Contracted Student Interns - Floodplain Engineering Intern (UNPAID)

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is hiring an unpaid Floodplain Engineering Intern to support its Flood Hazard Management Program. The intern will assist with development plan and permit reviews, NFIP compliance reviews, and management of engineering and hydrologic files, while gaining experience in flood risk assessment and regulatory compliance.

What you'll do:

• The Floodplain Engineering Intern will provide technical and administrative support to the DCR Flood Hazard Management Program. This role offers the opportunity to assist with development plan and permit review for the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The intern will be managed by the acting program director and mentored by senior floodplain engineers. They will gain hands-on technical experience in flood risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and hydrological data management
• Compile and organize MEPA development proposals from the Environmental Monitor and develop initial project summaries under the supervision of engineering staff to determine if proposed developments intersect with mapped floodplains. Support the program’s NFIP audit functions by assisting with compliance review, organizing documentation review, and drafting clear summaries for review by senior engineers. Organize digital engineering and hydrologic files, ensuring that plans, maps, and technical reports are easily accessible for program staff. This internship provides opportunities to gain hands-on experience with floodplain engineering, flood risk assessment, GIS mapping, engineering plan review, and regulatory compliance. The intern will develop familiarity with FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and the Massachussets Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). Additional learning experiences include developing technical writing and hydrologic data management skills, mentoring from experienced floodplain engineers, and biweekly seminars on floodplain engineering topics. The internship can be performed remotely, with options for in-person professional development, networking, and field experience

What they're looking for:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, or a related field
• Basic understanding of ArcGIS, interest in learning to read FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), interest in learning how to review engineering and site plans, interest in learning building code flood standards, proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Strong attention to detail, organization, ability to work independently and request guidance as needed

Benefits:

• Candidates may be eligible to earn academic credit through their college or university.
• Mentoring from experienced floodplain engineers
• Biweekly seminars on floodplain engineering topics
• The internship can be performed remotely, with options for in-person professional development, networking, and field experience.