Operational Risk Intern Jobs in Smithfield, RI (NOW HIRING)

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:
MassDEP Drinking Water Program (DWP) implements the federal Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) for public water systems in Massachusetts. Some water supplies are naturally corrosive which can cause metals such as lead and copper to leach from the pipes and household plumbing used to convey water to consumer taps. To address this, many public water suppliers in Massachusetts implement corrosion control treatment, which involves adjusting the water chemistry to minimize the leaching of metals into the drinking water. Water suppliers record treatment process data on Chemical Addition (C-ADD) Reports forms, which are submitted to MassDEP monthly. Water suppliers also monitor lead and copper levels in drinking water at consumers' taps from high-risk sites on a semiannual, annual, or triennial basis.
The Central Region DWP is looking for an intern to assist with compiling and analyzing data for key corrosion control parameters representing treated water at the entry point(s) and locations throughout the distribution system for public water systems.
The project will entail compiling relevant water quality data in Excel, performing basic statistical analysis, and evaluating the relationship between water quality and lead and copper levels in system tap samples. Correlations between corrosion control treatment performance and ability to meet lead and copper standards, both current and future (in 2027 the lead action level is being reduced to 10 ppb), will be used as MassDEP designates optimal water quality parameters for these water systems in the future.
Job Duties:

• Data entry of water quality parameters (WQP) for specified monitoring periods for a subset of public water systems into Excel.
• For each water system's dataset, perform basic statistical analysis and compare with reported 90th percentile values for lead and copper tap samples for the same monitoring periods.
• Evaluate WQPs that correlated with best treatment performance to meet the current and future action levels. This will involve time plots/graphs and some file document review.
• Review available corrosion control treatment study reports for included recommendations that identify operational targets for WQPs.
• Scanning of these reports may be necessary.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of MassDEP Drinking Water Regulations 310 CMR 22.00 or other environmental regulations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient reading and writing skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Microsoft Excel in particular).
• Experience with information management.
• Interest in Massachusetts regulatory programs.

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.
Position Information:

• Contracted Student Intern: Drinking Water Program Intern (Worcester)
• Start/End Date: 6/14/2026 - 10/16/2026
• Weekly Hours: 22.5 hours
• Number of Openings: 1 position

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached as relevant to the requisition.
Qualifications:
Qualifications - External
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Requirements: NONE
Please see the Preferred Qualifications above.
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.
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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.