Internship
The Utah Office of Energy Development (OED) is seeking an Intern to join the office for the Summer semester of 2026. The intern will help advance energy initiatives throughout the state of Utah via education, outreach, collaboration, research and communications.
The ideal candidate has strong skills in writing, research and collaboration as well as a desire to effect positive change on the energy landscape in the state. Interns will report to the Energy Education Specialist.
This position will work 20 hours per week with two days in office and hybrid telework options. The intern will be paid $20 per hour for 12 weeks.
The Intern will support OED through the following tasks:
- Assist with K-12 energy curriculum development and educational content creation.
- Conduct research on Utah's energy policies, legislative developments and current energy issues.
- Help identify and research new grant opportunities.
- Assist with grant reporting and proposal development.
- Contribute to policy documents and reports.
- Assist in the development of engaging content for OED's website and public communications.
- Support the planning and facilitation of OED events.
- Assist with education outreach events to various school districts and community events.
This internship provides opportunities to:
- Increase understanding of the nuances and complexities of the energy landscape in Utah and across the nation
- Contribute directly to state-level energy initiatives and workforce development.
- Network with state leaders, industry experts and educators.
- Enhance research, writing and communication skills in a government setting.
- Learn about civil service and public policy.
Required skills and qualifications
- Graduated or anticipated graduation from an institution of higher education between May 2025 - May 2029
- Ability to work independently, multitask, and take ownership of projects.
- Strong research, writing, and editing skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and experience working as part of a team
- Spanish language skills are a plus, but not required
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates are invited to apply for the Internship by submitting a cover letter and resume. In the cover letter, candidates should explain what they would like to gain from an OED internship and why a career in energy interests them.
Intern Timelines for Summer 2026
Applications Open: March 2, 2026 –March 31, 2026
Applications Close: Week of APril 13-17, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: May 11, 2026 OR May 26, 2026
Anticipated End Date: July 31 or August 14, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply?
Internship applications are welcome from undergraduate juniors and seniors, recent graduates and graduate students, trade school graduates and community college graduates personally committed to making energy the focus of their future career. We welcome applications from many majors and from all U.S. universities.Is this a paid program?
Yes, OED interns are paid $20 per hour.Where will I intern?
OED’s office is based in Salt Lake City, UT. We anticipate a hybrid/telework format for internships with 2 days a week in person (Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday).What is the preferred format for my cover letter and resume?
We require both cover letter and resume to be submitted as a PDF.Are the internships full or part time?
Part-time. Internships are customized to individual interns’ schedules. Interns will work with OED 20 hours per week for 12 weeks.OED Internship Cycle
Summer Internship
May – Aug: Development and Strategy
- Interns will spend their time on deep-dive research, identifying and drafting grant opportunities, and designing/marketing the K-12 energy curriculum that will be used in the coming school year.
- This session is ideal for those interested in the foundational work at OED.
- Application is open through the month of March.
Fall Internship
Sept – Dec: Outreach and Preparation
- Interns will be heavily involved in education outreach events across vMaarious school districts and community gatherings. Simultaneously, they begin the research necessary to prepare the office for the upcoming legislative session.
- This session is ideal for those interested in OED’s public engagement.
- Application is open through the month of July.
Spring Internship
Jan – Apr: Policy and Workforce
- Interns will support workforce development initiatives in relation to energy education in the K-12 sphere. As well as gain a front-row seat to civil service, tracking energy-related bills and supporting the initiatives of industry and legislators.
- This session is ideal for those interested in the intersection of public policy and programs.
- Application is open through the month of November.