The Energy Institute serves as a nucleus for research, education, and outreach for CSU faculty, staff, and students across multiple focus areas: carbon solutions, access to energy, energy systems and devices, energy and water, energy policy and human behavior, and environmental impacts. The Institute is housed, in part, at the Powerhouse Energy Campus, one of the nation’s top academic laboratories and a showcase of clean energy research and carbon solutions technology.  The Institute employs a unique interdisciplinary approach to develop innovative solutions to energy challenges that translate science into global societal impact.
We are seeking enthusiastic students to join our Powerhouse Engagement Ambassador Program to help share the groundbreaking work happening at the Energy Institute with a wide range of visitors. The Powerhouse Engagement Ambassadors play a key role in engaging the public, industry partners, schools, and the CSU community by providing guided tours of the Powerhouse.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Serve as a tour guide for the Powerhouse Energy Campus, providing engaging and informative tours to diverse audiences, including students, faculty, industry professionals, and community members.
- Adapt tour content based on the interests and background of visitors (e.g., K-12 students, undergraduate/graduate students, faculty, public stakeholders).
- Develop a strong understanding of the research projects and labs housed at the Powerhouse and their broader impact.
- Assist with maintaining and updating the Powerhouse Tour Manual to reflect new or evolving labs, technologies, and research initiatives.
- Ensure lobby and common areas are clean, safe, and well-prepared prior to scheduled tours.
Qualifications:
- Must be a current undergraduate or graduate student at CSU. Preference for students studying engineering, environmental sciences, sustainability, communications, education, or related fields.
- Strong communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to explain complex research in an accessible way.
- Enthusiasm for energy research and sustainability topics.
- Ability to engage with diverse audiences in a professional and welcoming manner.
- Willingness to learn about and stay informed on ongoing research at the Powerhouse.
- Availability for flexible scheduling, including tours and occasional events, approximately 5-10 hours per week.
- Preference for students with availability in 3-4 hour blocks for tours and events.
- A valid U.S. driver’s license is preferred but not required.
This is a great opportunity to enhance your public speaking skills, build connections with CSU researchers and industry professionals, and play a key role in sharing CSU’s energy research with the broader community.
Start Date: January 20, 2026
Available Openings: 2
Hourly Rate: $16.00
Hours: 5-10 hours per week
Colorado State University may conduct background checks on final candidates.
Benefit Information: Employee Benefit information can be found on HR’s Website: https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/.