Position Information: Contracted Student Intern: Coastal Decision Support Fellow Start/End Date: 9/21/2026 - 12/4/2026 Salary Rate: $0.00 (UNPAID Student Internship) Weekly Hours: 20 hours Number of Openings: 1 position Location: 131 Waquoit Highway, Waquoit, MA 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. 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 aCoastal Decision Support Fellow(Contracted Student Interns Unpaid), 2026 Fall Semester to perform the duties listed below. Please submit a cover letter and resume as part of the application process. 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 Job Responsibilities: Use artificial intelligence to uncover the issues shaping conservation decisions across Massachusetts communities. The intern will use AI and natural language processing tools to review Conservation Commission and Natural Resource Board meeting minutes, identify recurring topics and emerging issues, and track how those issues progress over time (e.g., approvals, denials, continued discussions, or project outcomes). The resulting analysis will serve as a needs assessment to inform future training, technical assistance, and engagement programs for local decision-makers across Massachusetts coastal communities. Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities: Use AI and natural language processing tools to analyze Conservation Commission and Natural Resource Board meeting minutes from Massachusetts communities. Develop a framework to identify and categorize recurring topics, emerging issues, and decision-making trends across meetings. Track the progression and outcomes of key topics over time to understand their "fate" (e.g., approved, denied, modified, continued, or withdrawn). Summarize findings through reports, visualizations, and dashboards that highlight statewide and regional patterns. Collaborate with the Training & Engagement Program to translate findings into a needs assessment that informs future trainings, technical assistance, and engagement initiatives. Document AI workflows, prompts, and methodologies to create a repeatable process for future analyses. Preferred Skills: Interest in applying AI and large language models to real-world environmental and public policy challenges. Interest in qualitative research methods and social science approaches for understanding decision-making and governance. Experience with or coursework in qualitative data analysis preferred. Experience with AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or similar) and willingness to experiment with prompt engineering and workflow development. Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail. Ability to synthesize large volumes of text into clear themes, trends, and actionable insights. Familiarity with municipal government, environmental permitting, or natural resource management is a plus. Strong written communication skills and ability to present findings in reports and visual summaries. 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. Job: Environmental and Energy Organization: Department of Conservation & Recreation Title: *Contracted Student Interns - Coastal Decision Support Fellow Fall 2026 (UNPAID) Location: Massachusetts-Falmouth-Route 28 Requisition ID: 260005CH
