Watershed Planning Program - Data Management and Water Quality Assessment Intern - UNPAID

Job Description Watershed Planning Program - Data Management and Water Quality Assessment Intern (UNPAID – 26000378) The Watershed Planning Program (WPP) in the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) works statewide to protect and improve water resources. In this internship you will explore the Water Quality eXchange (WQX) portal, download and analyze data, summarize data structures, and support the development of data acquisition tools. Job Duties Learn WQX data structures through research of online materials and existing WPP documentation. Review the Massachusetts Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology (CALM) Guidance Manual to understand parameters and data requirements for WPP’s water quality assessments under the CWA. Utilize WPP R scripts to download data from WQX for review. Catalog all external data sources used by WPP for CWA decision making (including data not sourced from WQX). Use the R statistical program and/or MS Excel to perform exploratory analyses of water quality data currently found in WQX. When time allows, compare WQX data to information in WPP’s existing databases and storage systems. Map WQX domains to WPP CWA assessment methodologies described in the CALM document. Create a summary report of exploratory analyses, including visualizations, flow diagrams, and narrative descriptions. Produce summary tabular data files to support WPP in transitioning to use WQX for external data acquisition. Preferred Qualifications Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines. Basic knowledge of environmental science principles and practices. Experience gathering and tabulating data from diverse sources. Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently and in a team. Preferred proficiency with R and/or ArcGIS, but not required. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel). Effective communication skills in writing, in person, via Teams, and on the phone. Position Information Contracted Student Intern : Watershed Planning Program – Data Management and Water Quality Assessment Intern Start/End Date: 6/14/2026 – 10/16/2026 Weekly Hours: 22.5 hours Number of Openings: 1 Location: United States–Massachusetts–Worcester – 8 New Bond St Employment Type: Contractor (Part‑time day shift) Posting Date: Apr 28, 2026, 6:43:15 PM Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes Equal Opportunity / EEO Statement An Equal Opportunity / Affimative 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% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Benefits Internship is unpaid but designed to provide practical experience; interns may be eligible for academic credit through their college or university. Beneficial exposure to environmental data management and analytics tools is provided. Contact for Diversity / ADA Contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Chris Mendez, View email address on click.appcast.io – View phone number on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr Commonwealth of Massachusetts