of our team and be comfortable picking up the phone or beginning conversations with these individuals regarding key issues we’re working on.)

BIOMASS:

The third Communications and Outreach position supports senior staff to plan and execute several events and activities of the Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC). Events include, but are not limited to conferences supported by BTEC, Council meetings, and upcoming webinars. The position requires the candidate be able to communicate effectively with volunteer members of various event organizing committees and reach out to BTEC members to coordinate association functions in conjunction with those events. Responsibilities for this position include:

• Arrange and participate in Steering Committee, Program, and other planning calls. Follow up on action items resulting from those calls.
• Work with senior staff to prepare materials to distribute at events, including promotional literature and member information.
• Assist in designing member meet-and-greet functions in conjunction with events and work with Conference organizers to ensure available space and accommodations.
• Communicate with members and prepare information related to upcoming BTEC-sponsored webinars.

The ideal candidates should have well developed writing skills and preferably some Communications experience. The candidates should also be assertive, detail oriented, and able to work independently and perform well with firm deadlines.

How to Apply: Email [email protected] with your cover letter and resume to the attention of Brian Schorr, Director of Operations. Include either “Policy” or “Communications and Outreach” in the subject line. Both Policy and Communications/Outreach applications will be considered for all positions unless one is specifically requested by the applicant.