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Position Information:

Contracted Student Intern:  Habitat Management Intern

Start/End Date:  9/21/2026 - 12/4/2026

Salary Rate:  $0.00 (UNPAID Student Internship)

Weekly Hours:  15 hours

Number of Openings:  1 position

Location:  131 Waquoit Highway, Waquoit, MA

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.

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. 

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) oversees nearly half a million acres of land, making up one of the largest and most 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 recreational 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. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr or contact us at mass.parks@mass.gov. 

Job Opening:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation, seeks applicants for a Habitat Management Intern (Contracted Student Interns Unpaid), 2026 Fall Semester to perform the duties listed below. 

Please submit a cover letter and resume as part of the application process. 

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.

General Statement of Duties and Job Responsibilities:

• The primary focus of this internship will be to assist with developing and writing habitat management plans for two or more special status species priority habitats at Waquoit Bay Reserve. This work would be primarily desktop-based, using a laptop to research and gather documents, maps, and information, and collating this into draft management plan documents. The intern will be mentored and supervised by the Stewardship Coordinator. The knowledge and skills gained will include understanding the habitat requirements of certain special status species and the planning and management requirements of the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species program and other state and local environmental regulations and policies. This internship position can be hybrid or completely in-person. If hybrid, the intern would be expected to work in-person at the Reserve some of the time, perhaps at least one day every other week. This will vary depending on the work tasks as there could be some days of fieldwork and or meetings or event opportunities.

Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reviewing examples of existing habitat management plans from other DCR parks and properties.

• Gathering and or generating information such as data, documents, photos, and maps related to special status species habitats at Waquoit Bay Reserve.

• Using the gathered information to write a draft habitat management plan for portions of Washburn Island state park, Waquoit Bay Reserve headquarters, and potentially other areas of the Reserve.

• Additional tasks may include GIS work to create maps for use in signs or brochures.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Microsoft Windows and Office software, particularly Word and Excel.

• Experience with GIS, particularly ArcGIS would be valuable, but not essential.

• Coursework in environmental studies, planning, and/or botany, ecology, or wildlife.

• An interest in nature and the environment and its protection, conservation, and sustainable management.

• A willingness to participate in some light fieldwork.

• Clarity and consistency in communication are important for this role.

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

Please see Preferred Qualifications.

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.