Work-Trade Program
ALL POSITIONS ARE CURRENTLY FILLED!
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 2009 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
Eligibility Requirements
Open Positions
Frequently Asked Questions
Downloadable Forms
I. Application Windows/Deadlines:
We are currently accepting applications for Work Trade positions.
You must choose the positions(s) for which you would like to apply
(listed below) and send the application and a resume to contact person for that position.
We will accept applications until the positions are filled. We will
also post which positions are filled as it happens, so please only
apply for those positions below that are still open.
II. Eligibility
Requirements:
To be eligible to become an SEI work-trader/intern you
must:
- 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).
- 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. Here's how it works: SEI puts the value of $14 trade equivalent/hour
worked. The total tuition due is divided by two and then
divided again by 14. This gives us the amount of tuition
you owe us and the amount of hours you need to work trade.
For example, if your total tuition for 8 weeks of workshops is
$6500, then divide that in half to figure out what you owe us.
Now to figure out how many hours you need to trade, divide that
new number by $14 for a total of 232 hours (almost 6 weeks of
full time work).
- Fill out an application, and send it, along with a resume, to the SEI staff contact for the position in which you are applying.
- Provide (2) references (no letters please-just contact information)
of past employers, supervisors, professors, etc. (no family members
please).
- 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:
Below are general descriptions for each Work Trade position. Please
note that as SEI tries to be as up front about the duties we need
help with, there is always the possibility that our Work Trade helpers
will be helping in other aspects of the day to day operations if
needed!
For 2009 we are looking to fill the following positions:
FILLED!! Assistant to Executive Director
Contact: soozie@solarenergy.org
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. This candidate will
also work closely with the SEI Administration Team when Johnny is
not available. Applicant must be skilled in PowerPoint creation
and formatting; have excellent research abilities; have an understanding
that even the little, seemingly insignificant tasks are just as
important as the big projects; have a sense of humor; excellent
organizational skills; and be out-going. An interview with the Director
is required. This position is based in Carbondale, CO
Timeframe: Ongoing throughout the year
FILLED!! Solar in the Schools
(SIS) Assistant
Assist Soozie Lindbloom, Coordinator of SEI's Youth Education Program,
in day-to-day SIS activities such as (but not limited to) development
of K-12th grade curriculum, attending fairs, presenting in schools,
creating hands on displays, 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. Previous teaching
experience is a big plus! A vehicle is required for this job. This
position is based in Carbondale, CO.
Timeframe: March & April, 2009
FILLED!! Renewable Energy Education Program (REEP) Curriculum Development
Assistant
This position will assist Kathy Swartz and the Paonia staffers in
updating PowerPoints, doing research to help enhance our existing
curriculum, soliciting donations, and working with our instructors
to ensure that the workshop notebook is an exceptional product.
In addition, 1/4-1/2 of this position's time will be spent helping
with general office needs for our workshop programming. The program
focus includes: Solar Hot Water, Residential Wind, Sustainable Building,
and Microhydro, but the applicant does not need previous in depth
knowledge about these topics. Applicant must be skilled in PowerPoint
creation and formatting; have excellent research abilities; ability
to understand that even the little, seemingly insignificant tasks
are just as important as the big projects; sense of humor; excellent
organizational skills; and be out-going (will be making lots of
cold calls).
This position is located in Paonia, CO.
Timeframe: one person to start in April 2009, one person to start
in October 2009
FILLED!! Sustainable Building Curriculum Development Assistant
Contact: rachel@solarenergy.org
This position will assist Rachel Connor in updating PowerPoints
and course materials, doing research to help enhance our existing
curriculum, webinars, and working with our instructors to ensure
that the workshop notebook is an exceptional product. The focus
is on sustainable building and previous experience within the field
is preferred, but not necessary.
Applicant must be skilled in PowerPoint creation and formatting;
desktop publishing with experience in either QuarkXPress or InDesign;
have excellent research abilities; sense of humor; excellent organizational
skills; and be out-going (will be making some cold calls).
This position is located in Carbondale, CO.
Timeframe: Ongoing throughout the year
FILLED!! Photovoltaics (PV) Curriculum Development Assistant
This position will assist Laura Walters and the PV staff in enhancing
the visual appearance of powerpoints and the format of student worksheets
used for SEI's photovoltaic workshops. SEI constantly updates our
PV curriculum to keep up with this rapidly changing field. This
applicant will have the unique experience of working with a group
of highly regarded PV experts and
will become familiar with the PV curriculum before taking courses.
This person will focus on the photovoltaics curriculum, but does
not need previous knowledge about these topics. In addition to PV
curriculum work, 1/4-1/2 of this position's time will be spent helping
with general office needs for our workshop programming. Applicant
must be skilled in PowerPoint creation and formatting; have excellent
research abilities; an eye for design; and a sense of humor. This
applicant should be proficient with Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe
Photoshop. Other design programs are a plus.
This position is located in Paonia, CO.
Timeframe: March/April/May 2009 and June/July/August 2009
FILLED!! Solar Home Tour Organizer Assistant I
This position will assist Kathy Swartz with organizing the Delta
County Solar Home Tour. The Solar Home Tour, which will happen in
late September or early October 2009, will showcase local homes
that use renewable energy systems, are retrofitted to be energy-
efficient, and/or were built using natural materials in a sustainable
design. Though this position will end before the actual Home Tour,
the position will help lay the foundation for this successful event...from
helping to find homes, to soliciting sponsors, creating marketing
materials, to working with volunteers and local partners and arranging
general logistics. This position will serve as the liaison to the
National Solar Home Tour through the American Solar Energy Society
(ASES). In addition, 1/4-1/2 of this position's time will be spent
helping with general office needs for our summer workshop programming.
Skills: excellent organizational skills; out-going (will be making
lots of cold calls); previous publication design experience; previous
event organizing experience is preferred but not required for the
right person; ability to understand that even the little, seemingly
insignificant tasks are just as important as the big projects; sense
of humor. This position is located in Paonia, CO
Timeframe: start in June 2009
FILLED!! Solar Home Tour Organizer Assistant II
Description: This position will assist Kathy Swartz with organizing
the Delta County Solar Home Tour. The Solar Home Tour, which will
happen in late September or early October 2009, will showcase local
homes that use renewable energy systems, are retrofitted to be energy-
efficient, and/or were built using natural materials in a sustainable
design. This person will be assist with any final logisticis, ensure
that everything is in place (from signs, to insurance), and work with
our volunteers. In addition, 1/4-1/2 of this position's time will
be spent helping with general office needs for our workshop programming.
Skills: excellent organizational skills; out-going (will be making
lots of cold calls); previous publication design experience; previous
event organizing experience is preferred but not required for the
right person; ability to understand that even the little, seemingly
insignificant tasks are just as important as the big projects; sense
of humor. This position is located in Paonia, CO.
Timeframe: begin in August or early September
We will post additional positions as they arise.
Please check our website now and again for updates.
IV. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Are work-traders paid?
Work Traders get the equivalent of $14/hour in the form of trade
on the price of our workshops. The hours worked are NOT refundable
for cash, however, nor are the hours worked transferable to anyone
else. SEI offers our 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!
- 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. A Work Trader can take more than 8 weeks
of workshops, but he/she would have more trade hours to complete
(or would just pay full price for any additional workshops if
a trade in not worked out.)
- 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.
- Can I snail mail or fax my application instead of e-mailing
it?
Email is our preferred method so that our coordinator
can quickly process the applications. We will, however, accept
mailed applications to the following address:
Solar Energy International
Attn: Soozie Lindbloom
P.O. Box 715
Carbondale, CO 81623
- 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.
- 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 Jan 20, 2009, you will have until
Jan 20, 2010 to use your credit. This credit is also non-transferable-to
other people or for merchandise.
- 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. If you are accepted into a Work Trade
Position, we will send you a lodging list. Typically our work-traders
either camp nearby or rent a room from a local resident or staff
member.
- 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!
- 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)
PO Box 715 76 S. 2nd St.
Carbondale, CO 81623 970-963-8855 fax: 970-963-8866
sei@solarenergy.org
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