Contracted Student Interns - Habitat Management Intern Fall 2026 (UNPAID)

About the Role

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) seeks applicants for a Habitat Management Intern (Contracted Student Interns Unpaid) for the 2026 Fall Semester. This internship is 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist with developing and writing habitat management plans for two or more special status species priority habitats at Waquoit Bay Reserve.
• Perform desktop-based research and gather documents, maps, and information.
• Collate gathered information into draft management plan documents.
• Review examples of existing habitat management plans from other DCR parks and properties.
• Gather and/or generate information such as data, documents, photos, and maps related to special status species habitats at Waquoit Bay Reserve.
• Write a draft habitat management plan for portions of Washburn Island state park, Waquoit Bay Reserve headquarters, and potentially other areas of the Reserve.
• Perform additional tasks including GIS work to create maps for use in signs or brochures.
• Participate in some light fieldwork as needed.
• Attend meetings or event opportunities as they arise.

Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Windows and Office software, particularly Word and Excel.
• Clarity and consistency in communication.
• Interest in nature and the environment and its protection, conservation, and sustainable management.
• Willingness to participate in some light fieldwork.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with GIS, particularly ArcGIS (valuable but not essential).
• Coursework in environmental studies, planning, and/or botany, ecology, or wildlife.

Schedule & Location

• Dates: September 21, 2026 – December 4, 2026
• Weekly Hours: 15 hours
• Location: 131 Waquoit Highway, Waquoit, MA
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid or completely in-person. If hybrid, expected to work in-person at the Reserve at least one day every other week, varying based on work tasks.

This is an unpaid student internship with a salary rate of $0.00. First consideration will be given to applicants that apply within the first 14 days.