Commercial Solar Project Intern

Join one of Rochester's Top Workplaces!

We would love to welcome you to the team!

Loyal to People. Loyal to Planet.

GreenSpark Solar, loyal to people and planet, creates fiercely local, cost-effective, clean energy options in the Greater Rochester Community. We feel a huge responsibility to succeed at GreenSpark. As a B Corporation, success is directly tied to honoring our triple bottom line of commitments to people, the planet, and profits (providing capital to grow, revenue to share among our employees, and a return to our investors). It is important work that directly impacts our employees and their families, our customers, and the residents of the communities where we do business, along with our local and broader global environment, but we have fun doing it. Our workplace reflects our values — our office is directly powered by onsite wind turbines and solar panels, our fleet includes all-electric and hybrid vehicles, dogs roam the office, and we strive to be an unabashedly inclusive, diverse workplace.

Our Core Values

GreenSpark Solar is seeking a Commercial Solar Project Intern to join our team for a twelve-week summer internship starting May 19, 2025. Under the guidance of the Commercial Development Manager, you’ll contribute to impactful projects that align with GreenSpark’s mission to expand clean energy solutions. This role will focus on advancing large-scale, ground-mounted solar farms from concept to shovel-ready projects, offering exposure to key aspects of solar project development, including site selection, regulatory compliance, permitting, contract review, and community engagement. Through daily collaboration with our Development Team, you'll gain hands-on experience while contributing to the company's success in clean energy innovation. This internship is local to the Rochester, NY region.

• Solar Project Development: Assist in advancing large-scale ground-mounted solar farms from concept to shovel-ready, including tasks like site evaluation and preliminary design.

• Regulatory Compliance: Support the permitting process to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

• Permitting & Approvals: Help prepare and submit permitting applications, including SEQR, zoning permits, DOT permits, wetland permits, and others as required.

• Due Diligence & Site Evaluation: Perform research and assist with evaluating potential project sites and new opportunities.

• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the Development Team, providing updates on project progress and key findings. Attend regular department meetings and company-wide meetings.

• Community Engagement: Attend municipal board meetings, public hearings, and engage with community members. Represent GreenSpark Solar positively at these events.

• Land Host Communication: Support site acquisition efforts by maintaining communication with land hosts throughout the project development process.

• Financial Modeling: Assist Development Managers in refining financial model inputs to secure successful project financing.

• Professional Development: Participate in internship activities and networking opportunities to grow your knowledge of the solar industry and GreenSpark’s approach to clean energy.

• Additional Duties: Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Current enrollment or recent completion of coursework in renewable energy, sustainability, environmental science, urban planning, business, or related fields required.

• Strong research, due diligence, and analytical skills.

• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple tasks effectively.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to task management.

• Ability to work independently and collaborate in a team environment.

• A valid driver’s license is required

• Interest or experience in renewable energy, solar, or sustainability is a plus.

• A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset for identifying opportunities, problem-solving, and driving projects forward with creativity and initiative, is preferred.

• Experience with Google Suite, GIS/map-based tools, SmartSheets, or other project management software preferred.

• Program Duration: 12 weeks, starting May 19, 2025.

• Work Schedule: A typical workday is about 8 hours, primarily based at GreenSpark Headquarters. There may be occasional opportunities for remote work, depending on project needs and supervisor approval. Job site visits may also be part of the internship.

• After-Hours Community Involvement: Availability for bi-weekly evening community meetings attendance.

• Transportation & Lodging: Interns are responsible for their transportation to and from work and lodging. If transportation is a barrier, please reach out to discuss possible accommodations.

• Hourly Pay Range: $17-$22 per hour

• Weekly Pay

• Sick Leave

• Paid Company-Wide Closure Days for Juneteenth and Fourth of July

• Team Bonding & Professional Development Opportunities

GreenSpark Solar is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind and strive to remove barriers, increase opportunities, and create an accessible and supportive work environment for all people. Don’t let historical barriers prevent you from applying—reach out with any questions; we are here to help!