Published February 16, 2011
by iris_author
Please note: this is a 26-week internship opportunity through the Co-operative Internship & Experience Program.
Organization: The Renewable Energy Co-operative
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Position: TREC Generation Project Co-ordinator
Start/end date: March 11, 2011 – Sept. 9, 2011
Application Deadline: Feb. 18, 2011
Apply to: ciep@ontario.coop
Job Bank Listing: #5520285 (Communications officer)
Job Description
TREC is seeking a talented and passionate individual for a paid internship position to begin in March of 2011. TREC Renewable Energy Co-operative (TREC) is a non-profit, environmental co-operative that develops community-owned renewable energy projects and educates Ontarians about renewable energy, energy conservation and the community power model. TREC is currently developing two major renewable energy cooperatives: (1) SolarShare, and (2) LakeWind.
SolarShare enables Ontarians to become owners of solar energy installations. Using the co-operative enterprise model, SolarShare provides an investment and ownership vehicle that is accessible to most Ontarians. By offering shares in a larger solar system hosted on commercial or institutional rooftops, SolarShare provides triple-bottom line benefits to the co-op members by generating a reasonable return from local renewable energy projects. SolarShare is currently completing its first projects and is ramping up to develop more. We are launching an extensive public fundraising campaign to bring community equity and ownership to those projects.
LakeWind is a 20MW wind farm that is located in Huron-Bruce County, just East of Kincardine. The project is expected to reach commercial operation in early 2013. TREC is currently leading the project through the Renewable Energy Approvals process, which includes natural heritage assessments and community engagement requirements.
The intern will work closely with the Generation team in the following areas:
- Public engagement and marketing renewable energy technologies and investments – TREC will be involved in a variety of community engagement and public outreach campaigns. The intern must be able to actively and effectively engage the public on both the fundamentals of the renewable energy technologies and the social and environmental rationale for investment in renewable energy in general.
- Technical due diligence – a critical process in acquiring new projects and working with new partners. The intern should be technically inclined in order to help evaluate technologies and complete due diligence analysis.
- Project reporting and grant writing – TREC’s Generation (and its projects) is responsible to a variety of funders, regulatory agencies, and a multitude of stakeholders. The intern will work with the Generation team to help prepare these reports and submissions.
- Administration, information management and organization – The intern must be highly organized and be adept at using a variety of software to organize and present information. The ideal candidate would have a variety of IT skills.
In addition to gaining direct project-based experience in the renewable energy sector, interns will enjoy:
- Access to personnel with significant knowledge in renewable energy project development,
- Opportunities to liaise with key contacts in the community power sector,
- A letter of reference and/or certificate of completion, assuming strong performance and completion of the term.
Responsibilities include:
- Community engagement and event planning – working with the team to help set up town hall meetings, facilitating local connections and organizing other engagement activities,
- Deliver technical education and outreach around renewable energy technologies,
- Conduct technical and organizational due diligence as new projects develop,
- Helping to create any necessary marketing and communication materials,
- Support the Marketing Manager with the research and implementation of SolarShare’s marketing and engagement plan,
- Other administrative duties and support as required.
Qualifications:
- Relevant post-secondary education (or equivalent),
- Ability to learn quickly and work independently in order to solve problems as they arise,
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and oral,
- A technical understanding of renewable energy technologies,
- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment,
- Education and/or experience with the co-op model and/or solar energy technologies is an asset,
- Education and/or experience in business development and/or community engagement strategies is an asset,
- Basic computer skills are required (MS Office). IT and/or digital media skills are an asset.
Work Environment: Successful candidate will work with TREC’s Generation team, and will report to the SolarShare Project Manager. May also work with the TREC Education team on occasion, as required. Will participate in all relevant staff meetings and seminars.
Timeline: 35 hours per week for 26 weeks (March 11 to Sept 9, 2011)
Attire: Casual / business casual, with occasional business dress required for meetings and presentations
Compensation: $14 - $16 per hour, based on experience
TREC thanks all applicants in advance for their interest in the position, but only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone inquires please.
Eligibility Criteria for CIEP:
You may apply if you are legally entitled to work in Canada, have completed a post-secondary program at a college or university, not enrolled in studies related to a diploma/degree program, 30 years or younger in 2011, able to work full-time, not on EI or eligible for EI benefits at time of enrolment, and have never participated in the Youth Employment Strategy work experience program.
If you meet all of these requirements, instructions on how to apply for this position can be found on our Becoming an Intern page.
Posted in: Job Postings | Sustainability News
