Human Resources Intern

Location: Rensselaer, New York, United States Department: Human Resources

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) applies cutting-edge technology to operating a reliable electricity system, managing competitive markets for wholesale electricity, and planning for the Empire State's energy future. The NYISO takes pride in recruiting, developing and retaining highly talented individuals. Our summer internship programs give young professionals the opportunity to gain a fundamental understanding of New York electricity markets, bulk electricity systems and how we plan for New York State’s energy future.

The NYISO is seeking a Human Resources Intern to support the development of an organization-wide competency framework. The framework will define the knowledge, skills, abilities, and observable behaviors that contribute to success across roles and leadership levels.

Working with the Human Resources team and stakeholders across NYISO, the intern will assist with research, competency development, stakeholder engagement, documentation, and implementation planning. This internship offers broad exposure to talent acquisition, employee development, HR business partnership, workforce planning, and other areas of strategic Human Resources.

Responsibilities

Research competency framework practices and examples from relevant industries and organizations.

Support the development of core, leadership, and role-specific competencies.

Help define behavior-based proficiency levels for selected competencies.

Assist with competency mapping for roles, job families, or organizational groups.

Prepare materials for stakeholder interviews, focus groups, working sessions, and validation activities.

Analyze stakeholder feedback to identify themes, gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for refinement.

Develop templates, documentation, and job aids that help employees and managers understand and apply the framework.

Draft competency-based behavioral interview questions and evaluation guidance.

Help connect competencies to professional development, career planning, and succession planning resources.

Prepare recommendations, presentations, and other materials for HR stakeholders.

Qualifications

Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Organizational Development, Business Administration, Management, Learning and Development, Psychology, Sociology, Communications, or a related field.

Strong interest in talent management, organizational effectiveness, leadership development, workforce planning, or employee development.

Strong research, analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into clear, practical resources and recommendations.

Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Ability to organize work, manage multiple priorities, and meet commitments.

Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Experience with research, interviews, focus groups, surveys, qualitative analysis, process documentation, or data analysis is preferred.

Familiarity with competency models, behavioral interviewing, career development, or organizational psychology is a plus.

The NYISO offers the flexibility to work both in the office and remotely, providing our employees with an enhanced work life balance. This internship will be a hybrid program, with the expectation that employees will be local to the Albany, NY area.

All offers of employment will be made contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screening and background check.

The NYISO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.

Salary Range

$22—$33 USD