Intern - Government Affairs and Sustainability

New York State Energy Research•Town of Guilderland, NY

2d•$18 - $20•Hybrid

About The Position

As a leader in advancing New York’s energy transition, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has remained a credible, objective, and trusted partner in our [HS1] State’s energy planning as well as in deploying new and innovative technologies to expand New York’s economy. NYSERDA has worked for the past 50 years to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, lower energy costs, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA engages with stakeholders including residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that: Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York’s clean energy economy. Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York. Enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably in the clean energy transition. INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW Government Affairs helps to facilitate meetings between management and members of the Legislature, support the legislative agenda for the Authority, and monitor legislative activities at the state and federal level to inform NYSERDA’s leadership and the Executive Chamber. Further, the department helps to develop and implement strategies to attain Authority goals and advise management on policy positions. The Government Affairs team works in tandem with the Governor’s office, state executive agencies, the state legislature, local governments, and the federal government on matters related to NYSERDA’s programs and activities. This work requires collaboration with teams across the authority relating to ongoing efforts to develop and build greater program awareness and outreach. In addition to this work, NYSERDA’s sustainability coordinator is part of the Governmental Affairs Team and helps to green authority operations, in accordance with the Climate Act and Governor Hochul’s Executive Order No. 22 [https://www.governor.ny.gov/executive-order/no-22-leading-example-directing-state-agencies-adopt-sustainability-and], and assists other agencies with their sustainability efforts. The intern’s work will help support these functions. This is a paid internship for current students at an accredited college. The pay rate is from $18 to $20 per hour based on current class year. This internship will begin in May 2026 and continue for at least 1-2 additional semesters. Interns must be located in New York State or an immediately adjacent state while working. It is expected that interns will follow our telework policy, with a combination of in-office and remote work. Interns work up to 18.5 hours per week during the semester, and up to 37.5 hours per week between semesters, when not attending classes.

Requirements

Current, full-time college student, preferably pursuing a degree in public policy, political science, energy, environmental studies or sustainability
Good writing and communication skills, including attention to detail
Ability to use a land-line phone and voice mail, including comfort with speaking by phone
Ability to work remotely, as needed
Proficient with the Microsoft Office suite of programs and WebEx
Demonstrated ability to research primary and secondary sources
Skill in managing multiple activities, delivering on commitments, and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment
Ability to work solo or in a group, and follow through on assigned tasks
Strong work ethic

Responsibilities

Assisting in tracking, analyzing, and sharing information about legislative activity and legislation
Assisting in tracking evolving interest of key legislators
Assisting with implementing systems to help organize work products and reference materials for the Government Affairs team and other authority staff
Conducting outreach to staff to prepare briefing documents and other materials
Tracking legislative responses, agency sustainability projects, etc.
Conducting and summarizing research on a variety of topics, including legislation
Creating educational content for staff related to sustainability
Assisting with sustainability project development, execution, and tracking
Preparing reports and proposals
Drafting formal business letters
Performing other responsibilities, as assigned
Ability to demonstrate respect, equity, and inclusive behavior and practices of a diverse workforce and community