Environmental Justice (EJ), Bureau of Administrative Services (BAS) Intern - UNPAID

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Lakeville, MA

1d

About The 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 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. 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. This internship will have two-fold task responsibilities. The first task consists of multiple tasks and utilizes communication skills and computer-based skills with a focus on environmental justice principles and local/regional contacts. The second, and equally important task, consists of conducting inspections with both the EJ & CE Coordinator and technical staff from multiple technical programs. Environmental Justice (“EJ”) centers around the belief that everyone deserves protection from pollution and the opportunity to thrive in a clean, healthy environment. It embodies the idea of fair treatment and meaningful participation for all individuals regarding the creation, execution, and enforcement of environmental regulations, as well as the fair allocation of environmental advantages. MassDEP employs United States (“US”) census data to pinpoint census block groups designated as environmental justice areas, using criteria such as income, minority population percentage, and language accessibility. MassDEP is dedicated to ensuring that inhabitants of EJ areas have the opportunity for meaningful engagement in MassDEP activities within their community. First, the intern will review the current library of EJ contact lists and information and work to update/expand/improve this tool by incorporating information from as many additional southeast regional municipalities as possible. This is currently utilized as an on-line resource tool for SERO staff when information on EJ contact information is needed. This task will include researching websites that contain information on municipalities, community-based organizations (CBOs), EJ advocacy groups, houses of worship, nonprofit organizations, etc. as well as communication with all and/or some of these entities. Site visits and/or meetings may be necessary. This work will result in the further expanding of the statewide contact/resource lists on the MassDEP EJ intranet page as well. If time allows, the intern will also create maps, with legends, of the researched and confirmed list of EJ contacts. This information will be utilized by the EJ Coordinator, managers, section chiefs and line staff in their everyday work associated with projects in EJ block groups/neighborhoods. Second, the intern will conduct inspections and outreach efforts with the EJ & CE Coordinator and technical staff in order to confirm and/or truth check information contained in technical permit applications. Since this information is then simplified and put into Fact Sheets intended for general public consumption, the intern will participate in this process as well.

Requirements

• Minimum Requirements: NONE
• Working knowledge of computer-based skills.
• Good interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, and in an organized manner with strong attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• GIS and/or MassMapper skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review the current repositories of EJ resources/contacts located both on the southeast region’s Sharepoint site and on the statewide EJ Resources Intranet page.
• Research websites of municipalities, EJ advocacy groups, houses of worship, etc. and create/update individual contact lists for as many of the 84 municipalities in the southeast region as possible. Currently, approximately twenty SERO municipalities have been researched and EJ contacts compiled.
• Using the existing format on the SERO EJ Sharepoint resource page, and working with the supervisor, summarize contact lists findings on a spreadsheet and determine which ones require additional research, communications and/or meetings (in person or virtual) to confirm findings.
• Update/improve the current SERO library of EJ contacts/information for the 84 cities and towns in the southeast region.
• Conduct inspections with the EJ & CE Coordinator and/or technical staff.
• If time allows, create maps, with legends, of entities determined necessary for EJ communications on permit applications, projects, etc.

Benefits

• Outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package.
• Work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed