Winter Program 2023 January - April

Because MassDEP is presently working remotely, candidates will work remotely, until staff return to the office. Candidates will need a computer with Windows 10 and Office suite and will be expected to work on their own computers. Candidates will also need to have internet access as a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection may be provided.

Agency Mission

The MASSDEP is a state agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment by ensuring clean air and water, the safe management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, the timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources. The MassDEP is one of the agencies in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

DEP’s Diversity Vision and Mission

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection in fulfilling its vision to advance diversity at the agency as we seek to hire, retain, and promote women and men from different racial, cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds regardless of their sexual orientation or disability status. Through effective and fully compliant affirmative action and equal opportunity policies, MassDEP strives to attract members of groups traditionally underrepresented in the environmental field and to increase the number of minority and women applicants for its vacancies.

Project Description

The project is designed to support MassDEP’s ongoing Brownfields revitalization and Environmental Justice efforts. The purpose of the initiative is to identify potential brownfield disposal sites, with a focus on Environmental Justice communities; to inform property owners of brownfield assistance opportunities; and, to make brownfield information publicly available to encourage revitalization of disposal sites and lessen the burden of environmental blight on affected communities.

The internship will review existing disposal sites within MassDEP’s Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup files in the Central Region, identify, and characterize brownfield sites located within Environmental Justice areas for technical and/or compliance assistance. The selected intern will help develop a comprehensive inventory of potential brownfield disposal sites, focusing on disposal sites where cleanup and remediation is not currently being performed; conduct site visits to photographically document current site conditions; develop outreach strategies and communication materials for disposal site owners; meet with municipal development officers and site owners; and, work with MassDEP’s Geographic Information Systems’ staff and secure property owners permission to incorporate their brownfield sites into MassDEP’s Interactive Brownfield Map on MassDEP’s website.

Description of Internship Duties

• Research, collect and characterize data from the Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup’s files to create a MS Access Table and/or Excel spreadsheet as a comprehensive brownfield inventory of disposal sites where response actions are not currently being performed.
• Conduct site inspections to photograph current site conditions.
• Develop written or video informational materials to educate about the brownfield development tools, opportunities, and funding.
• Contact and meet with municipal development officers, site owners, and potential developers to provide brownfield compliance assistance and information.
• Obtain disposal site owner’s permission to include their property on MassDEP’s Brownfield Interactive Map.
• Collaborate with MassDEP’s GIS staff to map brownfield sites.

Knowledge Requested

• Mass Driver’s License and reliable vehicle

• Able to work independently

• Able to collect information and concisely summarize it

• Familiarity with Word, Windows, MS Access, MS Front Page, and Excel applications

• Some knowledge of GIS

The Value of a MassDEP Internship

MassDEP’s Volunteer Internship Program creates a “win-win” experience by providing experiential learning for interns while allowing the agency to cultivate a diverse applicant pool for employment opportunities in the environmental field.

MassDEP’s goal is to provide a growth-oriented opportunity for all interns. Interns will receive invaluable real world experience, intellectual challenges, problem solving skills and contacts in their field of interest. Interns are considered an integral part of MassDEP.

Qualifications:

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Applicants are required to:

• Be enrolled in a degree program in the Spring 2021; or
• Have received their degree within one year of their date of graduation
• Submit a cover letter, application, and resume

This is an intern contracted position for 22.5 hours per week

$20.00 an hour/undergrad degree

$25.00 an hour/graduate degree

Employees must have the ability to commute to MassDEP Massachusetts locations.

All job applications must be submitted online through MassCareers to be considered.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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!