Community Energy AmeriCorps Fellowship

The Island Institute is a nonprofit organization that serves as a voice for the balanced future of the islands and waters of the Gulf of Maine. We are guided by an island ethic that recognizes the strength and fragility of Maine's island communities and the finite nature of the Gulf of Maine ecosystems. 

Position Overview:

The Community Energy AmeriCorps Fellow will play a key role in supporting island and coastal communities to find innovative solutions to the energy challenges that they face.  Working as part of the Island Institute's Maine Coast Community Wind Program, the AmeriCorps Fellow will help to strengthen public outreach and technical assistance in 3 key program areas: community wind, fuel substitution/smart grid, and energy efficiency, as well as provide support with general program development. 

The AmeriCorps Fellow will be advised on a day-to-day basis by the Community Wind Director but will also serve with the program's community energy partners such as the Fox Islands Electric Cooperative and the Monhegan Plantation Power District. 

Responsibilities:

• Community Wind: The Island Institute provides technical assistance and community outreach support to communities exploring and developing locally-owned wind projects. The organization's approach to this work prioritizes public engagement and education so that communities can make well-informed decisions on local energy issues. Some of the ways that the AmeriCorps Fellow will support this work will include assisting with data analysis, developing educational materials and coordinating on and off-island meetings on the projects.
• Fuel Substitution/Smart Grid: Heating and transportation make up the highest percentage of energy costs on islands. Efforts to develop smart island grids and fuel substitution technology can enable communities to use cleaner, more affordable electricity to heat homes and power vehicles while increasing the viability of year-round communities. The AmeriCorps Fellow will help to administer an innovative pilot program that develops and tests this technology on the Fox Islands, and will help to ensure that there is significant community education and involvement in these efforts.
• Energy Efficiency: In order to increase the benefits of renewable energy and further reduce energy costs, the Island Institute is seeking to expand its capacity to work on energy efficiency issues. The AmeriCorps Fellow will support these efforts by helping to administer the Energy for ME education program, connecting communities to available efficiency resources and incentives, and assessing the potential for future Institute involvement in efficiency issues.
• Program Development: As a new initiative that is seeking to respond to energy challenges from a variety of perspectives, the Maine Coast Community Wind program will benefit from general support from the AmeriCorps Fellow. Tasks will include performing research on various energy-related topics, developing content for the web, researching funding opportunities and responding to information requests. The AmeriCorps Fellow will also help to link island energy projects to state, regional and national energy efforts by tracking developments in these areas and sharing pertinent information with interested stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have a 4-year degree in a related field, and at least a basic understanding of energy issues and experience with public outreach and education.  Excellent writing and communication skills are very important, as is the ability to translate complex technical issues into "plain English." 

This is a fast-paced program so applicants should be able to manage multiple tasks at once and meet deadlines while being detailed-oriented.  Previous coursework in economics and public policy are strongly recommended; GIS mapping skills are a plus.  In addition:

• Extensive travel is required so applicant must have access to own transportation (mileage reimbursement will be provided);
• Must have a strong community service ethic;
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision;
• Must be team-oriented;
• Must be US citizen (requirement of AmeriCorps);
• Must be eligible for 2 AmeriCorps terms (must not have previously served as an AmeriCorps member elsewhere); and,
• Must be willing to undergo a background check.

Compensation: The Island Institute provides an annual stipend of $15,000, as well as covering rent and utilities. Health insurance is provided, as well as deferred federal student loans and an education award of $4,725 upon successful completion of the term of service.

To Apply:

Please visit the Island Institute's website for an application. The deadlines reflected in the application materials do not apply to this position. The deadline for this position is July 30, 2010. However, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early. The position will begin on September 13, 2010, and is a year-long commitment.  It is currently contingent on funding which will be determined by July 2010.

For more information, please contact Chris Wolff.

The Island Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Island Fellows Program is supported in part through an AmeriCorps grant through the Corporation for National Service and administered through the Maine Commission for Community Service.