Park Ranger Mounted Unit Intern (Unpaid Internship)

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 Department of Conservation and Recreation’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance our commonwealth of natural, cultural and recreational resources for the wellbeing of all. The DCR is steward to one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation which includes more than 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails, golf courses and parkways. DCR strives to be an exemplary leader in conservation and recreation. DCR’s staff is passionate, dedicated, and continuously employs best practices that are informed by expertise, and creates a sense of place through carrying out the mission.

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.

Job Opening:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for Park Ranger Mounted Unit Intern (Unpaid Internship). Dates 1-20-26 to 4-3-26. In person location - 705 Hillside Street, Milton, MA

Duties:

Rangers, Stable Aides, and their horses, are looking for qualified intern(s) interested in learning the many aspects of the equine, environmental, and enforcement fields of a mounted park patrol unit. The intern(s) who fills the position(s) should expect to learn the inner workings (“behind the scenes”) of what is involved to prepare a mounted park ranger to perform his/her duties out in a public park setting on patrol, during a program, at a special event, a ceremonial function, as well as partnering with other agencies under mutual aid.

An Internship with the DCR Park Ranger Mounted Unit prepares college students for the field. Whether your career goal is law enforcement, equestrian, or conservation, this internship has a variety of opportunities available to you to strengthen your professional experiences.

Responsibilities:

· Stable Aide Assistant Assist the Mounted Unit staff working in the stable with the horses. Duties include, but not limited to mucking, bedding, grooming, clipping, sheath cleaning, picking paddocks, tack cleaning, etc.

· Equestrian Exercise patrol horses, as assigned and as scheduled. Duties include, but are not limited to tack cleaning, grooming, clipping, sheath cleaning, etc.

· Event and Program Assistant There are numerous park special events, programs and stable tours that need equine assistants.

· Equine Grant Writer Whether law enforcement, environmental, equine related, etc. there are grants that our programs are seeking to obtain.

· Administrative Assistant We have filing, data entry, etc. that needs to be completed to keep the organization running. We can use your office skills in several areas. Hours will vary and can be flexible around your schedule.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Equestrian Requirements: Walk, trot, canter, and lateral movements ringwork, lungeing and round penning, along

with natural horsemanship and trail riding exercises. Level 2 Dressage or better preferred. Ability to mount from the

ground a preferred. Note: Dressage Saddle and Bridles used.

• Per school requirements, to be further discussed with unit supervisor.

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%25 of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.