Entry Level Information Technology Jobs in Portland, OR

About This Opportunity
Cascade Energy is seeking an Information Technology Intern. This role is focused on delivering outcomes that directly contribute to team and business goals. Success at Cascade/Fresh Coast is about learning constantly, seeking shared success, putting others first, being industrious and doing the right thing.
We're looking for a motivated Junior or Senior-year IT/CS student to join our team as an IT Intern, gaining real-world experience. We welcome interns with an interest or focus in any one or more areas; business and data intelligence/reporting, AI and Emerging Technology, Cloud Architecture and General IT.
Future-Focused AI-Ready Culture
At Cascade Energy, we're actively shaping how AI gets deployed in the real world, in our tools, our client engagements, and our daily work. Our approach has always been relationship-driven and expertise-led, and IA is how we multiply the impact of both.
Successful Cascadians are curious and resilient. They embrace change, seek smarter ways to create impact, and take ownership of their own growth. We embed AI into our work in ways that are responsible and human-centered, and we actively develop our people to deploy it creatively and confidently.
We believe the future belongs to organizations that pair emerging technology with genuine human expertise. That future is being built here. . . .come be a part of it!
Areas of Focus for the Internship
Key Responsibilities can include a mix of the following. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

• Provide entry-level help desk and user support, assisting employees with common hardware, software, login, password reset, and access request issues under the guidance of senior IT staff.
• Write basic to intermediate SQL queries, organize data for reporting, and help test and validate data in internal systems, flagging inconsistencies as needed.
• Shadow senior team members on small SQL, reporting, AI, and data-related projects to learn how technology tools support business decisions.
• Experiment with approved AI tools under supervision to identify opportunities to automate repetitive tasks, such as ticket categorization, FAQ responses, or other routine IT workflows.
• Update, organize, and maintain IT documentation, FAQs, and step-by-step guides for common user questions and support processes.
• Participate in team meetings and small projects, contributing ideas from coursework in databases, AI, systems, or cloud platforms while gaining exposure to basic cloud monitoring, permissions review, and configuration tasks.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job
This is a part-time, non- exempt position located in our Corporate Office downtown Portland, OR. Minimal travel is anticipated for this role.
Qualifications
We seek candidates with a strong desire and ability to learn, a passion for energy efficiency work, and a willingness to work hard. Additional criteria include:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed coursework toward a degree, certificate, or equivalent training in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of computer hardware, operating systems, networking concepts, and common business applications.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365, Windows operating systems, collaboration tools, cloud-based platforms, and ticketing or asset management systems preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with curiosity and a willingness to learn.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to explain technical information clearly to non-technical users.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks and priorities with appropriate follow-through.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a collaborative, distributed team environment.
• Interest in energy efficiency, sustainability, decarbonization, or mission-driven work is a plus.
• Comfort using AI tools responsibly and thoughtfully to improve productivity, documentation, and problem solving is a plus.

For candidates whose experience may not align perfectly with all these preferred skills but can see themselves adding value in this role, we encourage you to still apply. Cascade is dedicated to building an inclusive and authentic workplace and places strong importance on learning and development. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Compensation & Benefits
The Internship provides:

• Up to 20 hrs./week for at least two quarters, at an hourly pay rate of $25/hr.
  • Start date flexible, but sooner rather than later.
• A flexible schedule to accommodate student's other activities.
• This is a 50% in person downtown Portland OR/50% remote role.

Application Process
We would appreciate a current resume with your application. We would also appreciate a letter of interest describing why our team or the position resonates with you, and how your experience makes you a great choice for the role.

• Please, no phone calls.
• Please, no outside recruiters or agencies.
• Cascade Energy is not able to provide sponsorship for work authorization in the U.S., which includes OPT.

Click here to join our Talent Community -- it's the best way to keep up with and learn more about Cascade Energy! In occasional mailings, we'll brief you on our industrial decarbonization efforts and share more about our company culture and what makes Cascade a great place to join and to grow.
About Us
Cascade Energy is a leading provider of energy efficiency, energy management, decarbonization, and sustainability solutions for the industrial, commercial, and public sectors across North America. We have a 30-year history of delivering high-value services through electric and gas utility-offered programs and directly to industrial and commercial enterprises.
Our reputation for stellar, high-quality work has expanded our reach throughout North America to serve clients ranging in size from small to Fortune 500 companies in their pursuit of wide-ranging decarbonization and energy savings objectives. Cascade Energy has 14 offices throughout the US and employees in 30 states.
Why Work at Cascade?
As a 100% Employee-Owned Company (ESOP), Cascadians foster and value a culture of equals, initiative, and ownership. Our teams reflect our core company values: Do the Right Thing; Put Others First; Seek Shared Success; Learn Constantly; and Be Industrious. Our customers are vitally important to us, and we pride ourselves on stellar customer service. Our team members are a dedicated and diverse group of ambassadors, representing Cascade Energy, striving to embody our values, ensure we are responsive, and consistently delighting our customers.
In alignment with our values and doing better, Cascade Energy celebrates and values diversity as vital for increased creativity and innovation and faster problem solving, and we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination and harassment. Learn more about what we do to create a welcoming environment at Cascade by visiting Culture and Belonging | Cascade Energy.
Cascade promotes a healthy work-life balance and appreciates employee contribution in all areas. We walk the talk about our commitment to learning constantly, with a focus on the ongoing development of every team member. Cascade is a strong supporter of flexible working arrangements, and offers role-dependent options for remote, hybrid, and in-office work.
AI Usage During our Recruitment Process
We value doing the right thing and authenticity in our hiring process. All application materials, including resumes, cover letters, and assessments, must reflect your own original work. The use of AI tools including Gemini, Claude, Copilot, ChatGPT, other large language models or generative AI, Grammarly, and resume builders to assist is acceptable only when your personal experiences, voice, and descriptions of your knowledge, skills, abilities, and other qualifications are accurately and meaningfully represented. Submission of work that is not your own or the use of AI impersonation or deepfake simulators during screening calls and videos will disqualify you from consideration.
AAP/EEO Statement
Cascade is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion and religious practices, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or family, marital, or veteran status. To request a reasonable accommodation during the application and interviewing process, please contact the Cascade recruiter. Cascade Energy uses the federal E-Verify system to determine eligibility for work in the United States and conducts post-job offer, pre-employment drug screening.