WCCN Energy Architect

Zero Emissions Northwest (ZEN) is a Spokane-based energy consulting firm focused on delivering practical, sustainable energy solutions for rural communities across the Inland Northwest. ZEN brings practical, affordable energy solutions directly to Eastern Washington's rural communities through community solar, energy consulting, and practical EV fleet transition solutions. We help agricultural producers and small businesses turn energy burdens into assets for resiliency, protecting multi-generational farmers and their communities.

We recognize that for many in rural corridors, climate policy can often feel like something happening to them, rather than with them. Our organization was founded on the belief that for a zero-emissions future to be successful, it must rely on practical energy solutions that work for real people in real ways. Our work aligns with Washington's Climate Commitment Act (HB 1176) and the WCCN mission of building climate-resilient communities.

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ZEN is seeking a Washington Climate Corps Network (WCCN) Architect to focus on rural energy resiliency expansion, extending ZEN's ‘boots on the ground’ in rural communities. This immersive service learning opportunity is a field-based paid internship. Architects will spend time learning and being mentored on how to build trust with producers, landowners, and local stakeholders while developing specialized expertise in rural energy systems.

This role bridges clean energy skepticism, hesitation, and adoption using technical expertise and empathetic relationship building. Architects will develop a rare dual-competency skillset combining technical energy expertise with rural community fluency through immersive learning opportunities. Architects play a transformative role by being actively involved in designing more climate-resilient communities, career pathways, and connections for a sustainable career in the green economies of the future, building the linkages that drive climate action and professional growth.

The work is rigorous, the distances are long, and the conversations are complex — but the impact is vast and meaningful.

• Shadow and assist on-site energy audits across farms, small businesses, school districts, and municipalities. Gain specialized knowledge in irrigation VFDs, localized hydropower, and energy-intensive agricultural operations. Progress from supervised observation to managing energy audits under CEM guidance.
• Build financial models and EV Fleet Transition Analyses that give businesses and producers a clear ROI for reducing diesel consumption and adopting clean technology.

• Engage in renewable energy "myth-busting" through public speaking, small group sessions, and one-on-one conversations. Provide a consistent, visible presence to build trust-based partnerships and help communities understand their full range of clean energy options.
• Assist rural entities in accessing state and federal funding for energy efficiency upgrades including but not limited to insulation, heat pumps, VFDs, solar installations, and geothermal.

Certified Energy Managers will lead technical learning sessions and provide hands-on training in energy audits, efficiency analysis, and rural energy systems. This, accompanied by field immersion, will provide a dual-lens education: technical energy science paired with the sociology of rural trust-building. Architects will also engage in sponsored coursework in energy auditing and business sustainability. Architects will be fully integrated into ZEN's professional networks and accompany staff to all events and programs with…