Renewable Planning Software Graduate Intern

Overview

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 1,000 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

Responsibilities

Program/Department Overview

The Economics team at EDF works to develop climate solutions that create jobs, build resilient communities, and cut pollution  effectively and equitably. One important initiative within this mission is to help build capability around the world to identify low-cost pathways to decarbonize the electricity sector, a key component of future clean energy systems. This work will help prevent climate change by identifying effective decarbonization options and providing the insight needed to mobilize investment and international support to build clean power systems. This work supports our efforts on Decarbonizing the U.S. Power System and Global Carbon Pricing.

Overall Function

For much of the work described above, we are training people to use Switch, an open-source model for planning clean power systems. In this position, you will be supervised by the Assoc. VP for Modeling, Mapping and Analytics, who is also the lead author of Switch. Switch is innovative and widely used, but needs a few more updates to make it more effective. The intern will work with the supervisor to write Python code to extract documentation and component properties from the Switch source code and build rich documentation as HTML and/or RST files. Depending on time and interest, the intern may also write Python code to extend Switch’s capabilities and improve its ease of use. The new code will be released as open-source and the intern will become a coauthor of the Switch codebase.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Learn to use the Switch power system planning model at an advanced level, then work with the supervisor to extend and improve it.
• Assist with writing Python code to analyze the Switch codebase, extract relevant attributes of objects and modules, and collate this information to build cross-referenced documentation for the model.
• Participate in advancing EDF Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in or a recent graduate of a graduate degree program and/or demonstrated interest in computer science or another field with a strong emphasis on software development.
• Strong experience in writing Python code and an ability to work independently to find and learn new techniques and frameworks.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work in a team setting and the ability to work independently to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills.
• Interest and experience in open-source software, mitigating climate change and/or improving the design of the power system are helpful but not mandatory.

Location

U.S. Remote

Term

Fall 2023

Hours

Half-time (17.5 hr/week)

Compensation

This internship would involve compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits at $20/hr.

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application.

Pay Ranges

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

The pay range for this role is shown below.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

Minimum Salary

USD $20.00/Hr.

Maximum Salary

USD $20.00/Hr.

EEO Information

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.