Contracted Student Interns - Land Records GIS Intern (UNPAID)

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) oversees nearly half a million acres of land, making up one of the largest and most 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 recreational 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 mass.parks@mass.gov.

Job Opening:
The Department of Conservation and Recreation, seeks applicants for a Contracted Student Interns - Land Records GIS Intern (Unpaid Internship) to perform the following duties:

Please submit a cover letter and resume as part of the application process.

Position Information:

Contracted Student Intern: Land Records GIS Intern

Location: 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA

Start/End Date: 6/1/2026 - 8/14/2026

Salary Rate: $0.00 (UNPAID Student Internship)

Weekly Hours: 37.5 hours

Number of Openings: 1 position

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.

General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Land Protection GIS Intern will support the Department of Conservation and Recreation's modernization efforts by managing and digitizing critical real estate and land acquisition records. Working under the Land Records and Database Manager, the intern will gain hands-on experience in georeferencing surveys, performing data entry, and creating spatial products within the ESRI ArcGIS environment. This role offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between physical archives and digital GIS databases while assisting with field data. Candidates will develop professional expertise in public land records management and state-level environmental resource protection.

Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Intern will support the Land Protection Office's transition to a modernized digital environment through the following core responsibilities:

• GIS & Spatial Analysis: Utilize the ESRI ArcGIS environment to create professional spatial products for department use, update existing GIS data layers, and georeference surveys and plans.
• Database & Records Management: Execute the transfer of predecessor agency data into new digital databases, ensuring accuracy in land record transitions.
• Physical Archive Maintenance: Assist in the physical organization of the Plans Library by transitioning land records from temporary storage into permanent filing systems.
• Inter-Departmental Collaboration: Work cooperatively with Land Protection, Plans Library, and GIS staff on various high-priority projects to enhance DCR's real estate holdings data.
• Field Operations: Participate in field data collection, including site visits to verify compliance and resource health.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

Technical Proficiency

GIS Expertise: Basic familiarity with ESRI products, specifically ArcGIS Online, including the ability to update existing GIS data layers and create spatial products.

Experience with desktop GIS (ArcMap or ArcPro) is an acceptable substitute.

Following technical guidelines: Bringing online GIS items up to new Accessibility standards requires reading and following technical guidelines and being able to work with them.

Ease with technology is required.

Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and interacting with Google Chrome extensions and external applications is important.

Professional Attributes

Organizational Skills: A self-starter, able to juggle their workload on their own and demonstrate progress with moderate guidance and oversight.

Collaborative Mindset: Strong interpersonal skills for working across multiple departments, and GIS staff.

Quick learner: Interest in and ability to self-teach techniques from online help, manuals and tutorials. Be willing to fail and reach out for help.

Qualifications

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.

Client-provided location(s): Boston, MA

Job ID: Commonwealth_of_Massachusetts-260002LI

Employment Type: INTERN

Posted: 2026-03-26T18:47:08