Contracted Student Interns - Resource Management Plan Intern (UNPAID)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • United States, Massachusetts, 10 Park Plaza, MA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking an unpaid student intern for the 2027 winter semester to support the Resource Management Plan (RMP) Program in the Bureau of Planning, Design & Resource Protection. The program prepares statewide management plans for DCR parks, forests, and reservations. These plans identify natural, cultural, and recreational resources; guide future land use; and recommend ways to address conflicts among recreation, resource protection, and sustainable forest management. The intern will complete a special research project aligned with agency management practices and policy, with the possibility of supporting routine RMP planning work as time allows. The internship runs from January 19, 2027, through April 2, 2027, for 22.5 hours per week. It is unpaid; interns may be eligible to earn academic credit through their college or university. The position is hybrid, with 1–2 days per week at the assigned office and occasional accompanied site visits. Possible locations are 180 Beaman Street in West Boylston, 10 Park Plaza in Boston, or possibly 194 Cranberry Road in Carver.

Requirements

• Strong research skills using academic and primary-source materials.
• Ability to work collaboratively, solve problems, and work in a team environment.
• Submit a cover letter and resume as part of the application process.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework leading toward an advanced degree in environmental policy, historic preservation, landscape architecture, parks and recreation management, urban or regional planning, or public history.
• Experience with the Office 365 suite, including Word, Excel, and Teams.
• Interest in or qualifications relevant to one or more of the offered special research projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a special research project selected based on the intern’s qualifications and interests.
• Research and synthesize best practices for preventing unauthorized trail construction on public lands, and prepare management activities and policy options that can inform RMP language.
• Research and prepare program guidance on public ownership and access to Massachusetts lakes and ponds, including reviewing waterbodies within DCR parks to determine agency ownership and stewardship responsibilities.
• Research and prepare a biography and design philosophy of agency landscape architect Egbert Hans, along with a checklist of surviving parks associated with his work, supporting the 100-year anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
• Research park histories and land records as part of routine RMP planning.
• Identify park management threats and opportunities from social media.
• Compile and collate staff survey responses.
• Keep public meeting minutes.
• Report to the assigned office location 1–2 days weekly and occasionally attend site visits accompanied by a supervisor or manager.

Benefits

• Interns may be eligible to earn academic credit through their college or university.
• The posting describes a comprehensive suite of Commonwealth employee benefits and rewards.

What This Job Offers

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