Energy Efficiency Block Captain Coordinator Volunteer Internship
The Cambridge Energy Alliance is recruiting a part-time volunteer for internship level work. We are looking for a volunteer to help CEA and the City of Cambridge win the $5 million Georgetown University Energy Prize. We need to reduce our energy use the most, and we have a little over a year to do it! This is an exciting opportunity to build community involvement in this city-wide initiative to reduce wasted energy by coordinating action at the neighborhood level. Projects will be organized by CEA staff in the Cambridge Community Development Department, but most of the volunteer work can be carried out remotely.
The Georgetown University Energy Prize
The Georgetown University Energy Prize is a $5 million, two-year competition between 50 cities across the country to encourage innovative approaches to energy savings. Cambridge is In It to Win It and we need the whole community to get involved! The competition is judged based on electricity and gas bill savings in the residential and municipal sectors, along with the innovative nature, replicability, inclusiveness, and long-term impacts of the approaches. Energy assessments through the MassSave program are central to our strategy because they give residents a customized evaluation of energy use and energy saving opportunities in their homes, with instant savings measures along with incentives for further action. Our goal is for every home in Cambridge to take advantage of this opportunity which costs nothing, saves money on energy bills, and leads to healthier and more comfortable homes.
For more information about the Georgetown Prize, see www.cambridgeenergyalliance.org/winit.
Position Summary
The Energy Efficiency Block Captain Coordinator will be responsible for implementing an organized effort to enable energy saving activities at the neighborhood level. Responsibilities include:
• Assist in the creation of an energy efficiency block captain toolkit with materials necessary to educate block captain volunteers to achieve the following goals:
o Sign neighbors up for no-cost MassSave energy assessments
o Track participation and follow up with neighbors to help complete assessments and track resulting energy-saving actions
o Organize optional activities such as lightbulb exchanges, solar house parties, and other energy-saving initiatives
• Recruit, train, and supervise block captains in all Cambridge neighborhoods, using CEA website as communication interface
• Coordinate with Next Step Living and MassSave to ensure timely completion of energy assessments and track results
• Track block captain activity and report regularly on results
• Assist with design, implementation, and outreach around competitions between neighborhoods to achieve as many assessments as possible
Skills and Qualifications
CEA seeks a person with exceptional communication and community organizing skills, both written and in-person, with a desire to lead Cambridge residents in energy efficiency outreach activity. Must be able to successfully organize and supervise a diverse group of volunteers working towards a common goal across the City. Enthusiasm for environmental and civic issues, along with determination and a positive attitude, are key traits. Seeking part-time commitment from fall 2015 through December 2016.
To Apply
Inquiries, nominations or referrals, and resumes and/or brief letters expressing interest should be directed in confidence to: winit@cambridgema.gov.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled. No phone calls, please.
If you are interested in contributing to this initiative but can’t commit to the full Coordinator position, let us know if you would like to volunteer as a Block Captain and look for that posting soon!