Applications due by Monday, September 14, 2026, at 8am Pacific.

The Schatz Energy Research Center has an opening for an undergraduate student research intern to join our team to conduct battery siting research. This paid internship is expected to start in October 2026 and continue through the Spring 2027 semester. The internship is supported by the Philip & Yuriko Anton Climate Endowment.

This internship offers hands-on experience contributing to applied energy policy research as part of a collaborative research team. You will strengthen skills in policy and regulatory analysis, synthesizing information from multiple sources, and communicating research findings clearly, while gaining a deeper understanding of how community engagement, Tribal consultation, and permitting processes shape battery energy storage projects.

The position is expected to average approximately 8–10 hours per week during the academic semesters. Work hours are flexible and can be scheduled around the student’s class schedule and other academic commitments. The position is hybrid, with a combination of onsite and remote work.

Position Summary

In this position, the student research Intern will support research on social, policy, and environmental factors that shape the siting of Battery energy storage systems (BESS) facilities in California. The student research intern will contribute to a larger comparative case study of BESS facilities proposed or built in California, Oregon, and Idaho, as well as analysis of the state policies that govern BESS siting and permitting. Tasks may include gathering data to develop community profiles and project timelines, helping to identify interviewees, and supporting the analysis of how community engagement, Tribal consultation, and regulatory processes affect project outcomes.

Position activities may include:

Research and summarize policies, regulations, and permitting requirements for BESS facilities with guidance from the project team.
Compile and synthesize information from multiple sources into clear, accessible summaries and tables.
Organize research materials, citations, and data using word processing, spreadsheets, and online tools.
Contribute to written reports, memos, presentations, and other communication materials.
Participate in team meetings, share updates, and adapt to new tasks or tools as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Eligible applicants must be undergraduate or graduate students in good academic standing and must be currently registered at Cal Poly Humboldt (i.e. during Fall 2024). Incoming transfer students who have registered for the Spring semester of 2025 may also be considered.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

Interest in contributing to applied research related to clean energy, energy storage, climate policy, community engagement, or environmental justice.
Proficiency with word processing and basic online research tools.
Ability to learn and apply policy and regulatory analysis techniques relevant to siting BESS facilities.
Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources into clear, accurate, and accessible written materials.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
Ability and willingness to work effectively and respectfully as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Willingness to learn and use new tools or methods to support research and collaboration.

Compensation and Internship Duration

The student research intern will receive a total stipend of $5,000 for contributions to the project during Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. The stipend will be paid in monthly installments to the student’s university account and will first be applied to any outstanding university fees or charges. Any remaining balance will be refunded to the student according to the university’s standard refund process.

The internship is expected to begin in October 2026 and continue through the Spring 2027 semester. The intern is expected to complete approximately 250 hours of project work over the appointment period.

How to apply

Deadline

All application materials must be received by Monday, September 14, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

Materials

Applicants must submit all required application materials through the official application form.

The form will ask you to provide your contact information, indicate how you learned about the vacancy, and upload the application materials listed below.

Please prepare the following materials for submission:

Formal letter of application / cover letter: A formal letter of application (cover letter) addressed to the Schatz Hiring Committee that includes the following:
1. Describe your background and what motivates you to apply.
2. Describe your experience related to the qualifications above, including examples of relevant work, projects, research, and/or college or university coursework.

Note: Your cover letter will be used as a writing sample to assess the quality of your writing.

Resume: A resume of 3 pages or fewer is preferred; however, we encourage you to include all relevant and transferable experience and skills you wish us to consider.

Questions and inquiries

For assistance with the application process, please submit an Accommodation Request Form, which can be at https://forms.humboldt.edu/spf-accomodation-request-form, or contact the campus ADA Coordinator at (707) 826-3626 or confidential fax at (707) 826-3625. For more information regarding accommodation, you may also visit the Cal Poly Humboldt Campus Disability Resource Center at https://disability.humboldt.edu/employee-accommodation. Individuals in need of a telecommunications relay service may contact the California Relay Service at (877) 735-2929 TTY.
Learn more about our employment opportunities at schatzcenter.org/jobs.
For additional information, please email schatzenergy@humboldt.edu or call (707) 826-4345.

Opening for Paid Internship: Student Research Intern in Battery Siting