Who We Are
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) works to ensure that wind energy, solar energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix, leveraging the synergies among these technologies to provide clean, flexible, and affordable energy solutions. We are dedicated to creating a more sustainable future for Canada and future generations.
Overview
CanREA collects and analyses technical and market data throughout the year to keep our members up to date on new project developments, existing capacities, market statistics, and other important information about Canada’s fleet of wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage infrastructure. To support this work, CanREA is looking to hire a short-term intern position capable of collecting and analyzing data to inform our 2021 year-end reporting and improve ongoing data recording and analysis practices. This role is a direct hire by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association and is supported by the Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) “Empowering Futures” program.
The Role
The main objective of the internship is to take CanREA’s existing data records and undertake a review for accuracy, collect new data from across the country, analyze this data for year-end reporting, and improve MS Excel spreadsheet automation. The role requires a part-time student at the university, graduate degree level who can assist with the development of a reliable data set for analysis and reporting by mid-January 2022.
A secondary objective of the internship is to provide an opportunity to expand renewable energy expertise through in-depth knowledge of Canada’s renewable energy and energy-storage fleet. The internship is viewed as a capacity building opportunity for the industry in this key area.
Qualifications
The candidate should have the following areas of qualifications at a minimum:
- Proficient with MS Excel, creating complex cell formulas, and spreadsheet/workbook functions.
- Excellent data analysis capabilities including identification and troubleshooting of errors, ability to identify patterns and anomalies in large data sets, attention to detail and precision.
- Strong ability to apply simple statistical analysis methods such as calculating standard deviations, establishing confidence levels, and correlation coefficients.
- Good English professional writing skills.
- Good MS Office Suite formatting skills for creating standardized data report forms.
- Experience in research using the internet, referencing sources, and distilling large amounts of information into concise summaries.
- Completion of undergraduate level studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) topics preferably with coursework on electrical energy concepts such as alternating current, direct current, energy storage mediums, etc., as well as data analytics such as statistics and advanced mathematics.
- Enrolled in a graduate-level degree program in a relevant topic at a Canadian university.
- Exhibit an inclusive and respectful attitude towards others.
The following capabilities are considered as additional assets:
- Renewable energy knowledge or work experience especially in Canadian markets.
- Knowledge of construction, installation, and operational permitting and approval processes in the various Canadian jurisdictions.
- Experience with writing macros in MS Excel.
Internship Terms
Working with CanREA’s Sr. Director, Operations, the successful candidate will be a self-motivated, independent worker able to work on the collection and analysis of renewable energy data within the Canadian markets. Supported by EHRC’s Empowering Futures program, a formal learning plan will be established with placement reflection opportunities. Applying candidates must comply with the eligibility requirements as set by EHRC below. More information on the program can be found here: https://electricityhr.ca/workplace-solutions/youth-employment-funding/empowering-futures/
- They are registered as a full-time or part-time student in a post-secondary institution.
- They are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person with refugee protection in Canada.
- They are legally able to work in Canada according to the laws and regulations of the province or territory where they live.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to produce logical data summaries and reports outlining the current state of the industry through key metrics such as but not limited to:
- installed capacity of wind turbines, solar PV modules, and various energy storage devices,
- number and type of projects under construction,
- number and type of proposed projects,
- aggregate rooftop solar capacities,
- changes in ownership of existing projects,
- decommissioned projects, etc.
Furthermore, the work will include identification of errors between available data and past reporting of data, identification of missing data and new data sources to fill in any gaps and recommending areas of improvement for data collection.
The final objective for the internship will be to develop accurate and automated spreadsheets using various MS Excel methods to produce various standard reports including but not limited to:
- Provincial summaries of installed capacities
- Market share of make and model, and technical specifications of assets
- Analysis of average wind turbine hub heights and solar module capacities
- Forecasted installed capacity based on proposed project data
- Aggregate, regional, behind the meter (rooftop and small ground mounted) generation and storage capacities
The following work plan, work environment, and compensation are envisioned for the role with some ability to negotiate dates and availability.
- Formal start date will be as soon as possible, preferably in early November.
- Hours to be negotiated based on availability and work/study balance with half to quarter time hours (10-20 hrs/week) anticipated.
- Completion of the internship targeted by the end of February with a maximum of 300 accumulated hours total.
- Work hours are flexible with some requirements for firm times such as regularly scheduled meetings, attending virtual events, and accessibility for phone calls and timely message response.
- Location is flexible with a work-from-home arrangement. A reliable internet connection is required and access to Microsoft Excel will be important.
Process
Applications must be submitted by November 1, 2021, and must include:
- Name of the individual, current employment/education status.
- The individual’s resume of applicable experience.
- Indication of which capabilities are held and to what level of expertise with reference to the list provided above. List any additional capabilities that may be relevant to the role.
- Ability and extent to which the individual can meet the expectations stated above. Clearly state the available:
- Timing flexibility and constraints
- Ability to be in communication through email, phone, and virtual meetings.
- Ability to engage with the proposed work plan and dates.
- A short (approx. 500 words) explanation of the individual’s interest in this work as it relates to renewable energy.
- Indicate ability to provide references from academic/work experience.
Please direct any questions and submit your written proposal to the contact below by November 1, 2021: datajob@renewablesassociation.ca
We thank all applicants for their interest in CanREA, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
CanREA is an equal-opportunity employer with policies and practices intended to build an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please include this in your cover letter and all efforts to provide the appropriate accommodation will be put into place.