Intern, Project Origination

Company

Orenda is on a mission to make the grid more efficient with renewable energy projects and proprietary asset management technology. We currently develop, build, own and operate battery energy storage projects in dense urban environments to bridge the gap between renewables and electricity consumption.

We are a dynamic, NYC-based startup at the forefront of a new industry. We are seeking highly motivated and incredibly talented individuals who wish to contribute to our important mission.

Role

The Project Origination Intern’s primary objective is to drive measurable value by identifying project sites, evaluating project risk, and creating efficiencies in team outreach. You will report to the Director of Project Origination and collaborate with the team on diligence, analysis, and lead generation.

At Orenda, we prioritize results and autonomy. We are looking for a self-starter who can take ownership of their work and deliver high-quality outcomes within a lean, fast-paced team. Ideal candidates possess strong interpersonal skills and may have experience in renewable energy, sales, real estate, or business development.

What you’ll do

This internship is structured as an intensive twelve-week program divided into two six-week blocks.

Block 1: Introduction to Prospecting

• Onboarding & Expertise: Gain a deep understanding of energy storage development, specific project criteria, and the NYC energy landscape.
• Data Impact: Directly add value to Orenda’s proprietary data sets and help the origination team prioritize prospective project sites.
• Performance Milestone: Advancement to the second block is contingent upon a formal supervisor recommendation and successfully passing a "Fatal Flaw Analysis" with the Investment Committee.

Block 2: Independently Qualifying Future Opportunities

• Strategic Growth: Build upon the origination process with a focus on independently qualifying and advancing new project leads.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Move toward independently engaging with prospective landowner partners to discuss potential leasing terms and conditions.
• Ownership: Take responsibility for interim and final deliverable schedules, ensuring all work product meets Orenda’s high standards for accuracy and detail.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify properties suitable for energy storage development
• Research site specific information and add it to data set in CRM
• Research and note risk based on criteria provided by the origination team
• Identify and educate potential stakeholders about energy storage
• Prepare marketing materials for Stakeholders

What we are looking for

• Education: Rising college senior or recent graduate.
• Mission Alignment: A deep-seated passion for clean energy and a strong commitment to Orenda’s mission to increase grid efficiency.
• Professional Interest: Demonstrated interest in energy, environmental policy, or battery storage technology.
• Results-Oriented Ownership: A self-starter who takes full responsibility for outcomes and views work assignments as an opportunity to contribute to Orenda's growth.
• Analytical Aptitude: Ability to gather and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to inform site selection and project risk evaluation.
• Effective Communication: Proficiency in clear, two-way communication regarding deliverable status, scope of work, and issue escalation.
• Growth Mindset: A willingness to learn Orenda’s unique development methodology; we do not expect significant prior experience in the renewables space.
• Feedback Integration: Open to receiving and offering constructive feedback to peers and supervisors to ensure high-quality work product.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, in-office position requiring work from our headquarters (Brooklyn, NY) five days a week.

Compensation

Orenda Inc. offers a competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain top talent.

• Earnings: The anticipated hourly rate for this position in New York City is $20/hour.
• Benefits: The internship position is eligible for a monthly commuter stipend.

Orenda Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

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