Student Employment Opportunities

Biomass Systems Outreach and Production Statistics

West Central Research and Outreach Center

Position Description:

Renewable Energy Research Internships

Title: Summer Student Intern / Summer Student Worker
Duration: Approximately mid-May to the end of August.
Location: West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, MN

Application review begins: April 7th, 2012
(applications accepted until all positions are filled)

The West Central Research and Outreach Center has Renewable Energy Research Internship positions
available for the summer of 2012. The positions will be in the biomass fuels and sustainability area,
examining a variety of issues (see focus areas below) related to renewable energy. The positions will
involve both field and literature studies of biomass cropping systems, harvesting, delivery of biomass and
more. Ideal candidates will have a basic understanding science and be detail oriented. Completion of
college level course in communications or writing preferred. Specialized skills in the particular focus
areas described below are desired.
At the end of their internship, the student must present a public seminar based on their experiences and
research. In addition, a written summary of the students work is required as part of the internship.
The student, supervisor, and/or faculty member will meet regularly to assess the student’s progress and
track the objectives and goals for the internship.
Interns will also be expected to help with a variety of field, office, and library tasks that may be outside
the focus of their individual project topic. Strenuous work in less than ideal conditions may occasionally
be required during field work.
Student interns will get to interact with some of the region’s top experts in renewable energy and biomass
systems. In addition, interns will be paid a salary of $9.00 per hour (40 hours per week) and housing may
be available at little or no charge to qualified participants.


Focus Areas for 2012 Summer Internships

Biomass Systems Outreach intern will assist with outreach on a project that develops information for
farmers and others involved in biomass production This will involve assisting with editing documents,
reviewing website text/graphics and developing documents to help inform various audiences. This person
would help with the small set of demonstration plots and be available for sampling and other work as
assigned by project staff. A background in science or communications is helpful for the position, but not
required.

Biomass Production Statistics intern will assist with a survey project that evaluates farmer knowledge and
opinions of biomass and biomass harvesting. The student will help with data collection and entry. A
subset of data will be analyzed as part of the student’s internship project. This person would help with the
small set of demonstration plots and be available for sampling and other work as assigned by project staff.
A background in math/statistics is helpful for the position, but not required.

Qualifications/Additional Comments:

West Central Research and Outreach Center
46352 State Hwy 329
Morris, MN 56276
(320) 589-1711

Hours Per Week:

40 hours per week

• Arrangement of Hours: summer 2012
• Preferred Application Procedure(s): Contact Audrey

Number of Positions Available