Opportunity at the Office of State and Community Energy Programs

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Science, Technology, and Policy Program is designed to provide opportunities for students, postgraduates, established scientists, and faculty to participate in programs, projects, and activities at the Department. Fellows will receive hands-on experience that provides an understanding of the mission, operations, and culture of DOE. As a result, fellows will gain deep insight into the federal government's role in the creation and implementation of energy technology policies; apply their scientific, policy, and technical knowledge to the development of solutions to issues of importance to the DOE, and continue their education and involvement in areas that support the DOE mission either in a technical or policy-related appointment. The DOE Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) is seeking ORISE fellows to support its mission and construct several clean energy and energy efficiency programs. 

About Office of State and Community Energy Programs

The Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) works with state and local organizations to significantly accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies, catalyze local economic development, create jobs, reduce energy costs, and avoid pollution through place-based strategies involving a wide range of government, community, business and other stakeholders.  

Foundational programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program and State Energy Program, which both have more than 40 years of successfully delivering energy savings across the country, will complement newly formed programs such as the Local Government Energy Program and Energy Futures Grants, enabling the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to work—for the first time ever—with local governments and communities for the long term.

Through the disbursement of formula grants, DOE will extend the core capabilities of state energy offices and expand the weatherization provider network to assist low-income families with home energy retrofits. Competitive awards will further the innovation by states and local governments seeking to implement high-impact and self-sustaining clean energy projects. In addition, technical assistance will help to facilitate clean energy programs and practices through "best practice" tools, "lead-by-example" methods, peer-to-peer forums, and other strategic partnerships.   

Fellowship Activities

Under the guidance of a SCEP mentor, fellows will gain hands-on experience and opportunities to grow and develop. The objectives of this program include learning and developing skills in following areas:

• The design of new grant programs for energy efficiency and residential electrification workforce development created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
• The execution of such programs, including reviewing and assessing applications, reports, and public comments, monitoring grantee progress, and supporting grantees as challenges arise.
• The development of communication materials.
• The promotion of workforce development programs.
• The identification of policies and best practices around energy efficiency and residential electrification workforce development from nonprofits, industry, and state and tribal governments that can be shared with and adopted by grantees by SCEP’s stakeholders.
• The research and response to external inquiries.
• The coordination with other DOE offices and engagement with stakeholders, including state, tribal, and local governments, public and private interest groups, and DOE Laboratories and Golden Field Offices, to gain knowledge of industry developments, technology trends, and technology program deployment goals to increase the use of energy efficient technologies and practices.

Expected Outcomes

As a result of participation in this program, fellows are expected to:

• Gain deep insight into the federal government's role in the creation and implementation of policies and programs that impact clean energy technology development.
• Contribute to the implementation of energy policies and projects by sharing scientific and technical expertise to develop solutions for problems in areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
• Continue educational growth opportunities in areas that support SCEP’s mission in technical and policy-related roles.

Fellow Benefits

Selected candidates will receive a stipend. Amounts are determined by DOE officials, based on the candidate’s academic and professional background, starting at approximately: 

• Undergraduate degree: $68,000
• Master’s degree: $75,000
• PhD: $99,000

Fellows are eligible for health insurance benefits. Relocation expenses, not to exceed $5,000, incurred in relocating from the participant's current address to the appointment location (if more than 50 miles from the address shown on the application), may be reimbursed. Participants will also receive a travel allowance of $10,000 per appointment year to cover travel-related expenses to scientific and professional development activities. Plus, a commuting allowance may be available as well.

Appointment Location

Washington, DC or Golden, CO.  The option to participate remotely may be available in some cases. 

Duration

Fellowships are initially for one year in length and may be renewed yearly. Extensions are determined by SCEP based on the project needs, availability of funds and fellow interest and availability.

Nature of Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE letter of appointment and Terms of Appointment.

Salary : $10,000