Contracted Student Interns - GIS Trails Planning Intern Fall 2026 (UNPAID)

Position Information:

Contracted Student Intern:  GIS Trails Planning Intern

Start/End Date:  9/21/2026 - 12/4/2026

Salary Rate:  $0.00 (UNPAID Student Internship)

Weekly Hours:  15 hours

Number of Openings:  1 position

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.

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.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) oversees nearly half a million acres of land, making up one of the largest and diverse state park systems in the country. Our work focuses on nurturing the vital connection between people and the environment by protecting, promoting and enhancing our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well-being of all. DCR infrastructure connects people to and through the beautiful landscapes and accessible recreation facilities we care for – strengthening our communities and driving our economy. Our staff strive to build a healthier, more resilient Massachusetts where all residents and visitors can relax, reflect and feel a sense of belonging in our open spaces and public lands. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs please visit www.mass.gov/dcr or contact us at mass.parks@mass.gov

 Job Opening:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for GIS Trails Planning Intern (Unpaid Contracted Student Interns) for 2026 Fall Semester to perform the duties:

This internship is unpaid and designed to support students or recent graduates seeking practical experience in the field.  Candidates may be eligible to earn academic credit through their college or university.

General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

• The DCR Trails & Greenways Program and Office of GIS Services is seeking an unpaid intern to assist with projects focused on improving trail access, visitor information, and GIS-based trail planning. This internship offers an opportunity to apply GIS, web mapping, and data management skills to real-world projects that support outdoor recreation and accessibility across Massachusetts. The position is primarily remote, with occasional in-person meetings with DCR Trails and GIS staff in the Greater Worcester area. For interns interested in gaining field experience, there may also be opportunities to assist with trail data collection using DCR's trail inventory protocols. Candidates located in or near the Greater Worcester, Massachusetts area are encouraged to apply to facilitate occasional in-person meetings and optional fieldwork.

Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop an interactive StoryMap to communicate trail etiquette and responsible recreation practices in a clear, engaging, and accessible format that complies with Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) digital accessibility standards.
• Conduct a GIS-based suitability analysis to identify trails that meet established criteria for further evaluation as part of DCR's Trail Access Information program.
• Design and develop a field data collection application using ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, SmartSheet, or similar platforms to collect Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP) and/or Trail Access Information (TAI) data.
• Collaborate with DCR Trails and GIS staff to improve data collection workflows and support trail planning initiatives.
• (Optional) Participate in field visits to collect trail inventory and accessibility data using DCR's trail assessment schema.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Current undergraduate or graduate student in GIS> Experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, or other GIS software. Familiarity with ESRI applications such as StoryMaps, Field Maps, Survey123, Experience Builder, or Dashboards is preferred.
• Interest in outdoor recreation, trail planning, accessibility, conservation, or public lands management.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information in a way that is clear and engaging for a broad audience.
• Experience with web accessibility standards (or a willingness to learn) is desirable.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with staff in a remote environment.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Please see Preferred Qualifications.

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.