Student Assistant - Petroleum Economic Analysis - Remote

University-Enterprises-In; Sacramento (CA); Remote; USD 28,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

The California Energy Commission seeks a motivated Student Assistant to support the Petroleum Economic Analysis team, examining California’s petroleum supply chain from crude input to refined product distribution. You will assist with data-driven research and policy support in a remote environment.

Flexible hours Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM; typical 24 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours during breaks. Competitive hourly pay and pre-employment checks.

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 communicate information clearly and professionally.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage tasks effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with team members and colleagues.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other computer applications, or demonstrate a willingness to learn new technologies.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to conduct thorough research, interpret data, and effectively communicate findings.

Responsibilities

• Analyze California’s petroleum supply chain, including crude oil inputs, refinery operations, imports, transportation networks, and critical infrastructure.
• Assess petroleum market trends, supply and demand patterns, and infrastructure limitations to support evaluations of California’s petroleum markets.
• Perform quantitative data analysis, interpret findings, and prepare reports and summaries for staff review.
• Utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to map petroleum infrastructure, evaluate transportation networks, and identify geographic constraints.
• Develop research summaries, briefing materials, and policy-related recommendations to support data-driven decision-making.
• Support the team’s research and analysis of the economic, technical, and logistical factors influencing California’s petroleum supply, distribution, and infrastructure.

Skills

Strong communication

Customer service

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Data interpretation

Education

High school

Tools

Microsoft Office

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

GIS

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 to hire a motivated and analytically driven Student Assistant to support its Petroleum Economic Analysis team. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to petroleum market and infrastructure analysis by examining California’s petroleum supply chain, from crude oil production to refined gasoline distribution, while supporting data-driven research and policy development.

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

Business Administration, Chemistry, Economics, Finance, Government, Physical Science, Political Science, Public Policy & Administration, Social Science, or any other closely related field.

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 communicate information clearly and professionally.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage tasks effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with team members and colleagues.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other computer applications, or demonstrate a willingness to learn new technologies.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to conduct thorough research, interpret data, and effectively communicate findings.

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

• Analyze California’s petroleum supply chain, including crude oil inputs, refinery operations, imports, transportation networks, and critical infrastructure.
• Assess petroleum market trends, supply and demand patterns, and infrastructure limitations to support evaluations of California’s petroleum markets.
• Perform quantitative data analysis, interpret findings, and prepare reports and summaries for staff review.
• Utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to map petroleum infrastructure, evaluate transportation networks, and identify geographic constraints.
• Develop research summaries, briefing materials, and policy-related recommendations to support data-driven decision-making.
• Support the team’s research and analysis of the economic, technical, and logistical factors influencing California’s petroleum supply, distribution, and infrastructure.

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 Warre n‐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.

Have questions about student assistant or full-time positions? We are here to help! Contact us at [e-mail] .