Commercial Energy Intern

The Mountain Association is a community economic development nonprofit that invests in people and places in Eastern Kentucky to advance a just transition to a new economy that is more diverse, sustainable, equitable and resilient. For nearly 50 years, we have supported the success of small businesses and organizations in Eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia. Our Energy Team works with small businesses, nonprofits, and local governments in Eastern Kentucky to help them lower their energy bills through renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades. Since 2015, we have supported nearly 300 energy upgrade projects, saving our clients an estimated $730,000 per year on their utility bills.

Mountain Association seeks a summer 2024 student intern to work with our Energy Team by providing support to our ongoing projects for energy clients. The intern will have the opportunity to work with Mountain Association’s various clients on energy projects that include lighting, insulation, heating and cooling, solar electric, and other energy efficiency and renewable projects, based on client needs. 

The Energy Team consists of five full time staff members that seek to provide our clients with unbiased information about the energy upgrades that would most benefit them. An internship with the team will provide a student with:

• The opportunity to work alongside energy experts in the field, gaining hands-on experience in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
• An understanding of energy usage and costs as they affect businesses and nonprofits in rural Kentucky.
• An opportunity to learn about and communicate energy efficiency and renewable energy best practices for small commercial buildings.
• An understanding of Eastern Kentucky’s electric utility landscape and its challenges.
• The evolving potential for financing energy projects in Appalachian Kentucky.

Responsibilities will include:

• Alongside our energy specialists, participating in on-site energy audits for clients, gathering information on lighting, HVAC, insulation, and other energy-saving opportunities.
• Analyzing client utility bills. 
• Supporting the writing of energy assessment reports for clients.  
• Supporting USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant applications, including working with clients to gather needed documents and information.  

Student must have working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. A basic understanding of energy principles is preferred. Attention to detail and timeliness are critical to this position. Student must be willing to travel within Eastern Kentucky during normal business hours (personal vehicle is not required). Majors in sustainability, economics, science, engineering, business or a related discipline are preferred.

Our COVID-19 vaccination policy requires all prospective employees, prior to their start date, to: (1) become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination, or (2) request and obtain approval for an accommodation for a medical or religious exemption. Should an accommodation for a medical or religious exemption be approved, an employee would work with the Mountain Association to develop a COVID-19 safety plan.

To apply, please send an email with an attached resume and a brief cover letter describing your interest to toni@mtassociation.org. Position will remain open until filled.