Construction Intern at GRID ALTERNATIVES – Riverside, California

About GRID Alternatives

GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service-learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy.

Our Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone.

Our Mission: to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.

What it's like to work at GRID…

At GRID, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole self that includes life outside of work. Our culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all of our team members.

The Opportunity…

This is a PAID INTERNSHIP with GRID Alternatives intended for trainees to learn basic installation skills to pursue a career in solar installation and the construction trades, gain a good reference, connect to potential corporate and nonprofit networking opportunities, and gain valuable technical and professional work skills. The Solar Construction Intern will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Solar Installation Supervisor.

Application Deadline*April 15, 2026. Internship start is May 11th, 2026

This is a PAID STIPEND INTERNSHIP at an equivalent of ~$25/hr.

What you will be doing (essential responsibilities):

• Participate in the organization’s equity, inclusion, and diversity work
• Participate in the organizations’ Installation Basics Training program
• Assist Construction staff with installing solar electric systems
• Assist Construction staff with staging, loading, and unloading equipment, including packing and unpacking parts, boxes, and bins from trucks/vans/trailers before and after installation projects
• Assist Construction staff with receiving equipment and deliveries and picking up equipment and materials
• With support from Construction staff, work to complete Installation Basics Training Skills Certificates, as applicable
• Participate in career planning and placement activities
• Other assignments may include assisting with site visits, permitting, inspections; participating in Outreach and Development tasks; attending meetings; updating spreadsheets, data entry, filing; answering homeowner and volunteer questions; talking to media; and generally participating in activities necessary to make solar happen for income-qualified families

What you need to bring to this role…?

• Priority will be given to candidates who are enrolled or graduating Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, CA.
• Available to commit to the full internship program duration
• 5 week commitment to work up to 4-5 days, 32-40 hours per week
• General construction knowledge, experience, and skills
• Passion for GRID’s mission related to renewable energy, community development, green jobs, and/or helping families and communities in need
• Highly reliable, accountable, and detail-oriented
• Self-starter and ability to work independently as well as in a team
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (ability to work well with co-workers, volunteers and clients, ability to represent GRID Alternatives positively)
• Strong teamwork, organizational, multi-tasking, and decision-making skills
• Flexibility and willingness to embrace change, go the extra mile, and bring ideas and energy to a rapidly evolving organization
• Ability to relate to and work with diverse populations
• Comfortable with computers (MS Office, especially excel, databases, Gmail/Google apps a plus)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and familiarity with proper lifting procedures
• Requires work in the early mornings, some late evenings, and some weekends as well as some travel and overnight stays throughout the Inland Empire and beyond. GRID Alternatives provides travel reimbursement.
• Must have reliable transportation to get to and from work, including the GRID Riverside office and/or various build locations across Riverside and San Bernardino counties Interns may carpool with staff and GRID’s car fleet from the GRID office to project sites

It would be great if you also had…

• Driver’s License or working to acquire one
• Previous training experience with GRID Alternatives
• To sign up and gain GRID volunteer experience, please contact volunteerie@gridalternatives.org or call 951-471-7043
• Experience in training and/or working with volunteers or in a team setting
• Comfortable with computers (MS Office, especially excel, databases, Gmail/Google apps a plus)
• PV system installation experience
• General construction or Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system installation experience
• Bilingual in Spanish and English

Compensation

This is a PAID STIPEND INTERNSHIP at an equivalent of ~$25/hr.

Where you will sit & the places you may go:

The ideal candidate will sit in Riverside, CA. This position may require up to 25% out-of-town travel to regional offices and special projects such as org-wide celebrations, team building exercises, etc. Availability to work early mornings, some late evenings, and weekends may very rarely be required. GRID Alternatives may provide vehicles for work travel and/or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use. In this instance, applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and have a good driving record.

Reasonable Accommodation for Job Seekers with a Disability:

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: RECRUITING@GRIDALTERNATIVES.ORG

Ready to Apply?

Submit a resume describing your interest.

GRID Alternatives provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Because we value EID at GRID Alternatives, we encourage folks from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications. Every member of GRID Alternatives must be dedicated to participating in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work.Thank you for your interest in GRID Alternatives!