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.

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.

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.

Job Description:

MassDEP’s Municipal Waste Reduction Branch works to promote recycling, reuse, composting, and the reduction of waste, by implementing grant programs, providing technical assistance, and fostering best practices. This internship will allow an intern to learn about all facets of solid waste management in Massachusetts. The intern will work on outreach and education for the public via our Recycle Smart MA program, and on municipal solid waste and recycling program data and processes through our Sustainable Materials Recovery Program. 

Job Duties:

• Research reuse and repair operations across the Commonwealth.

• Improve and expand listings in the Beyond the Bin Search Directory.

• Research a waste reduction topic of interest and write a newsletter.

• Assist with Recycle Smart MA’s monthly social media editorial planning, ideas, and implementation.

• Assist with updating solid waste reduction branch webpages.

• Analyze recycling and solid waste data to identify impactful waste reduction programs.

• Compile data from diverse sources for publication on mass.gov webpages.

• Write case studies about waste reduction programs across the state.

• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficient with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Experience with Google forms, social media platforms, and Canva.

• Ability to communicate confidently and effectively on the telephone, in person, and in writing.

• Ability to work independently, and in an organized manner with strong attention to detail.

This internship is unpaid and designed to support students or recent graduates seeking practical experience in the field. Interns may be eligible to earn academic credit through their college or university.

Position Information:

• Contracted Student Intern: Municipal Waste Reduction Branch, BAW Intern

• Start/End Date: 6/15/2026 - 10/16/2026

• Weekly Hours: 22.5 hours

• Number of Openings: 1 position

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition. 

Qualifications - External

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

 Minimum Requirements: NONE

 Please see the Preferred Qualifications above.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.