Welcome to Solar Energy International's Work-Trade (W-T) Program! For the last 15 years SEI has been utilizing the skills and enthusiasm of its diverse work-traders (interns) from around the country to strengthen and grow the organization. In fact, a large majority of the current staff were once work-traders! With 2008 comes continued growth and the need for skilled assistance. So please review this page and feel free to download our W-T policies and Application forms at the bottom. Check out the 'FAQ' section for common questions too. Thanks for your interest-we look forward to hearing from you!

Application Deadlines
Eligiblity Requirements
Open Positions
Frequently Asked Questions
Downloadable Forms

I. Application Windows/Deadlines:

All positions are full at this time and we are no longer accepting applications. Please check back again this fall for potential opportunities.

II. Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible to become an SEI work-trader/intern you must:

1. Take a MINIMUM of 8 weeks of our Renewable Energy Education (REEP) workshops. Two weekend courses equals a week. One 6-week online course can also equal to one week for work-trade purposes. For example, you can take PV Design & Installation (2 weeks), Advanced PV (1 week), Building for the Future: Solar Home Design ONLNE (6 weeks online), Straw Bale Construction and Natural Plasters (1 week), Solar Hot Water (1 week), Solar Radiant Heat (weekend), Solar Water Pumping (weekend), and RE for the Developing World (1 week).
2. SEI will trade 50% of total tuition in exchange for work. Work-traders/interns must have their hours completed prior to the first day of the first workshops they would like to attend. We take the total tuition due and divide that amount by two. This gives us the amount of tuition you owe us. It also gives us the amount we are trading you. We compensate our work-traders with $12/hour. Thus we then divide the tuition due by 12 and this gives us the amount of hours you owe us. For example, total tuition = $6,200/2 = $3,100/12 = 258 hours of work-trade.
3. Fill out an application, and send, along with a resume, to our office in Paonia: Attn: Rachel Connor/Jeff Tobe, 39845 Mathews Lane, Paonia, CO 81428.
4. Provide (2) references (no letters please-just contact information) of past employers, supervisors, professors, etc. (no family members please).
5. Be available for a phone or in-person interview.

Desired applicants are highly self-motivated, consistently willing to take initiative, require very little supervision, and are comfortable working hard in a non-traditional, fun, social, and serious work-environment.

III. Tasks/Open Positions:

General and on-going work-trade responsibilities/positions include but are not limited to the following depending on the ability of the intern and the needs of SEI: general office assistance, PowerPoint/curriculum development, workshop and installation support/coordination, graphics, fundraising, tool inventory and organization, accounting support, potluck organization, and more…

For 2008 we are looking to fill the following positions:

1. Assistant to Exec. Director:
   Work closely with Johnny Weiss, the Executive Director of Solar Energy International on a number of office and hands-on tasks. This position requires a very motivated, flexible, and multi-talented candidate. The ideal candidate is also computer savvy and possessing advanced writing and oral communication skills. An interview with the Director is required. This position is based in Carbondale, CO.
2. Assistant to Marketing Director:
   Assist Matthew Harris and SEI staff in promoting SEI's upcoming 2008 REEP (Renewable Energy Education Program) schedule. The ideal applicants for these positions will have a minimum of 2 years marketing experience (or equivalent marketing education), are highly motivated and people oriented, and are ready to put fourth the effort to inspire others and fill our workshops. Both of these positions will be based out of SEI's Paonia, CO office.
3. Web Assistant/IT Specialist:
   Work with Skye Riggs and SEI staff in supporting the launch of new website and support the creation of new SEI online courses. Ideal candidate will have excellent writing skills as well as experience with web based programs and languages (Dreamweaver 8, Adobe Acrobat, XML, HTML, Java Script, SFTP…). Multiple interviews may be required. This is a Carbondale, CO based position.
4. Curriculum Editing/Graphic Design:
   Work closely with the PV (solar electric) staff at SEI to edit curriculum and graphics. The ideal candidate will have working knowledge and experience with Powerpoint, Photoshop, Quark, and Illustrator. Web based programs would be a plus. Interview may be required. This is primarily a Paonia, CO. based position.
5. Natural Building Hands-on Prep:
   Work with SEI natural building Staff in preparing/helping with labs/projects in a number of natural building workshops: The ideal candidate for this position has some construction/natural building experience, is in good physical shape, and has their own pickup truck. Carpentry experience required. This is a Paonia/Carbondale, CO position that involves dirt and mud.
6. Solar in the Schools (SIS) Assistant:
   Assist Soozie in day-to-day S.I.S. activities such as (but not limited to) K-12 curriculum development/procurement, attending fairs, presenting in schools, working on the SEI bus, organizing materials, and much, much more! Ideal candidate is very enthusiastic, positive, fun, patient, organized, and loves to work with kids. Education experience/training a plus. This is a Carbondale, CO. based position.
7. Office Assistant/Potluck Facilitation:
   This position involves two main components: office support and potluck facilitation. Once summer workshops in CO start in early summer, the position involves organizing, setting up, facilitating, and breaking down of SEI's world-renowned mid-week potlucks. These are energetic, creative, and fun-filled events that needs good oversight. Ideal qualities include: enthusiasm, strong-organizational skills, general admin. experience, and flexibility to work 'after-hours.' This is a Carbondale/Paonia, CO based position.
8. PV Hands-On Support/Ranch Hand:
   Assist Jeff Tobe in a wide variety of hands-on tasks. From office work and lab development, to system design, technical installation support and physical ranch labor, Jeff will keep you busy and learning (and often dirty). Candidate should be highly motivated and have strong organizational skills. Any technical PV experience a plus. Interview with Jeff may be required. This is a Paonia, CO based position.
9. Paonia Eco-Campus Permaculture:
   Help SEI implement a new permaculture plan on its new eco-campus in Paonia, CO. Permaculture experience required. Duties may include but are not limited to the following: land-use planning, vegetation planting, pathway construction, unique 'space' creation, weed control, aesthetic assessments, parking area development, gathering area development, and much more…This position may be expandable in duration up to 12 weeks. This is a Paonia, CO based position.
10. Further Positions TBA

IV. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):

1. How far are Carbondale and Paonia from one another?
   Carbondale and Paonia are 60 miles apart over McClure Pass. It takes about an hour and 20 min to drive between the two. Winter driving over the pass can be hazardous.
2. Do I need my own transportation?
   While it is not required, we recommend bringing your own form of transportation so you can get around, enjoy the sights, and get between offices independently. Additionally, some positions may require your own vehicle. If you do not have your own vehicle or bike, we can potentially help with a bike.
3. Can I bring my dog?
   Non-staff dogs are not allowed in either the Carbondale or Paonia office. You will need to find a place to keep them while working. That being said, both of these areas have amazing hiking trails, perfect for dog activities in any season.
4. Are work-traders paid?
   Unfortunately not. As a growing non-profit, SEI is not yet at the point where the organization can afford to pay our work-traders. However SEI does offer its work-traders the best discount that is given across the board. We feel strongly that the value of the work trade is well worth it!
5. Why do I have to commit to 8 weeks of workshops?
   We have found that this is the minimum for a mutually beneficial experience. Because of the trade we offer, less than 8 weeks of workshops would mean short work-trade periods. This way, not only do you get A LOT of training, but we get to know you and benefit from your hard work. And, you can take more than 8 weeks if you would like, you would just have more work-trade hours to complete.
6. As part of my w-t program, can I take workshops anywhere? Online?
   Yes. Although we recommend taking as many Colorado workshops as possible (so we get to know you, etc.), you can take SEI workshops in other locations, including cyberspace. There may be some exceptions.
7. Can I email or fax my application instead of mailing it?
   We would strongly prefer that you send in your application by mail. This is because faxes aren't always very legible and we are constantly overwhelmed by email. A 'hard-copy' application is also easy for us to pass around to applicable staff. We will NOT disregard a faxed or emailed application, however we would appreciate your cooperation on this.
8. Can I work another job locally to help support myself during my w-t?
   Usually. We completely understand the need to support yourself while completing your work-trade hours. However for full-time positions (40+ hrs/wk), this may be difficult. Once here at SEI, you can discuss your hours with your staff liaison. There are many local businesses especially in Carbondale that often hire SEI work-traders part-time. Often we can point you in the right direction. The important thing is that your work-tradership takes priority. Many of our work-traders save up for the experience so they can focus on the w-t.
9. What if there are no workshops happening right after my w-t hours are completed? Do I get workshop credit?
   Yes. As our w-t program expands, there are going to be work-traderships that take place at times of the year when no Colorado workshops are offered (winter, etc.). Thus, you will be given workshop credit for the w-t hours you put in. These credits will only be valid for One (1) year from the last day of your work-trade. For example if you complete your hours on Dec. 15, 2006, you will have until Dec. 15, 2007 to use your credit. This credit is also non-transferable-to other people or for merchandise.
10. Where will I stay while I'm a work-trader?
    SEI does not currently have the capability to provide housing for our work-traders (although we hope to be able to in the near future). However, we are well connected in the communities we work in and can provide you significant assistance in finding an affordable place to stay. Ask us for our local lodging lists when you call. Typically our work-traders either camp nearby or rent a room from a local resident or staff member.
11. When do I have to sign up for workshops?
    You have one week after your arrival at SEI to put down a 50% deposit for the 8 weeks (or more) of workshops you plan to participate in. This will give you ample time to discuss your interests and questions with staff at SEI. If your work-tradership is taking place during the winter or when we aren't offering CO workshops, your workshop seats will NOT be guaranteed until you put down a 50% deposit. Remember, many SEI workshops fill up early!
12. What kind of preparation should I make before coming to SEI? Any prerequisite education needed?
    Come prepared for the type of lodging you have arranged (tent or flannel PJ's), the season you will be here, and the specific position you will be holding (hands-on positions require work-clothes or recommend tools…). In terms of other education/reading, that's up to you. We don't require anything. Other than that, bring a hard-work ethic, an open mind, and a big 'ole smile on your face!

V. Downloads:

Download work-trade policies (pdf - 80 kb)

Download work-trade application (doc - 121 kb)