Renewable Energy Intern
Organization Description:
From sandy beaches and salt marshes to freshwater swamps and farmland, the Coastal Conservation League is working to respond to rapid growth and development, as well as impacts from a changing climate on the South Carolina coastal plain. We work from our headquarters in Charleston, our legislative office in Columbia, our South Coast office in Beaufort, which covers Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, and Hampton counties, our North Coast office, which works across Georgetown, Horry, Marion, Williamsburg, and Florence counties, and our food hub, GrowFood Carolina, in Charleston. Our team of professionals works across the coastal plain to promote clean energy, protect land, water and wildlife, build strong cities and towns, and support local food and farmers to build healthy, resilient communities.
Our mission is to protect the health of the natural resources of the South Carolina coastal plain and ensure a high quality of life for all of the people who live in and love this special place.
Summary:
Aid and supplement the Energy Program’s strategy regarding electric/gas regulation in South Carolina. Assist with and perform legal and policy research to support the clean energy and climate goals identified by the Energy Program. Monitor, summarize, and organize key filings for strategic dockets at the Public Service Commission. Work to support active policy development, litigation, and public engagement team to advance the clean energy transition in South Carolina. This is a 12 week internship that may be located in Columbia, SC or Charleston, SC.
Essential Functions:
- Monitor the Public Service Commission’s Docket Management System (DMS) and download/organize filings from dockets of strategic interest as identified by Energy Program staff.
- Produce high-level and detailed summaries of regulatory filings, including but not limited to applications, letters, reports, testimonies, and proposed & final orders, as needed by Energy Program staff.
- Research past cases relevant to ongoing work, including at the Public Service Commission, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and at the courts. Search out and identify key findings that may be obscure and difficult to find.
- Review and summarize recordings of meetings held at the Public Service Commission and state legislature.
- Participate in meetings with Energy Program staff to discuss development of policies and strategies. Occasionally join meetings with allies at other organizations as needed. Prepared to take detailed but concise notes if requested.
- Provide support for all other needs of the Energy Program to advance the clean energy transition 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. Must be analytical and detail oriented. Proficient in use of technology to aid research.
- 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:
Junior or Senior currently working towards earning a Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences or related field.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Proven academic track record at the undergraduate, including but not limited to coursework in environmental and energy law, involvement in law review, and other related academic success.
- Past work/internship 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.
Travel
Some travel is required and may include occasional overnight travel.
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.
Benefits
The Coastal Conservation League offers a competitive suite of benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability; life insurance, 403(b) retirement and generous paid time off policies for eligible employees.
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.