MassDEP BWSC Site Management Section Intern - UNPAID

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.

Job Description:

This internship supports MassDEP’s Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup (BWSC) Site Management Section by advancing initiatives related to Brownfields identification, PFAS system support, and compliance assistance. The role focuses on researching and organizing environmental data, contributing to GIS and database development, and assisting with fieldwork to improve site tracking, community engagement, and environmental health outcomes.

Job Duties:

• Research and compile data to identify and document Brownfields sites across Western Massachusetts, with emphasis on underserved communities.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive, searchable inventory of sites, including property details, environmental conditions, and historical use.

• Support the creation of GIS map layers and internal databases for Brownfields tracking.

• Assist with PFAS initiatives by developing homeowner information binders for point-of-entry treatment systems.

• Participate in field visits to document PFAS system components through photos and videos.

• Summarize data and provide maintenance guidance for PFAS treatment systems.

• Update and verify contact information for sites with oil or hazardous material releases under the Massachusetts Contingency Plan.

• Conduct file reviews, research, and data collection using MassDEP records and external sources.

• Communicate with municipalities and coordinate with database managers to support project goals.

• Prepare site descriptions, photographs, and summary reports.

• Assist with additional research, mapping, and cross-team support as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Able to work independently.

• Able to collect information and concisely summarize it.

• Familiarity with Word, Windows, MS Access, Microsoft Teams, and Excel applications.

• Some knowledge of GIS. 

• Your Interests/Major may include but not limited to: Natural Resources/Environmental Science, Engineering, Biology, Information Technology, Environmental Planning, General Science, Geology, General Studies, GIS, Geography, Plant and Soil, Soil Science, Chemistry, and/or Public Health.

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.

Position Information:

• Contracted Student Intern: MassDEP BWSC Site Management Section Intern

• Start/End Date: 6/15/2026 - 10/16/2026

• Weekly Hours: 22.5 hours

• Number of Openings: 1 position

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition. 

Qualifications - External

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%25 of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.