Stream Monitoring Intern, Quabbin Reservoir Watershed (Unpaid Internship)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Belchertown, MA

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. 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 [email protected] The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for Stream Monitoring Intern (Unpaid Internship), Quabbin Reservoir Watershed. Dates 6-1-26 to 8-14-26. 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. We are seeking a motivated Stream Monitoring Intern to join our team for a seasonal internship opportunity. The intern will work alongside the Environmental Quality section of DCR-DWSP, contributing to streamflow measurement collection, environmental monitoring, hydrology and water quality data management. Additional opportunities may arise to work on climate data analysis, specifically focusing on relationships between climate and regional hydrology, as well as contribute to other environmental monitoring projects as time and interest allows. This internship offers valuable hands-on experience in field monitoring and data management techniques, with the intent to provide the intern with career-building opportunities in environmental monitoring. The Stream Monitoring Intern will select a project aligned with their interest and present results at the end of the internship to the Environmental Quality team.

Nice To Haves

Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in environmental sciences, natural resources, hydrology, ecology, environmental engineering, or related disciplines.
Experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, etc.).
Experience with R and RStudio (helpful to have a background but not entirely necessary, just be interested in learning to code!).
Candidate should be prepared to work outdoors under varying environmental conditions and should be comfortable carrying monitoring equipment over short distances (0.25 miles) and over uneven terrain.

Responsibilities

Conduct field-based streamflow measurements using standard hydrological techniques and equipment.
Collect and manage stream and water quality data, including data entry, quality control, and analysis.
Support the maintenance and calibration of field equipment to ensure accurate measurements.
Collaborate with team members to analyze and interpret streamflow and water quality data.
Compile findings and contribute to the preparation of reports summarizing research outcomes.
Participate in other environmental monitoring projects as time and interest allow.