Application Guide
How to Apply for Intern, Project Development
at Pivot Energy
🏢 About Pivot Energy
Pivot Energy is a mission-driven company accelerating the clean energy transition through community solar and storage projects. They focus on impactful decarbonization, making them a great fit for candidates passionate about sustainability and real-world renewable energy deployment.
About This Role
As an Intern in Project Development, you'll support the team in evaluating site viability, preparing permitting documents, and engaging with communities. This role offers hands-on experience in the full lifecycle of solar and storage projects, from desktop analysis to public meetings, making a tangible impact on clean energy adoption.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with desktop research using public databases to assess a potential site's solar viability, then shift to preparing a mailing campaign for permitting authorities. Later, you could join a team member for a site visit or help staff a community event to answer questions about a new solar project.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Pivot Energy Is Looking For
- Passionate about sustainability and renewable energy, with a desire to learn about solar and storage project development.
- Strong communicator who can confidently engage with community members, permitting authorities, and team members.
- Detail-oriented and comfortable with desktop research, GIS tools (like Google Earth), and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Able to prioritize multiple tasks across different projects, from mailing campaigns to site visits.
📝 Tips for Applying to Pivot Energy
Highlight any coursework or projects in sustainability, engineering, or renewable energy, even if not directly related to solar.
Demonstrate your GIS skills by mentioning specific projects where you used Google Earth or similar tools for spatial analysis.
Showcase your communication skills with examples of public speaking, event support, or community engagement.
Tailor your resume to emphasize your ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines, as the role involves diverse responsibilities.
Research Pivot Energy's specific community solar projects and mention one that aligns with your interests in your cover letter.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for clean energy and alignment with Pivot Energy's mission to accelerate decarbonization.", 'Specific examples of your research or analytical skills, especially using public databases or GIS tools.', "Your experience or interest in community engagement and public events, tying to the role's staffing requirements.", 'Your eagerness to learn about solar site assessments and project development from a hands-on perspective.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Pivot Energy's website to understand their project portfolio, including community solar and storage initiatives.
- → Look into recent news or press releases about Pivot Energy to see their current focus areas and achievements.
- → Familiarize yourself with common permitting processes for solar projects in the US, especially at the local level.
- → Learn about the basics of solar site assessment, including factors like irradiance, shading, and grid interconnection.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't focus solely on technical skills without showing enthusiasm for sustainability and community impact.
- Avoid being vague about your interest in the role; instead, connect your experiences to specific job duties like permitting research or mailing campaigns.
- Don't underestimate the importance of communication skills—this role involves public interaction, so emphasize your people skills.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!