Intern - Wood Procurement (Biomass)

About NOVEC:

NOVEC is one of the largest Cooperatives in the U.S. serving approximately 180,000 customers with a system demand of approximately 1,800 MWs and annual revenues of $1Bn. The electric delivery system consists of 68 substations supplied at either 230kV or 115kV ranging in size between 40MVA and 600MVA. The electric delivery system also includes approximately 7,700 miles of overhead and underground distribution lines and approximately 300 miles of fiber optic lines and equipment across a service territory spanning 6 counties or 650-square miles in Northern Virginia. The majority of NOVEC's customers are residential and small commercial, however the Cooperative provides electric service to numerous data center customers as well. NOVEC's mission is to create value for its members, employees, and communities by providing safe, reliable electricity and quality products at competitive prices.

Internship Details:

The Wood Procurement Intern will support the biomass plant’s fuel procurement team by assisting in tracking, quality assurance and logistics of woody biomass materials. This role is ideal for a student pursuing a degree in forestry, natural resources, supply chain, or environmental science who is interested in renewable energy and sustainable fuel sourcing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in tracking and managing incoming woody biomass deliveries (e.g., wood chips, logging residues, mill waste).
• Support vendor communication and coordination with local loggers, landowners, and wood suppliers.
• Help monitor biomass quality (moisture content, contaminants, size specifications) through plant inspections.
• Update procurement and inventory databases with delivery, and pricing information.
• Evaluate the efficiency of current biomass chip handling on site and develop a report with recommended improvements.
• Become familiar with the combustion characteristics of biomass and its efficient use.
• Conduct market or supplier research to support procurement planning and vendor development.
• Attend supplier meetings or field visits as needed with procurement manager.
• Support administrative tasks such as invoice review and certificates of insurance compliance.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a degree program in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Strong interest in biomass energy, renewable fuels, or forestry operations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable working with data.
• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced industrial setting.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel locally to suppliers or timber sites (if applicable).

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior internship or work experience in forestry, wood procurement, or biomass/energy industry.
• Basic understanding of biomass supply chains, wood fuel specifications, or sustainable forest management practices.
• Basic knowledge of heavy equipment and truck utilization.

NOVEC is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify. We do not provide sponsorship for our positions.