Tenant Advocacy Intern

About Mid Hudson Energy Transition Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, Inc. (MHET) is a not-for-profit community-based organization that empowers municipalities, their residents, and businesses to own and share renewable energy, create healthier buildings, and join in community wealth-building to strengthen the resilience of the Hudson Valley in the face of climate change. We engage and build on the active involvement of communities, with particular emphasis on low-income and communities of color that are being harmed first and worst by climate change. Tenant Advocacy Intern , Location(s) : Remote or Kingston, NY Duration : 3-6 months Hours : Flexible 15-18 hours a week for full-time students. Eligible interns not taking classes can work up to 40 hours per week. Compensation : $22 - $25/hour The Clean Energy Internship This position reports to the Co-Program Manager (HUG). The Tenant Advocacy Intern will support the execution and development of MHET's Home Upgrade Grants (HUG) program. This program seeks to enhance energy efficiency in homes by providing the installation of energy-efficient appliances and related services. The intern will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in program management, research, and data analysis, all while contributing to MHET’s mission to advance energy equity. In addition, the intern will support research efforts to better understand tenant rights and prevent displacement as energy efficiency improvements are made in homes. Responsibilities Conduct research on tenant rights and protections, particularly in relation to energy efficiency upgrades, rent stabilization, and preventing displacement in the context of increased energy costs or changes in rental terms. Assist in developing strategies that support renters in the program and ensure they aren’t adversely affected by energy improvements in their homes. Help create educational materials and resources that inform tenants of their rights and available protections during and after energy efficiency upgrades. Assist in gathering and analyzing data on program outcomes, including energy savings, customer satisfaction, and overall program impact. Help distribute post-program surveys and compile feedback to inform ongoing program improvements. Contribute to data reports and presentations, summarizing key findings and impact metrics. Help with program logistics, scheduling, correspondence, and other operational tasks to ensure smooth functioning of daily activities. Successful candidates will have: Recently completed or currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies, Urban Planning, Public Health, Public Administration, or a related field. Passion for environmental justice and a strong understanding of environmental and energy issues facing low-income communities of color and their root causes. Interest in sustainable housing, energy efficiency, tenant rights, and community development, with excellent research, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks, work collaboratively with diverse groups, and proficiency in Google Suite; experience with Hubspot or Asana is a plus. Knowledge of energy efficiency or sustainable construction practices is a plus. Bilingual (Spanish) is also a plus. Eligibility: To be eligible for this role, you must  meet one of the following eligibility requirements: An individual currently attending or who attended a degree program at a college or university located in New York State within the last 12 months as of the date of the intern application. A current New York State resident attending or who attended a college or university outside of New York State within the last 12 months as of the date of the intern application. New York State residency, with proof of residency such as a rental agreement or utility bills, must have been established prior to the start of the internship. New York State residents who are members of a disadvantaged community and/or priority population. You can identify a disadvantaged community using this link: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/ny/Disadvantaged-Communities   Priority population is defined as follows: Veterans; Individuals with disabilities; Low-income individuals, whose household’s total income is below or at 60% of the State Median Income, or whose household has been determined eligible for or is receiving assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or other human service benefit programs; Incumbent or unemployed fossil fuel workers; Previously incarcerated individuals; 16- to 24-year-olds who are enrolled in or have completed a comprehensive work preparedness training program such as those offered by Boards of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES), technical high schools, Conservation Corps, YouthBuild, and AmeriCorps. The training program must include a combination of rigorous clean energy education with hands-on technical training. Eligibility for work preparedness programs under this category will be considered on a case-by-case basis.; Homeless individuals; Single parents. Equal Opportunity Notice: MHET is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We value the unique perspectives and contributions that a diverse workforce brings to our organization. MHET encourages individuals from underrepresented groups, including but not limited to women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals, to apply for this position. We are dedicated to creating a workplace that respects and values differences, and we aim to foster an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.  To Apply: To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter to our Careers Page portal explaining your interest in clean energy and community engagement. Learn more about NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Internship here .