William X Wall Experiment Station (WES) Laboratory Intern (Unpaid Internship)
Job Description
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 toxic 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.
Want more jobs like this?
Get jobs in Lawrence, MA delivered to your inbox every week.
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 Division of Environmental Laboratory Sciences at the Wall Experiment Station (DELS/WES) establishes the internship, to support its key mission in protecting the health of the people, environment, and ecosystems of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The DELS/WES meets this mission by performing highly complex laboratory analyses of drinking water, watershed-surface waters, and other environmental samples for toxic organic and inorganic chemicals, including biological contaminants.
These laboratory-based results are used to inform public health protection action and policies, including regulatory enforcement. DELS/WES provides a growth-oriented opportunity for intern(s) to develop analytical methods for the laboratory operations, receive invaluable real-world experience, and cultivate problem solving skills through assisting DELS/WES chemists with the development of analytical capacity to analyze both legacy and emerging chemical contaminants. In addition, the intern(s) will have opportunities to engage with DELS/WES scientists to investigate toxic chemicals and/or biological markers in the environment and implications of those chemicals on the health of populations across Massachusetts, especially environmental justice communities.
Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assist in developing analytical methods using advanced analytical techniques (e.g., liquid/gas chromatography mass spectrometry) capable of measuring legacy and emerging chemical contaminants in environmental media such as drinking water, watershed-surface waters, fish/biological tissue, wastewater, biosolids, soil, sediment, and waste samples.
- Perform environmental sample analyses and generate laboratory data needed for site investigations, including regulatory compliance and enforcement activities.
- Develop documents and materials supporting quality control plans for the methods developed and/or Standard Operating Procedure(s); 4) As time allows, engage in research activities to investigate the presence of toxic chemicals and harmful biological agents in the environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- The selected candidate(s) should have an educational background/course work in at least one of the area(s) of chemistry, biology, environmental science, and/or chemical or environmental engineering.
- Ability to work independently, and in an organized manner with strong attention to detail.
- Laboratory experience that focuses on analytical methods is recommended.
- Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, to draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Please see the Preferred Qualifications section 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% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- FSA
- HSA
- Mental Health Benefits
Parental Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Volunteer Time Off
Financial and Retirement
- Pension
- Financial Counseling
Professional Development
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
- Leadership Training Program
- Associate or Rotational Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program