This internship is hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, with funding from the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.

Job overview

The Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions (MECS) is responsible for B.C.’s electricity, alternative energy, and petroleum resource sectors, and works to support B.C.’s greenhouse gas reduction targets. The Clean Energy and Major Projects Office (CEMPO) is the primary government liaison for provincial matters related to clean energy and major projects, with responsibility for project management, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure projects are meeting the Province’s priorities and objectives.

The Co-op Student – Low-Carbon Fuels Research will conduct qualitative and quantitative research. The student will prepare an assessment of viable low-carbon fuels and technologies for the B.C. mining sector, share findings and solicit input from industry, and summarize results in a final report and presentation. To be successful in this role, applicants must be highly organized and results oriented, and capable of meeting deadlines associated with the research project. With excellent oral and written communication skills, the co-op student will be responsible for collaborating effectively with internal and external partners related to the project deliverables and timelines.

Project background

The mining sector is a major contributor to the B.C. economy, as it provides significant job opportunities in remote communities and urban areas and contributes to the Province’s GDP. The sector continues to be important, as B.C. has an abundance of critical minerals and metals necessary for the global transition to a lower carbon economy. The mining sector is adopting low-carbon fuels, technologies, and renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While efforts to integrate clean solutions are ongoing, the sector remains one of B.C.’s largest emitters and among the hardest to decarbonize.

The student will work on a research project that aims to explore alternatives to electrification for the decarbonization of B.C.’s mining sector through the potential use of low-carbon fuels and clean technologies such as hydrogen, advanced biofuels (including cellulosic ethanol), renewable diesel (HVO), and synthetic fuels (Fischer-Tropsch fuels, e-fuels). The research project includes conducting a literature review of low-carbon fuel and clean technology pathways, assessing each pathway for integration into B.C.’s mining sector, investigating stakeholder insights through interviews to gauge industry readiness and challenges, developing policy recommendations, writing a final report and giving a presentation to the ministry.

Given the collaborative nature of the project, the results are intended to be shared with other levels of government and key stakeholders. The project results will be used to inform decision-making, such as the policy considerations of the MECS and Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals (MMCM).

Work environment and professional development oppportunities

The student will be supervised by an experienced Senior Policy Analyst who leads hydrogen and other low-carbon fuel projects and policy work as part of the CEMPO at MECS. The student’s work in this project is expected to enhance their field of study by providing practical experience useful for their career upon completion of their degree.

The student will have opportunities to engage with staff from MECS and MMCM, and with industry. The work will primarily involve individually led research and data analysis, conducting interviews with industry, and report writing. The student will be provided with support through regular meetings to set clear goals and provide guidance. The internship will include feedback and opportunities to shadow their supervisor and other team members.

Accountabiliites

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review and in-depth analysis to assess the feasibility, implementation, and impact of low-carbon fuels and clean technologies in the mining sector.
• Develop appropriate research methodologies, collect and analyze statistical, economic, and industry data from various sources, and identify key trends, challenges, and opportunities to inform policy recommendations.
• Analyze current policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the mining industry and identify policy gaps in alleviating the challenges faced by industry in adopting clean solutions.
• Coordinate and facilitate stakeholder engagement through outreach and interviews, gathering key insights and perspectives from industry experts, policymakers, and other relevant parties.
• Develop well-informed policy recommendations and propose actionable next steps for the adoption of low-carbon fuels and clean technologies in mining based on research findings.
• Develop high-quality project deliverables, including a detailed report and presentation, focusing on the identification and evaluation of feasible low-carbon fuel pathways and supporting clean technology adoption in the mining sector.
• Present research findings and strategic recommendations in a clear and engaging manner, ensuring effective communication of complex ideas to diverse audiences.

Job requirements

• Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a full-time graduate program at one of the four PICS partner institutions: UVIC, UBC, SFU or UNBC.
• Students must either be returning to complete their degree programs following the internship or have completed their programs the semester prior to the start of the internship.
• Eligible to work in Canada.
• Preference will be for students enrolled in a relevant discipline (e.g., Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, Renewable Energy or Energy Economics etc.).

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Knowledge of low-carbon fuels and technologies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to present to and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, experience in data analysis, and qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Strong computer skills, related to word processing and spreadsheet application, preferably in Microsoft Office 365.
• Experience researching policy issues and conducting policy analysis.
• Preference for knowledge of the decarbonization policies in B.C.
• Preference for knowledge of mining sector decarbonization.

Behavioural competencies

• Analytical Thinking is the ability to comprehend a situation by breaking it down into its components and identifying key or underlying complex issues. It implies the ability to systematically organize and compare the various aspects of a problem or situation, and determine cause-and-effect relationships (“if…then…”) to resolve problems in a sound, decisive manner. Checks to ensure the validity or accuracy of all information.
• Information seeking is driven by a desire to know more about things, people, or issues. It implies going beyond the questions that are routine or required in the job.
• Initiative involves identifying a problem, obstacle or opportunity and taking appropriate action to address current or future problems or opportunities. As such, initiative can be seen in the context of proactively doing things and not simply thinking about future actions.
• Teamwork and cooperation is the ability to work cooperatively within diverse teams, work groups and across the organization to achieve group and organizational goals. It includes the desire and ability to understand and respond effectively to other people from diverse backgrounds with diverse views.

Indigenous relations behavioural competencies

• Cultural Agility is the ability to work respectfully, knowledgeably and effectively with Indigenous people. It is noticing and readily adapting to cultural uniqueness in order to create a sense of safety for all. It is openness to unfamiliar experiences, transforming feelings of nervousness or anxiety into curiosity and appreciation. It is examining one’s own culture and worldview and the culture of the BC Public Service, and to notice their commonalities and distinctions with Indigenous cultures and worldviews. It is recognition of the ways that personal and professional values may conflict or align with those of Indigenous people. It is the capacity to relate to or allow for differing cultural perspectives and being willing to experience a personal shift in perspective.

Please email a cover letter and resume, or any questions to Michelle Nguyen at michelle.nguyen@gov.bc.ca by Wednesday, April 2 at 4 p.m. PST. Late applications will not be accepted.