Contracted Student Interns - Flood Resilience Policy Intern (UNPAID)

Position Information:

Contracted Student Intern: Flood Resilience Policy Intern

Start/End Date:  1/19/2027 - 5/31/2027

Salary Rate:  $0.00 (UNPAID Student Internship)

Weekly Hours:  15 hours

Number of Openings:  1 position

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 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. 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 Flood Resilience Policy Intern (Unpaid Contracted Student Interns) for 2027 Winter Semester to perform the duties listed below on a part-time basis.

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 Flood Resilience Policy Intern supports the DCR’s Flood Hazard Management Program by auditing local municipal bylaws to ensure they align with National Flood Insurance Program regulatory standards. In addition, the intern will conduct technical research on local zoning and wetlands regulations, interface with local government officials, and document how communities are implementing floodplain standards and resilience policies. As part of their research, they will identify regulatory gaps and gather evidence of higher standards to gain understanding of how municipalities across the Commonwealth regulate flood risks.

Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Flood Resilience Policy Intern will assist staff in DCR’s Flood Hazard Management Program to review local floodplain regulations against the state model floodplain bylaw; research and document flood resilience standards in local zoning and wetlands bylaws; gather information from local government officials on the status and implementation of flood resilience regulations in their floodplains; and assist in general with other policy review tasks as needed. The internship can be performed remotely, with options to join site visits in local communities and occasional meetings with state agency partners.    The intern will have opportunities to gain experience in:   Flood Resilience Policy: An understanding of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), state-level environmental policies, and local floodplain and resilience regulations.   Regulatory Analysis: Practical experience in regulatory review to identify gaps and higher standards in local flood resilience regulations.   Professional Networking: Direct engagement with municipal leaders and state planners, building a professional footprint in the field of climate adaptation and land-use law.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Attention to detail.
• The ability to perform policy and regulatory audits.
• Interest in learning how to read a FEMA flood insurance rate may and ability to understand its regulatory meaning.
• Ability to communicate professionally with local officials to ask questions about implementation of local floodplain regulations and resilience standards.