Coastal Hazards Intern Fall 2026 - UNPAID

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.

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.

Description:

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.

The Coastal Hazards Intern will support CZM's StormSmart Coasts program with increasing community resilience to coastal storms and sea level rise through the application of MyCoast (mycoast.org/ma). The intern will analyze coastal storm data and conduct community engagement on MyCoast tools and impact thresholds. The intern will gain a better understanding of coastal storm impacts to natural resources, infrastructure, and buildings as well as the value of community science for management. CZM highly values interns and will ensure the intern is integrated with programs and staff for educational purposes and professional development. The intern will apply technical skills, connect with community partners, and strengthen organizational and public speaking skills.

Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Summarize MyCoast data for storm events from 2011 to 2026.

• Investigate water level thresholds that are resulting in minor, moderate, and major flooding, erosion, and damages to infrastructure and buildings.

• Identify geographic gaps in the MyCoast network of users.

• Conduct MyCoast workshops for municipal staff, community organizations, and neighborhood groups.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fundamental understanding of beach systems and coastal hazards.

• Basic GIS skills.

• An interest in community science.

• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn and support the HR team.

Other relevant information:  

• Hours per week: 22.5 hours per week
• This position is partially remote with a hybrid schedule that includes a minimum of one day in-office per week.
• Internship duration:  9/21/26 – 12/4/26

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

Please see Preferred Qualifications.

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% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.