Environmental & Permitting Intern - Agrivoltaics

We’re a team of friends bound together by a mission to preserve our planet for future generations through innovative energy solutions and modern infrastructure. In December 2025, Google announced an agreement to acquire Intersect, to enable more data center and generation capacity to come online faster while accelerating energy development and innovation. After close, we’ll continue doing exactly what we were built to do - develop, construct, and operate the most ambitious power and data infrastructure in the country.

Intersect’s operations will remain separate from Alphabet and Google under the Intersect brand. We’re on an aggressive growth trajectory and looking for people hungry to tackle the largest energy challenges on the planet.

About This Role

As part of Intersect’s Environmental & Permitting team, you’ll support critical research shaping how agrivoltaics is understood across policy, economics, and large-scale solar development. This internship focuses on producing rigorous, well-supported written work that informs internal strategy and external positioning. You’ll partner closely with the Head of Permitting to synthesize academic and policy research, contributing to both a formal academic manuscript and a persuasive op-ed that explores the practical and economic limitations of agrivoltaics at scale.

Team Overview

This team plays a critical role in advancing Intersect’s mission to accelerate the clean energy transition by navigating complex environmental and permitting landscapes. By combining policy insight, technical expertise, and cross-functional collaboration, the team ensures projects are both compliant and strategically positioned in evolving regulatory environments. Joining this team offers the opportunity to engage with high-impact work at the intersection of land use, policy, and energy development, while building expertise in a rapidly changing sector.

What You’ll Do

Advance Agrivoltaics Policy Research

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Read and synthesize academic, economic, and technical literature on agrivoltaics, distilling complex findings into clear, structured insights

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Identify key assumptions, limitations, and potential biases within published research to strengthen internal understanding and positioning

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Organize research into well-documented, data-driven outputs that support decision-making and external communication

Develop High-Impact Written Content

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Contribute to the completion of an academic-style manuscript on the technical and economic limitations of agrivoltaics

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Translate research findings into a compelling, persuasive op-ed tailored for broader policy and industry audiences

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Ensure all written work is clearly argued, factually supported, and aligned with Intersect’s strategic perspective

Drive Independent Research Execution

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Manage multiple research threads simultaneously while maintaining high standards of accuracy and organization

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Work independently to gather, evaluate, and synthesize external sources, proactively identifying gaps or inconsistencies

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Collaborate with internal stakeholders to refine outputs and incorporate feedback efficiently

What You’ll Bring

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Pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business, Public Policy, or a related field, with coursework in environmental science or agriculture

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Academic or internship experience in environmental policy, agriculture, energy, or related sectors

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Strong desktop research capabilities, including the ability to synthesize complex academic materials into clear, structured insights

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Excellent written communication and documentation skills, with attention to detail and clarity of argument

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Proficiency in word processing tools such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs; familiarity with Slack or similar collaboration tools

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Ability to manage multiple tasks, stay organized, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

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Foundational knowledge of environmental policy, land use, or agricultural systems; familiarity with agrivoltaics concepts is a plus

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Connection to academic, research, or early-career networks in environmental science, agriculture, or energy policy

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A self-motivated, curious approach with the ability to work independently while asking thoughtful questions and seeking feedback

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A detail-oriented and organized work style that supports high-quality research outputs

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A commitment to integrity, collaboration, and impact-driven work aligned with Intersect’s core values

Program Details

Duration: 10 weeks

Program Dates: June 1 – August 14

Location: Interns are expected to work in-person from our San Francisco office

Mentorship: Each intern will receive guidance from experienced professionals throughout the program

Capstone Presentation: Interns will present their final project to executive leadership at the end of the program

Compensation:

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$35 USD per hour for undergraduate students.

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$45 USD per hour for graduate students.

Applicants must be authorized to work in Canada or the US. Intersect is unable to sponsor visas for this position.

Ready to gain real-world experience while contributing to meaningful innovation? Apply now and start building your career with Intersect.

Intersect maintains a work environment free from discrimination, one where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. All employees share in the responsibility for fulfilling Intersect's commitment to equal employment opportunity. Intersect does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by and consistent with applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. We adhere to these principles in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, promotion, benefits, social and recreational programs, and discipline.