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National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Undergraduate/Graduate (Year-Round) Internship - InSPIRE

Posted 3 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Remote
Hiring Remotely in USA
35K-56K Annually
Internship
Remote
Hiring Remotely in USA
35K-56K Annually
Internship
Perform on-site agrivoltaics field research to evaluate effects on crop yield, phenology, water stress, and pest damage. Collect and enter data, assist with analysis, and support InSPIRE project activities at a solar-array field site. Hands-on outdoor fieldwork with some potential remote tasks.
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Posting TitleUndergraduate/Graduate (Year-Round) Internship - InSPIRE

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LocationRemote

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Position TypeIntern (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week40

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Working at NLR

Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.

At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Job Description

***Location & Work Arrangement: Hybrid–remote in Minnesota. The primary research field site is approximately 45 minutes northwest of Minneapolis. Interns must have reliable transportation to and from the site for the duration of the internship. Limited remote work may be available to support additional InSPIRE projects, depending on availability and schedule.

 The Agrivoltaics Research Intern will support on-site crop research evaluating the impact of agrivoltaics (co-location of solar energy and agriculture) on crop yield, plant phenology, water stress, and insect/animal damage. This position is part of NLR’s Innovative Solar Projects Integrated with Rural Economies and Ecosystems (InSPIRE) project, which explores the compatibility and mutual benefits of solar development with agriculture and native landscapes. 

This role offers hands-on field research experience within an operating solar array facility and is ideal for a detail-oriented student interested in agriculture, energy innovation, and applied research. Limited remote work may be available to support additional InSPIRE projects based on availability and schedule. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Collect quantitative and qualitative crop data at the Big River Farm agrivoltaics research site 
  • Measure and assess crop yield, phenology, water stress, and insect/animal damage (includes extended periods of standing and squatting in field conditions) 
  • Perform essential crop management practices 
  • Enter, manage, and analyze research data 
  • Participate in regular check-ins and coordination meetings with project partners, including NLR, Big River Farms/The Food Group, University of Minnesota, US Solar, and other collaborators 
  • Engage with small-scale and emerging farmers growing on-site and learn about land access challenges 
  • Support additional InSPIRE research activities remotely as needed (e.g., assisting with agrivoltaics mapping efforts) 

     

    Ideal Candidate 

    The ideal candidate is: 

    • Passionate about agriculture and energy innovation 
    • Comfortable working outdoors in a hands-on research environment 
    • Curious, collaborative, and eager to learn 
    • Organized and detail-oriented 

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    Basic QualificationsMinimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average
    Undergraduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a bachelor’s degree program from an accredited institution. 

    Post Undergraduate: Earned a bachelor’s degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.
    
Graduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a master’s degree program from an accredited institution. 

    Post Graduate: Earned a master’s degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.
    Graduate + PhD: Completed master’s degree and enrolled as PhD student from an accredited institution.
    

Please Note:

    • Applicants are responsible for uploading official or unofficial school transcripts, as part of the application process.

    • If selected for position, a letter of recommendation will be required as part of the hiring process.

    • Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

    * Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

    Additional Required Qualifications
    • Experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research, preferably with agricultural crops 
    • Experience with data entry and data analysis 
    • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions 
    • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

    Preferred Qualifications
    • Knowledge of crop production practices and/or experience with vegetable production 

    • Experience analyzing agricultural, energy, or water-related datasets 

    • Familiarity with statistical methods 

    • Knowledge of solar energy development, economic assessment, ecosystem services, and/or GIS

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    Job Application Submission Window

    The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

    Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)Job Profile: / Annual Salary Range: $34,800 - $55,700

    NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

    Benefits SummaryBenefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; and sick leave (where required by law). NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Internships projected to be less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision benefits.

    * Based on eligibility rules

    Badging RequirementNLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Intern assignments extending beyond six months will be subject to this requirement.

    Drug Free Workplace

    NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

    If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

    Submission Guidelines

    Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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    Equal Opportunity Employer

    All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

    Reasonable Accommodations

    E-Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.

    E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce. 

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