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 Int