Research Analyst Intern Jobs

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.

The Role – Research Analyst Intern

CanREA collects and analyses technical and market data 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 aid with the development, management and maintenance of our various databases, we are currently looking for a Research Analyst Intern. The incumbent will explore the feasibility of transferring Excel records into a proper database, and build and maintain an up-to-date record of codes and standards that are that are relevant to the development, construction, operation and decommissioning of wind, solar, and energy storage projects. The incumbent will also provide a research function, to expand renewable-energy expertise, and to support CanREA’s reporting, policy support and member benefit objectives.

Working with CanREA’s Director, Operations, the successful candidate will be a self-motivated, independent worker, with the ability to dive deep into Microsoft Excel functions, to work on the collection and analysis of renewable energy data, and relevant standards and regulations within the Canadian markets.

This is a contract role, ending February 28th, 2024, with possible transition to full-time, and exists by way of funding from Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) “Discovering Potential” program. As such, the incumbent must meet the selection criteria set out by the Program, and will be required to participate in and complete Program-related activities. More information on the eligibility requirements of the program can be found here: https://electricityhr.ca/workplace-solutions/wage-subsidy-programs/discovering-potential/

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with international and regional partners to share and collect data where applicable.
• Research, organize, and analyze new data (from sources such as corporate websites, press releases, regulatory, utility and system operator publications) to support CanREA’s reporting, policy support and member benefit objectives.
• Perform ad-hoc, short-term, research projects for CanREA staff in support of policy and operational objectives.
• Produce logical data summaries and reports outlining the current state of the industry through key metrics, such as number and type of projects under construction, number and type of proposed projects, changes in ownership of existing projects, decommissioned projects, etc.
• Maintain and develop CanREA’s various databases, of wind, solar and energy storage projects in various stages (in operation, under development or decommissioned), and includes supporting data, such as job multipliers, general industry data and other economic impact data.
• Update and maintain accurate, and automated spreadsheets using various MS Excel methods to produce various standard and customized reports. Examples: Provincial summaries of installed capacities, analysis of average wind turbine hub heights and solar module capacities, forecasted installed capacity based on proposed project data.
• Explore the feasibility of translating Excel records into a proper database, using software such as Microsoft Access for increased data security, ease of use and integration into websites.
• Create, organize, and maintain documentation control of current and historic documentation created by CanREA (and legacy documentation created by CanWEA and CanSIA) for the benefit of the membership on the members-only website.
• Build and maintain an up-to-date record of codes and standards within Canadian jurisdictions that are relevant to the development, construction, operation and decommissioning of wind, solar, and energy storage projects.
• Support the development and publication of an annual data report and mid-year updates in support of the Communications and Business Development Teams.
• Identify 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.
• Support CanREA’s Policy Team by providing summaries and analysis of fleet data, codes and standards and relevant research findings as requested.

Qualifications:

• High level of proficiency and skill with MS Excel, with experience writing macros, and the ability to create 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.
• 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).
• Excellent writing and communications skills.
• Good MS Office Suite formatting skills for creating standardized data report forms.
• Ability to work from home (internet connection, quiet space, etc.) as CanREA is a remote-only working environment.
• Exhibit an inclusive and respectful attitude towards others.

Assets:

• Coursework on electrical energy concepts such as alternating current, direct current, energy storage mediums, etc.
• Working knowledge of French.
• Data analytics such as statistics and advanced mathematics.
• Knowledge and/or experience with database architecture, and software such as Microsoft Access.
• Renewable energy knowledge or work experience especially in Canadian markets.
• Ability to apply simple statistical analysis methods such calculating standard deviations, establish confidence levels, and correlation coefficients.
• Knowledge of construction, installation, and operational permitting and approval processes, standards, and regulations in the various Canadian jurisdictions.

To Apply

Please submit your resume with a cover letter indicating why you are uniquely qualified for this position.

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.