We are seeking a motivated Land Permitting Intern to join our permitting team this summer in supporting geothermal development projects. You will help with early-stage site assessments and permitting strategy, using both regulatory research and emerging AI/analytics tools. Working alongside land & permitting professionals, you’ll create frameworks for evaluating development areas, streamline regulatory reviews, and inform site selection. This internship offers hands-on experience at the intersection of renewable energy, permitting, and technology innovation.

Responsibilities

• Research & Data Gathering: Compile federal, state, tribal, and local permitting requirements for geothermal activities; collect and organize public datasets on land ownership, water rights, and environmental constraints.
• AI/Analytics Development: Apply natural language processing (NLP) and geospatial AI tools to summarize regulatory environments; test automation for jurisdictional determinations; design an AI-assisted scoring system to flag high- vs. low-friction AOIs.
• Permitting Risk Evaluation: Assess risks such as NEPA review requirements, agency overlap, sensitive resource triggers, and potential public opposition; draft comparative permitting profiles for multiple AOIs.
• Support the Land & Regulatory Team with additional permitting and land research as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Actively enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
• Academic background in Environmental Science, Policy, Geography, Engineering, or related field
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex regulatory and environmental information
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to learn; ability to manage tasks independently and communicate findings clearly

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with GIS, data visualization, or geospatial analysis tools
• Exposure to or interest in applying AI/ML tools for regulatory and environmental analysis
• Understanding of permitting processes, environmental policy, or land management
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Location

Fervo Energy has offices in Houston, TX, Golden, CO, Reno, NV, Oakland, CA, and Salt Lake City, UT. This position will be eligible for some hybrid work flexibility, but regular in-office presence at any of the above locations will be required.