Building Decarbonization Intern

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Office of Sustainability (OoS) prepares Cambridge for the impacts of climate change with programs that help prevent harm from extreme weather, improve energy efficiency, reduce the use of fossil fuels, and aid the transition to renewable energy. OoS drives Sustainable Cambridge, an initiative that unites all of the City's work on sustainability, resilience, and climate justice. The Office was established in July 2024 and is led by the City’s Chief Climate Officer.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Building Decarbonization Intern will be a member of the Climate team in OoS. Cambridge’s Net Zero Action Plan, the City’s climate strategy for buildings, lays out policies and programs to help Cambridge achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or earlier. Reaching this goal will require decarbonizing buildings through electrification, efficiency, and access to renewable energy. In 2023, Cambridge adopted one of the most progressive building performance standards in the country, requiring the largest nonresidential buildings to reach net zero by 2035. The Building Decarbonization Intern will work with other team members on implementing these standards and other key actions in the Net Zero Action Plan, and help foster collaboration with Cambridge residents to guide the City’s climate work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supporting the implementation of the large building performance standards, referred to as the BEUDO amendments (Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance).
• This work will include tracking and analyzing energy and emissions data, outreach to building owners, researching policy questions, and collaborating on implementation strategy.
• Creating content and communications materials on building decarbonization and building performance standards, for building owners, residents, and other stakeholders. This may include letters, case studies, outreach content, and presentations.
• Supporting the work of the Cambridge Climate Committee as they advise OoS on equitable climate action in Cambridge. This work may include helping coordinate Committee meetings and agendas, communicating with Committee leadership, and working with City staff to recruit new members from diverse Cambridge communities.
• Analyzing information and program metrics to support targeted outreach and measure outcomes.
• Assisting with additional energy and climate related tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience:

• Completion of a bachelors’ degree or pursuing a masters in a related field of study, and/or 1 to 3 years relevant work experience.
• Working knowledge of climate policy, clean energy, building energy concepts, and/or related energy strategy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Attention to detail and independent task management.
• Ability to remain flexible and thrive in an independent, fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A passion for climate policy and strategy, especially in the fields of energy and/or buildings.
• Excellent writing skills and comfort with creating content for public communication, including written communication and presentations.
• Experience coordinating groups around a project or initiative.
• Familiarity with data analysis and its use to inform strategy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Occasional indoor and outdoor work required for community engagement events and activities and meeting set up. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essentials functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Standard office environment. Fluorescent lighting and air conditioning. Moderate noise level. Some outdoor events. Will have to engage with partners via Zoom or Teams. This position is eligible for hybrid work under the City’s Telework Policy, depending on operational needs, under which the intern may be able to work remotely up to 65%. Occasional in-person evening meetings are expected (approximately once or twice a month).

START DATE AND DURATION: September start date with a minimum six-month commitment; the internship can continue after this based on mutual interest. The intern may request working additional hours per week in certain weeks and fewer in others (e.g., summer vs. fall), such that the average over the six-month period is 18.5 hrs/wk or less.