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:

This internship consists of duties for two different MassDEP Bureau of Air and Waste regulatory programs. First, the Dental Amalgam/Mercury Recycling Program works to ensure reduction of the amount of mercury released into the environment by dental facilities, in accordance with the regulations at 310 CMR 73.00. Second, the Hazardous Waste Retail Pharmacy Program oversees compliance and enforcement efforts at all retail pharmacy facilities, in accordance with the regulations at 310 CMR 30.00.

This internship will allow an intern to gather a wide range of experience into different facets of how each program operates. The intern will work on outreach to the regulated facilities, analyze data and records, and learn about various compliance and enforcement procedures.

Job Duties:

Dental Amalgam/Mercury Recycling Certification

• Assist with compliance assistance and outreach to dental facilities.

• Assist the program lead with drafting and issuing enforcement documents as necessary.

• Track the return to compliance status of facilities.

• Research and identify potential dental facilities that are not currently registered with MassDEP.

• Utilize Microsoft Excel to analyze and compare data from dental certification forms submitted to MassDEP.

Retail Hazardous Waste Pharmacies

• Research and identify potential pharmacy locations that are not currently registered with MassDEP.

• Assist the program lead with selection of retail pharmacy facilities for inspection, and ensure all environmental justice requirements are met.

• As allowed, assist the program lead with retail pharmacy hazardous waste inspections.

• Assist with drafting and issuing enforcement documentation as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

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

• Customer service skills.

• Solid reading and writing skills.

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: Dental Amalgam/Mercury Recycling and Hazardous Waste Pharmacies Intern

• Start/End Date: 6/14/2026 - 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.