Agency Mission

The Department of Environmental Protection is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air and water, the safe management of toxics and hazards, the recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, the timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources. MassDEP is one of the agencies in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and its role under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution is the guarantor of the people's right to "clean air and water", as well as "the natural scenic, historic and aesthetic qualities of the environment."

MassDEP's Commissioner, Laurie Burt, is committed to MassDEP's Internship Program as it provides a diverse educational and training opportunity for interns that are interested in the environmental field.

Objectives of the MassDEP Internship Program

In an effort to assist MassDEP with its succession planning, we continue to recruit individuals who are interested in working and utilizing their skills in the environmental field. We are providing opportunities to undergraduate students, graduate students, law school students, and other individuals who are seeking experience in the environmental field.

As part of MassDEP's diversity effort and equal opportunity policies, we seek to accommodate internships for women and men from different racial, cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds regardless of their sexual orientation or disability status.

Internship Program Overview

As part of MassDEP's talented and professional team, MassDEP interns are provided with education, training, hands-on experience, supervision, and networking opportunities utilizing modern technology and information systems during their internships.

Current internship positions are unpaid; however, MassDEP provides academic assistance for students who are interested in getting academic credits in their respective schools.  We remain hopeful that we will be able to provide paid internships in the future.

Internships are conducted in supervised settings and are available in MassDEP's various bureaus, departments and regional offices. 

MassDEP Bureaus and Offices

Depending on the assigned internships, interns might be given opportunities to be involved in statewide conferences, trainings, and or workshops. 

In addition to hands-on experience the internship program coordinates a comprehensive calendar of events which revolves around Brown Bag Lunches.  However, a number of field trips and recreational activities occur during the Summer Session.  

During the internship program, interns are connected through an Internal MassDEP Intern Facebook Group where they can communicate, share their experiences, and obtain information of upcoming events.

Interns conclude their internships by sharing their experiences at MassDEP through presentations. 

Available Internship Opportunities

What comes next?

Following the internship program, MassDEP alumni may utilize the Internship Facebook site to connect for networking, possible employment opportunities and communication.

Apply to Participate in the General MassDEP Internship Program

Interested individuals are required to submit their resume, cover letters, and application. See the Internship Program Application Process for more information and a copy of the application. 

Application Deadline

The MassDEP Volunteer Internship Program has a rolling admissions policy.  We will accept applications until all slots are filled, so please apply early.

Questions?

For questions about the Internship Program, please contact Michelle Waters-Ekanem, Director of Diversity at Michelle.Waters-Ekanem@state.ma.us or 617-292-5751.