Hourly Energy Strategy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apply by Date: 07/17/2026
Hourly Minimum Pay Rate: $23.63 / hour
Hourly Maximum Pay Rate: $28.80 / hour
SMUD's Distributed Energy Solutions team seeks a STEM student assistant to work closely with its supervisor, primarily in person, to support with the strategic advance of building electrification and energy efficiency. Are you passionate about sustainability and interested in shaping the future of energy? Join us at SMUD as a Year-Round Student Intern with our Distributed Energy Strategy team! This exciting opportunity is designed for college students eager to immerse themselves in the dynamic world of building decarbonization, supporting SMUD's industry-leading programs in California's capital.
As an intern, you will play a crucial role in evaluating the policy landscape, program data, and adoption trends to support the development of innovative program offerings. You'll examine emerging industry research to help the team respond to evolving technologies and market trends. This hands-on experience will allow you to work directly with the planning and delivery teams responsible for SMUD's building electrification and energy efficiency portfolios -all while gaining valuable skills in a supportive, collaborative environment.
If you're ready to make an impact and explore the cutting-edge of energy solutions, we encourage you to apply!
***Cover Letter Requirement***
Please respond to the following prompt in your cover letter to be considered for this internship. Failure to include a cover letter with your response may preclude you from moving forward in the selection process.
Tell us what qualifications and skills you bring for the role. What experience you hope to obtain from the internship.
This internship is primarly in person.
About SMUD's College Internship Program
SMUD's College Internship Program provides college interns with an opportunity to contribute their skills and knowledge to SMUD while gaining valuable work experience. Workshops and activities will also be part of the program where interns will have the opportunity to be immersed in SMUD's culture and learn leadership skills as well as develop their professional skills.
SMUD was also recognized by Interns 2 Pros for the 2020 Internship Program of The Year Award in recognition of excellence in internship strategy, implementation, and impact and was one of five finalists for the 2023 Internship Program of the Year from Interns 2 Pros along with Paramount, Fox Corporation, Intuit, and Toyota.
Purpose
Under staff direction, incumbents in this classification are full-time students in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math program who perform research and analytical tasks for projects and assignments that utilize specific and acquired academic skills and knowledge in alignment with their educational disciplines.
Nature and Scope
The work performed in this classification calls for regular application of analytical and independent research skills. Work is closely related to the employee's academic major in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.
Duties and Responsibilities
Work may include, but is not limited to, the following: (NOTE: While in general all the functions and requirements listed are essential, individual positions and/or locations may not require all duties be performed.)

• Performs tasks of an analytical or research nature for suitable projects or ongoing assignments which call for specific acquired academic skills and knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math.
• May locate sources of information; collect and organize data.
• Makes computations and analyzes data for degree of confidence and for alternative courses of action.
• May develop computer programs relating to assignments and may code material for established programs.
• May develop written, graphical and/or oral reports.
• May assist staff analysts and technical personnel by performing elements of their work under close supervision.

Required Education
Registration as a full-time student (minimum of 12 units) at an accredited college or university in a declared curriculum with a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) emphasis that will provide the specific skills and knowledge that will contribute to available work assignments.
Desirable Qualifications

• College Major: Energy or environmental policy or environmental management degree preferred, or completed coursework with relevance to energy and environmental policy
• College Status: Sophomore and above
• Strong experience with Microsoft Excel
• Practical experience with modeling and forecasting is desired, including estimating program and policy impacts on technology adoption
• Experience researching relevant programs, policies, programs, and technologies, and providing written findings and presentations or recommendations

Physical Requirements
Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Application Deadline: It is guaranteed that the online system will accept applications until 5 PM on the apply by date. It is highly encouraged that applications are submitted well before the due date and time mentioned to make sure that it is submitted successfully.
Official SMUD Title: STEM Student Assistant
Internship Program Requirements:

• Students must be able to commute to the SMUD Offices in Sacramento, CA when requested to come in.
• To have a student position at SMUD, you must not have any relatives working at SMUD.
• Students must be enrolled and maintain enrollment as a full-time student, complete and pass at least 12 undergraduate units OR 8 graduate units, and receive at least a 2.0 GPA the semester/quarter prior to employment and for the duration of the internship. SMUD does not look at cumulative GPAs.
• During the summer, students can work up to 130 hours per month.
• Currently, SMUD is not hiring candidates for its student internship positions who require sponsorship from an employer either now or in the future. Such sponsorship is not needed for citizens, a U.S. National, a permanent resident, or one granted refuge or asylum status by the U.S. government. Visa holders typically require sponsorship in one form or another at some point in time.
• Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are a part of who we are and how we do things. Supporting efforts that promote pay equality is part of that. Salary placement for the selected candidate will be determined in alignment with the California Equal Pay Act or the applicable MOU. Determination for salary placement of internal candidates will be made without respect to current classification or compensation and will be based upon the candidate's qualifications as compared to those performing substantially similar work. In the event there is a guaranteed pay progression outlined in an applicable MOU, the MOU takes precedence.

SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SMUD complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.
Req ID: 2749