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Watershed Planning Program (Surface Water Quality Standards Section) Intern - UNPAID

Department of Conservation & Recreation

Worcester, MA

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Air Quality, Alternative Energy, ArcGIS, Communication Skills, Data Sets, Detail Oriented, Diversity, Documentation, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Hazardous Materials/Substances, Health Plan, Hydrology, Materials Analysis, Microsoft Office, Organizational Skills, Project Evaluation, Public Health, Quality Metrics, Quality Monitoring, Recreation, Recycling, Regulations, Standards Development, Stewardship, Stormwater Management, Surface Water, Sustainability, Water Quality Testing, Water Supply
LOCATION
Worcester, MA
POSTED
5 days ago
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:

The Watershed Planning Program (WPP) in the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is a statewide program with a mission to protect, enhance, and restore the quality and value of the waters of the Commonwealth. Together with other MassDEP programs and state environmental agencies, WPP shares the duty and responsibility to secure the environmental, recreational, and public health benefits of clean water for all people of the Commonwealth.

The Surface Water Quality Standards (SWQS) Section is responsible for developing statewide standards to protect and restore surface waters (e.g., lakes, rivers, and estuaries) for potential adoption into the Massachusetts SWQS regulation (MA SWQS; 314 CMR 4.00). In addition, the Section designates uses and associated classifications for surface waters (e.g., recreation and public water supplies) and assists with the implementation of the MA SWQS. Under the federal Clean Water Act, all states must regularly review their water quality standards to ensure these regulations reflect the latest available information.

Over the past few years, the SWQS Section has been identifying Cold Water segments in MA for potential adoption into the MA SWQS. Seasonal employees worked to identify potential Cold-Water segments, existing dams, Public Water Supplies, municipal wastewater discharges, and the confluence with other waterbodies. Draft boundary descriptions for potential segments were also previously developed.

The Watershed Planning Program (WPP) Intern will support MassDEP's Surface Water Quality Standards (SWQS) Section in efforts to protect and restore the Commonwealth's surface waters. The intern will contribute to the identification, documentation, and mapping of Cold-Water stream segments to support updates to Massachusetts water quality standards. This work will help ensure regulatory decisions are informed by accurate, up-to-date environmental data.

Job Duties:
  • Describe, delineate, and expand the inventory of Cold-Water stream segments.
  • Review and analyze project background materials and data files (e.g., GIS and Excel).
  • Incorporate staff feedback to finalize an updated Cold Water segments inventory.
  • Assist with updating Cold Water segment information in MA SWQS water basin tables (as time allows).
  • Develop GIS linework for identified Cold Water segments (as time allows).
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Basic knowledge of watershed science and fundamental principles of hydrology.
  • Experience gathering and formatting environmental and spatial datasets.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software.
  • Proficiency in the ESRI suite of ArcGIS software, or similar GIS application.
  • Ability to work independently and in an organized manner with strong attention to detail.
  • Effective communication skills, in writing, in person, over Teams, and on the telephone.
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: Watershed Planning Program (Surface Water Quality Standards 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:
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% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

About the Company

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Department of Conservation & Recreation

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