Energy Efficiency Internship

Introduction: Smokey House Center is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that partners with public schools to provide adolescents with a hands-on, environmentally-based curriculum that integrates academic disciplines. At Smokey House, young people work with experienced adults on ecological research and farm and forestry tasks - learning, in the process, science, math, ecology, communications, reading, writing, problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. We offer two applied-learning programs - our Youthwork Program for at-risk high school students and our Environmental Field Studies Program for middle and high school students. In the Youthwork Program, farm and forestry work serve as vehicle for at-risk teenagers to learn and practice the habits, attitudes, and skills they will need to be successful adults. The Environmental Field Studies Program serves both at-risk and main stream students and uses environmental research as the vehicle for learning.

Internship Description: We believe a good internship involves a careful match between the needs of our organization, and the learning goals and interests of the intern. We work with each intern to develop a program that will meet your individualized learning goals. The Energy Efficiency Internship provides an opportunity to play an integral part in updating the efficiency of our facility including weatherizing homes and conducting an energy audit with a contractor. This internship emphasizes the practical application of efficiency measures, and will often integrate high-school student participation into tasks. We are looking for a qualified candidate to carry out energy efficiency updates at our facility, while also researching alternative strategies for further sustainability (perhaps including long-term solutions for our heating systems and energy production [wood boilers, wind turbines]). Specific tasks include:

Conducting an Energy Audit, with a contractor, on at least one house on the property. This will give us a more detailed understanding of our starting point and future goals and will include a cost benefit analysis. Such an audit might also provide ideas about which larger, more intensive projects (like totally re-insulating houses) could be implemented. There may be procedures that a contractor can show staff, which can then be applied by the intern and student workers to other homes on site.

Increasing thermal efficiency; a process which we hope to begin by early fall and finish by December. This will be carried out in two main ways:
Insulation: The focus of traditional insulation will be in attics and basement sills. Blue board and plaster insulation will be added on foundations. We may discover that some of this work can only occur seasonally (like blue board), so an earlier start may be necessary.
Air seal: Air sealing would include varieties of caulking, weather stripping, and door sweeps. Air seals will be added around chimneys in attics, chimneys which are not being used will be plugged, and an assessment for other air leaks will be completed.

Qualifications:

• Genuine desire to work with our organization to increase its efficiency and sustainability
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Interest in working with youth
• Ability to work as part of a team (including our maintenance staff and outside contractors)
• Competence researching energy issues independently
• Basic understanding of energy principles, and experience in energy efficiency and carpentry
• Willingness to learn new tasks
• Driver's license in good standing
• Some background in agriculture, alternative energy, natural sciences, forestry, and/or working with youth is helpful but not necessary

Duration:
September through December 2008

Start Date:
August or September 2008 depending on availability

Compensation:
A stipend of $140-175/week. Housing may be provided.

Application Procedure:
For more information and an application visit our web site at http://www.smokeyhouse.org or contact Shana Stewart, Smokey House Center, 426 Danby Mountain Rd. Danby, VT 05739; (802)293-5121; internships@smokeyhouse.org