Sustainability and Environmental Affairs Student Co‑op

Job Description

About the Job: Sustainability and Environmental Affairs Student Co-op at Eversource

Eversource is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Student Co-op to join their Sustainability and Environmental Affairs team, specifically supporting the Licensing & Permitting staff. This 6-month, full-time (40 hours/week) co-op position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmental compliance and permitting within a regulated utility environment.

Please note: Eversource will not offer immigration-related sponsorship for this position, either now or in the future. Applicants requiring any form of immigration sponsorship or work authorization requiring company involvement should not apply.

Role Overview

As a Sustainability and Environmental Affairs Student Co-op, you will play a crucial role in supporting environmental reviews and permitting processes for maintenance and new construction projects across Eversource’s electric and gas operations. Under the guidance of experienced Licensing & Permitting staff, you will contribute to protecting natural resources while ensuring utility infrastructure projects adhere to environmental compliance and permitting strategies.

Essential Functions

The Student Co-op will be involved in a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Environmental Reviews: Conducting thorough environmental reviews for projects using GIS mapping tools to identify potential constraints.
• Permit Determination: Reviewing mapped project areas to help determine required local, state, and federal permits and identify environmental constraints such as wetlands, flood zones, endangered species habitats, and hazardous sites or materials.
• Regulatory Communication: Assisting in preparing maintenance notification letters to facilitate clear communication with regulatory agencies regarding project scope and activities.
• Strategy Development: Supporting the development of permitting strategies and regulatory compliance efforts for electric and gas operations.
• Field Work: Conducting essential field work, which includes site visits to substations, construction sites, and company rights-of-way as needed.
• Site Inspections: Assisting with site inspections, environmental compliance observations, and ensuring the protection of surrounding resource areas.
• Sample Collection: Collecting soil or water samples for site pre-characterization when required.
• Construction Compliance: Supporting construction compliance inspections to ensure adherence to permits, mitigation requirements, and company Best Management Practices (BMPs).
• Consultant Coordination: Assisting in coordinating and overseeing outside environmental consultants as directed.
• Collaboration: Collaborating effectively with Sustainability & Environmental Affairs staff, as well as Engineering and Operations teams, while maintaining attention to cost and schedule considerations.

Qualifications

Eversource is looking for a motivated student with the following qualifications:

• Interest: A strong interest in environmental permitting, sustainability, environmental compliance, or infrastructure projects.
• Data Interpretation: Ability to interpret maps, environmental data, and project information effectively.
• Software Skills: Functional proficiency with computer software including MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Adobe, and ESRI GIS products.
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Teamwork & Independence: Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Field Work Willingness: Willingness to conduct field work and visit active construction and operational sites.
• Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license and access to a personally owned vehicle to support site inspections, as required.

Education Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program.
• At least a second-year student.
• Major in one of the following or a related discipline:
  • Environmental Science
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Additional Information

• Primary Work Location: Westwood, MA.
• Schedule: This is a 6-month, 40 hours a week co-op position. The student must be able to support this schedule.
• Travel: Co-op students will also travel to area stations, construction sites, and rights-of-way.
• Experience Gained: This role offers hands-on exposure to environmental permitting within a regulated utility environment and an opportunity to develop practical field, GIS, and regulatory experience.
• Compensation: Interns are paid through Eversource’s Managed Service Provider Program and are not direct employees of Eversource. Pay rates are hourly and based on year of graduation and whether the role is technical or non-technical. Technical rates start at $20.60 for freshmen and go up to $27.38 for seniors.

Emergency Response

Responding to emergency situations to meet customers’ needs is part of every employee’s role at Eversource. If employed, you will be given an Emergency Restoration assignment, meaning you may be called to assist during an emergency outside of your normal responsibilities, work hours, and location.

EEO Statement

Eversource Energy is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.

VEVRRA Federal Contractor