Contracted Student Interns - GIS Trails Planning Intern Fall 2026 (UNPAID

Contracted Student Interns - GIS Trails Planning Intern Fall 2026 (UNPAID)

Position Information:
Contracted Student Intern: GIS Trails Planning Intern Start/End Date: 9/21/2026 - 12/4/2026 Salary Rate: $0.00 (UNPAID Student Internship) Weekly

Hours:

15 hours

Location:

3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester, MA Number of Openings: 1 position

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 Conservation and Recreation (DCR) oversees nearly half a million acres of land, making up one of the largest and diverse state park systems in the country. Our work focuses on nurturing the vital connection between people and the environment by protecting, promoting and enhancing our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well-being of all.

DCR infrastructure connects people to and through the beautiful landscapes and accessible recreation facilities we care for – strengthening our communities and driving our economy. Our staff strive to build a healthier, more resilient Massachusetts where all residents and visitors can relax, reflect and feel a sense of belonging in our open spaces and public lands.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for GIS Trails Planning Intern (Unpaid Contracted Student Interns) for 2026 Fall Semester to perform the duties:

This internship is unpaid and designed to support students or recent graduates seeking practical experience in the field. Candidates may be eligible to earn academic credit through their college or university.

General Statement of

Duties and Responsibilities:

The DCR Trails & Greenways Program and Office of GIS Services is seeking an unpaid intern to assist with projects focused on improving trail access, visitor information, and GIS-based trail planning. This internship offers an opportunity to apply GIS, web mapping, and data management skills to real-world projects that support outdoor recreation and accessibility across Massachusetts. The position is primarily remote, with occasional in-person meetings with DCR Trails and GIS staff in the Greater Worcester area.

For interns interested in gaining field experience, there may also be opportunities to assist with trail data collection using DCR's trail inventory protocols. Candidates located in or near the Greater Worcester, Massachusetts area are encouraged to apply to facilitate occasional in-person meetings and optional fieldwork.

Detailed Statement of

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop an interactive Story Map to communicate trail etiquette and responsible recreation practices in a clear, engaging, and accessible format that complies with Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) digital accessibility standards.
• Conduct a GIS-based suitability analysis to identify trails that meet established criteria for further evaluation as part of DCR's Trail Access Information program.
• Design and develop a field data collection application using ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey
  123, Smart Sheet, or similar platforms to collect Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP) and/or Trail Access Information (TAI) data.
• Collaborate with DCR Trails and GIS staff to improve data collection workflows and support trail planning initiatives.
• (Optional) Participate in field visits to collect trail inventory and accessibility data using DCR's trail assessment schema.

Current undergraduate or graduate student in GIS>

Experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, or other GIS software. Familiarity with ESRI applications such as Story Maps, Field Maps, Survey
123, Experience Builder, or Dashboards is preferred. Interest in outdoor recreation, trail planning, accessibility, conservation, or public lands management. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to communicate technical information in a way that is clear and engaging for a broad audience. Experience with web accessibility standards (or a willingness to learn) is desirable. Ability to work independently while collaborating with staff in a remote environment.