Watershed Planning Program; Surface Water Quality Standards Section Intern - UNPAID

Job Title

Watershed Planning Program (Surface Water Quality Standards Section) Intern - UNPAID (2600037I)

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 water bodies. 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.

• 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).

• 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.

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

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

Please see the Preferred Qualifications above.

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.

If you have Diversity, Affir­ma­tive Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator:
Chris Mendez / EEADiversity - .

Primary

Location:

United States-Massachusetts-Worcester - 8 New Bond St

Job:
Contractor

Agency:
Department of Environmental Protection

Schedule:

Part-time

Shift: Day

Job Posting:
Apr 28, 2026, 6:44:06 PM