Who We Are:
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air, land, and water. Our work impacts every aspect of people's lives and is critical to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors. MassDEP is the lead agency for safe management of toxics and hazardous materials, promotion of waste reduction and recycling, preservation of the state's wetlands and coastal resources, air quality monitoring and pollution reduction, and so much more.
Who We Are as an Employer:
At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.
This internship is unpaid and designed to support students or recent graduates seeking practical experience in the field. Interns may be eligible to earn academic credit through their college or university.
Job Description:
MassDEP's wastewater programs regulate discharges from treatment plants, industrial facilities, sewers, and other sources. The Wastewater Programs make sure that septic systems are safe and that alternative septic technologies are properly tested. This makes sure that our water remains safe from pollutants.
MassDEP’s Western Regional Office Wastewater Program is seeking an intern for a two-part data entry and mapping project.
1) Creation of a database for Large Title 5 systems and the Groundwater Discharge Program in the Western region, using existing regional data. The intern will be responsible for the process of creating, compiling, organizing and assessing the database for use in future Wastewater Program analysis of water quality standards and groundwater protection.
2) Utilizing GIS software to create an interactive, layered map of Large Title 5 and Groundwater Discharge facilities in the region. This map should be designed to interface with the database referenced above. Final product will have to comply with EEA Accessibility Guidelines. Program Staff will be available to assist the intern with both elements of the project. The intern will also have opportunities for hands-on experience witnessing field inspections, attending meetings, and gaining knowledge on wastewater program permitting and design plan review.
The intern will increase regulatory awareness via outreach to local stakeholders such as local Boards of Health. The intern will apply technical skills, connect with community partners, and strengthen organizational and public speaking skills.
Job Duties:
Curating and creating content to be added to data applications-Designated Port Areas (DPA) and Municipal Harbor Plan (MHP) GIS layers, historic license scans, and other archival information needed for new Waterways permit and license applications and requests for determination of applicability.
Coding and validation of datasets: detailed QA/QC of mapped points, the results of search or tool features, identification of missing MHPs, state harbor line plans.
Development of new tools to facilitate permitting and licensing, resilience, restoration and access projects in the Commonwealth.
Preferred Qualifications:
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software.
Proficiency in the ESRI suite of ArcGIS software, or similar GIS application.
Ability to understand and apply the regulations, policies, and procedures governing assigned activities.
Ability to work independently, and in an organized manner with strong attention to detail.
Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or related field and an interest/focus in communications.
Position Information:
Contracted Student Intern: Wastewater Intern - Springfield (UNPAID) (ID: 260007P2)
Start/End Date: 1/11/2027 - 6/18/2027
Weekly Hours: 22.5 hours
Number of Openings: 1 position
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Requirements: NONE
Please see the Preferred Qualifications above.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
