Rural Energy Intern (Tennessee)

Appalachian Voices is hiring a Rural Energy Intern for a hybrid role in Tennessee, focusing on outreach, advocacy, and community engagement related to the Rural Energy for America Program. The intern will educate rural communities about solar energy and energy efficiency through workshops and other activities. This 20-hour per week internship runs from June to August 2025, requiring some travel for events. Preference is given to candidates in Middle Tennessee.
About Appalachian Voices

Appalachian Voices is a nonprofit advocacy organization that brings people together to protect the land, air, and water of Central and Southern Appalachia and advance a just transition to a clean energy economy. We currently have over 40 staff members across the region, with offices located in Boone, North Carolina; Charlottesville, Virginia; Norton, Virginia; and Knoxville, Tennessee.

Commitment to Equity

Appalachian Voices is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion both in our work and in our organizational structure. We seek applicants who share and exhibit these principles. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

We understand people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We encourage candidates to review the position details and responsibilities listed. If you have the transferable skills necessary to fulfill many of the requirements of this role, we encourage you to apply. We may tailor the role to a talented or passionate candidate.

Position Details

Appalachian Voices is seeking a Rural Energy Intern to support our Tennessee program from June to August 2025.

The Rural Energy Intern will support outreach, advocacy and community engagement related to the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and other USDA programs. The intern will also help educate rural communities about solar energy and energy efficiency opportunities by planning community workshops in coordination with the Tennessee team and community partners.

The position will report to the Tennessee Projects Coordinator. This internship requires 20 hours per week over a 12-week term, beginning June 2 and ending August 22. This is a hybrid opportunity with both remote, computer-based work and in-person events. The position will require travel for events, including possible evening and weekend work. Travel costs will be reimbursed in accordance with Appalachian Voices’ Travel Expense Policy. Preference will be given to candidates living in Middle Tennessee.

Primary responsibilities:

Advancing and protecting the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and other USDA energy programs in Tennessee (65%). Activities may include:
• Developing outreach materials to help educate community members and local leaders about program benefits and opportunities;
• Contacting past REAP recipients to develop a database of spokespeople willing to share their stories with media, legislators, etc.;
• Working in coordination with AppVoices staff to plan press events, draft letters to the editor, or to support other advocacy tactics; and
• Coordinating with the national Rural Power Coalition to support advocacy related to REAP and other USDA programs.

Planning workshops in Middle Tennessee to promote information about solar and energy efficiency benefits and opportunities (35%), which will involve:
• Tracking and compiling information about federal, state, and local resources for solar and energy efficiency opportunities;
• Attending community meetings to share information;
• Helping AppVoices’ Middle Tennessee Organizer with event-planning, outreach, and programming;
• Supporting post-event follow-up; and
• Developing relationships with rural community members.

Skills & Qualifications:
• Commitment to environmental justice and Appalachia;
• Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills;
• Ability to meet deadlines and work well within a fast-paced team;
• Detail-oriented;
• Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds, including diverse political affiliations, particularly in rural Tennessee;
• Comfortable making cold-calls and meeting new people in a professional setting;
• Previous experience with lobbying or advocacy work;
• Able to perform duties with minimal supervision;
• Flexible and able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

Compensation: $15 per hour

To Apply:

Using this link, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter by Friday, April 25th, 2025. This internship is a 12-week term, beginning June 2 and ending August 22.

Appalachian Voices participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.