Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
Clean Energy Planning Intern
About Berkshire Regional Planning Commission: BRPC is the region-wide planning agency for Berkshire County providing comprehensive planning services to municipalities which include land use, transportation, community and economic development, public health, and environmental planning. BRPC promotes regional collaboration among communities and works to increase coordination between all levels of government.
Intern Roles and Responsibilities: Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) Energy & Environmental Program is seeking an interested student to assist Berkshire towns with clean energy planning initiatives. The tasks of a clean energy planning intern will vary depending on the skills and experience of the person hired and the current workload of the department. They are likely to include many of the following:
• Prepare a report comparing and analyzing precedents for community-wide and municipal net zero action plans
• Research innovative solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Develop and execute plans to conduct outreach on residential and small business energy efficiency
• Research strategies and precedents and assist in the preparation of a report on how municipalities may incentivize or require landlords to make energy efficiency improvements to rental properties
• Research Massachusetts policy as it pertains to renewable energy development and document the experiences of local municipalities in developing municipally owned solar fields or wind turbines
• Interact with residents to help monitor existing outreach initiatives and brainstorm plans to modify plans as necessary
• Help plan and execute local community events related to clean energy outreach.
• Attend and help facilitate relevant meetings with local government officials and community groups
• Analyze and prepare short reports analyzing municipal energy consumption for towns throughout Berkshire County
• Review relevant statewide plans related to clean energy or climate change as they are updated or released and provide summaries to the department or agency
• Regularly review relevant e-blasts and news sources and maintain a catalogue of developments in clean energy technologies as they happen in real time
Learning Opportunities:
• Develop analytical skills as they relate to clean energy and climate planning and policy
• Research and draft chapters of municipal plans
• Gain community engagement planning and implementation experience, with a special focus on Environmental Justice and other vulnerable or marginalized populations
• Learn firsthand about the functions of a regional planning agency and its roles and interactions with local government.
• Familiarize yourself with renewable energy technologies (applications, technological advances, and limitations)
Qualifications:
• Strong analytical capabilities
• Ability to write in a clean and concise manner
• Basic knowledge of renewable energy a plus, but not required
Location: BPRC offices are in Pittsfield, MA (1 Fenn Ave. Suite 201, Pittsfield, MA 01201). Given the current COVID pandemic, most of the work can be completed remotely but will most likely include some in-person (most likely outdoor) event attendance.
Hours & Dates: This internship is part time at 15 hours per week for 10 weeks. Hours typically range from 10am-4pm, weekdays. A start date of late May/early June is preferable but flexible based on student schedule.
Housing & Transportation: Unfortunately, BRPC does not have access to local housing. Transportation for fieldwork tasks may be available dependent on COVID-19 safety protocol. BRPC offices are in downtown Pittsfield with available public transportation options and nearby parking. This internship provides opportunities to work remotely.
To Apply: Please send a resume with relevant experience and course work, a short writing sample, and a cover letter that illustrates your interest in the work to Emily Lange, planner with the Energy & Environmental Program, at [email protected]
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