Information Technology Intern

Cascade Energy is seeking a motivated Junior or Senior-year IT/CS student to join our team as an IT Intern, gaining real-world experience in a future-focused, AI-ready culture. We welcome interns with an interest in business and data intelligence/reporting, AI and emerging technology, cloud architecture, or general IT.

About the role

At Cascade Energy, we’re actively shaping how AI gets deployed in the real world, in our tools, our client engagements, and our daily work. Our approach has always been relationship-driven and expertise-led, and AI is how we multiply the impact of both. Successful Cascadians are curious and resilient. They embrace change, seek smarter ways to create impact, and take ownership of their own growth. We embed AI into our work in ways that are responsible and human-centered, and we actively develop our people to deploy it creatively and confidently.

Responsibilities

• Provide entry-level help desk and user support, assisting employees with common hardware, software, login, password reset, and access request issues under the guidance of senior IT staff.
• Write basic to intermediate SQL queries, organize data for reporting, and help test and validate data in internal systems, flagging inconsistencies as needed.
• Shadow senior team members on small SQL, reporting, AI, and data-related projects to learn how technology tools support business decisions.
• Experiment with approved AI tools under supervision to identify opportunities to automate repetitive tasks, such as ticket categorization, FAQ responses, or other routine IT workflows.
• Update, organize, and maintain IT documentation, FAQs, and step-by-step guides for common user questions and support processes.
• Participate in team meetings and small projects, contributing ideas from coursework in databases, AI, systems, or cloud platforms while gaining exposure to basic cloud monitoring, permissions review, and configuration tasks.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or recently completed coursework toward a degree, certificate, or equivalent training in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of computer hardware, operating systems, networking concepts, and common business applications.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365, Windows operating systems, collaboration tools, cloud-based platforms, and ticketing or asset management systems preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with curiosity and a willingness to learn.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to explain technical information clearly to non-technical users.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks and priorities with appropriate follow-through.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a collaborative, distributed team environment.
• Interest in energy efficiency, sustainability, decarbonization, or mission-driven work is a plus.
• Comfort using AI tools responsibly and thoughtfully to improve productivity, documentation, and problem solving is a plus.

For candidates whose experience may not align perfectly with all these preferred skills but can see themselves adding value in this role, we encourage you to still apply. Cascade is dedicated to building an inclusive and authentic workplace and places strong importance on learning and development.

Pay

Up to 20 hrs./week for at least two quarters, at an hourly pay rate of $25/hr.

Schedule

This is a part-time, non-exempt position with a flexible schedule to accommodate student’s other activities. Start date is flexible, but sooner rather than later. The role is 50% in-person at our downtown Portland, OR office and 50% remote. Minimal travel is anticipated.

About Us

Cascade Energy is a leading provider of energy efficiency, energy management, decarbonization, and sustainability solutions for the industrial, commercial, and public sectors across North America. With a 30-year history, we deliver high-value services through electric and gas utility-offered programs and directly to industrial and commercial enterprises. Our reputation for stellar, high-quality work has expanded our reach to serve clients ranging from small to Fortune 500 companies in their pursuit of decarbonization and energy savings objectives. Cascade Energy has 14 offices throughout the US and employees in 30 states.

As a 100% Employee-Owned Company (ESOP), Cascadians foster and value a culture of equals, initiative, and ownership. Our teams reflect our core company values: Do the Right Thing; Put Others First; Seek Shared Success; Learn Constantly; and Be Industrious. We celebrate and value diversity as vital for increased creativity and innovation and faster problem solving, and we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination and harassment.