Waste Ban Inspection and Enforcement 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.

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 enforces waste disposal bans under 310 CMR 19.017, which prohibit specific recyclable, toxic, and organic materials from being landfilled or combusted.  MassDEP also has inspectors that perform unannounced waste ban inspections at disposal facilities to review records and monitor incoming waste loads. If MassDEP inspectors find waste ban violations at a facility, they can take enforcement action.

Job Duties:

• Preparing an updated waste ban enforcement Return to compliance (RTC) analysis.

• Reviewing waste ban Notice of non-compliance (NONs) to prepare a data set of enforcement actions by material. This may include a year-by-year comparison to show any change in enforcement over time.

• Reviewing waste ban data from solid waste annual facility reports.

• Analyzing our failed load rate over time.  See if this rate has changed over time.

• Analyze Commercial organic material (COM)/food material request for information responses for tonnages, programs put in place, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Quantitative analysis skills.

• Ability to understand and apply the regulations, policies, and procedures governing assigned activities.

• Background with solid waste or recycling helpful.

• Ability to work independently, and in an organized manner with strong attention to detail.

Position Information:

• Contracted Student Intern: Waste Ban Inspection and Enforcement Intern (UNPAID) (ID: 260007UB)

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