Student Assistant - Clean Energy Policy Analysis - Remote

University-Enterprises-In; Sacramento (CA); Remote; USD 28,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

The California Energy Commission is seeking a motivated Student Assistant to support policy research and programs within the Commissioner’s portfolio, including clean energy policy and public meetings.

This part-time, remote role is managed by University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI). The schedule is flexible (Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM window), with up to 24 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours during breaks, paying $20.08 to $35.70 per hour.

Qualifications

• Must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Familiarity with Zoom and Microsoft Teams, or willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Monitor policy trends and developments related to the Commissioner’s portfolio (e.g., clean energy permitting, geothermal energy).
• Conduct research, analyze information, and summarize findings in memos and briefing materials.
• Prepare talking points and written communications for policy discussions.
• Assist with planning and coordinating public meetings, workshops, and events.
• Organize materials and background information for policy engagements.
• Participate in required training to develop knowledge and skills.

Skills

Communication skills

Research skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

Multitasking

Critical thinking

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

Job description

• Job Category Part-time, Off-campus , California Energy Commission
• Employee Type Student Assistant
• Required Degree High school
• Manage Others No

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Student Assistant to support policy research and initiatives within the Commissioner’s portfolio. The selected candidate will help monitor policy trends and developments in key priority areas, including clean energy permitting, geothermal energy, and other emerging topics. Responsibilities will also include synthesizing research findings into memos, talking points, and other communication materials, as well as assisting with the coordination and support of public meetings and workshops related to clean energy policy. Training will be provided to help the student develop the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the role.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

This is a part-time, temporary, non-benefited, student position. Employment in all positions with University Enterprises, Inc. is dependent upon the mutual consent of University Enterprises, Inc. and the employee. This means that either University Enterprises, Inc. or the employee can, at any time, terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause.

Depending on the type of position you are applying for, a pre-employment background check consisting of one or more of the following may be conducted: employment history, professional references, criminal check: educational verification (degree, license, or official transcript) or DMV clearance. Applicants will be required to pass required pre-employment checks to the satisfaction of University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) and the hiring Agency or Department.

UEI does not allow students to hold more than one UEI Job at a time, or work in more than one account per pay period. UEI employees who are considering leaving their current UEI student assistant position for a different UEI student assistant position should inform their supervisor in writing and provide at least a week’s notice.

UEI is not a multi-state employer. UEI only employs candidates who live and work in the state of California. If selected for the position you must reside in California and all work must be performed in the state of California throughout the course of employment.

Prerequisites

Students must be enrolled in at least: six-semester units or nine quarter units for undergraduate students; four-semester units or six quarter units for graduate students.
Students declared major must match the major(s) listed in the job posting.

Majors/Fields of Study

Biological Sciences, Business Administration, Communication Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Government, History, Journalism, Law, Natural Sciences, Political Sciences, Public Policy & Administration, Social Sciences, or Sociology.

Work Schedule

Flexible workdays and work hours, Monday – Friday, between 8 AM – 5 PM. The final work schedule will be determined by the supervisor.

Additional Work Schedule

Student Assistant and Graduate Assistant employees generally work up to 24 hours per workweek (Sunday – Saturday) during the academic year and up to 40 hours per workweek during breaks; (winter, spring, and summer).

Compensation

$20.08 to $35.70 per hour.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and professionally.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and team members.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other computer applications, or a willingness to learn new technologies.
• Strong critical-thinking and research skills, including the ability to gather information, analyze findings, and communicate results effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor policy trends and developments related to the Commissioner’s portfolio, including clean energy permitting, geothermal energy, and other key priority areas.
• Conduct research, analyze relevant information, and summarize findings in clear, concise memos and briefing materials.
• Prepare talking points and other written communications to support policy discussions and engagements.
• Assist with planning and coordinating public meetings, workshops, and other events related to clean energy policy.
• Help organize and prepare materials, background information, and supporting documents for policy meetings and engagements.
• Participate in required training to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform assigned responsibilities effectively.

Physical Requirements

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computer workstations, telephones, calculators, copiers, printers, and scanners with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a remote environment.

Students/Employees will be required to work according to the current UEI remote workplace policy and sign a UEI Work from Home Agreement. The decision to permit an employee to work from home is at the discretion of the supervisor or employer and may, at any time and with or without cause, unilaterally terminate the option to work from home.

Apply by: 11/13/2026

Summary

The California Energy Commission is leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future for all. As the state's primary energy policy and planning agency, the Energy Commission plays a critical role in creating the energy system of the future - one that is clean, is modern, and ensures the fifth largest economy in the world continues to thrive.

Established in 1975 by the Warren-Alquist Act to respond to the energy crisis of the early 1970s, the agency’s research, programs and policies remain crucial today as the state plans for 100% clean energy and carbon neutrality by mid-century.

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