Sustainability and Environmental Affairs Student Co-op

Job Description

Eversource Sustainability & Environmental Affairs Student Co-op

Note on Immigration Sponsorship: Eversource will not offer immigration-related sponsorship for this position. Applicants who require immigration sponsorship—either now or in the future—should not apply. This includes, but is not limited to, direct company sponsorship, listing Eversource as the employer of record on immigration documents, or any work authorization that requires company involvement or documentation (e.g., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, O-1, etc.).

Eversource is deeply committed to the highest standards of environmental stewardship. This Sustainability and Environmental Affairs Student Co-op position offers a unique opportunity to support the Licensing & Permitting staff by assisting with environmental reviews and permitting support for critical maintenance and new construction projects across Eversource’s electric and gas operations.

Under the direct guidance of experienced Licensing & Permitting staff, the co-op student will gain invaluable hands-on experience in various aspects of environmental permitting, GIS mapping, regulatory coordination, and essential field inspections. This role provides meaningful exposure to how robust environmental compliance and strategic permitting efforts are integrated into utility infrastructure projects, ensuring the protection of vital natural resources.

Essential Functions

The Student Co-op will play a crucial role in supporting the Licensing & Permitting team through the following responsibilities:

• Conduct Environmental Reviews: Perform detailed environmental reviews for both maintenance and new construction projects, utilizing advanced GIS mapping tools to analyze project areas.
• Permit Identification & Constraint Mapping: Review mapped project areas to accurately determine required local, state, and federal permits. Identify and document environmental constraints such as wetlands, flood zones, endangered species habitats, and potential hazardous sites or materials.
• Regulatory Communication Support: Assist in the preparation of maintenance notification letters, facilitating clear and timely communication with regulatory agencies regarding project scope and activities.
• Strategy Development & Compliance: Support the development of permitting strategies and regulatory compliance efforts for electric and gas operations, ensuring adherence to environmental regulations.
• Field Work & Site Visits: Conduct necessary field work, including site visits to substations, active construction sites, and company rights-of-way, to gather essential information and conduct observations.
• Environmental Compliance Observations: Assist with site inspections, perform environmental compliance observations, and contribute to the protection of surrounding resource areas during project activities.
• Environmental Sampling: Collect soil or water samples for site pre-characterization when required, supporting comprehensive environmental assessments.
• Construction Compliance Inspections: Support construction compliance inspections to ensure strict adherence to all permits, mitigation requirements, and company-specific Best Management Practices (BMPs).
• Consultant Coordination: Assist in coordinating and overseeing outside environmental consultants as directed, ensuring effective collaboration.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with Sustainability & Environmental Affairs staff, as well as Engineering and Operations teams, consistently maintaining attention to project cost and schedule considerations.

Qualifications

• Interest: Demonstrated interest in environmental permitting, sustainability, environmental compliance, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Data Interpretation Skills: Ability to accurately interpret maps, various environmental data sets, and project-specific information.
• Software Proficiency: Possess functional skills with key computer software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, and ESRI GIS products.
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills are essential.
• Teamwork & Independence: Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Field Work Willingness: Willingness to conduct field work and visit active construction and operational sites in varying conditions.
• Transportation: Valid driver’s license and access to a personally owned vehicle to support site inspections, as required.

Education

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

Additional Information

• Primary Location: Westwood, MA
• Schedule: This is a 6-month, 40 hours a week co-op. The student must be able to support this full-time schedule.
• Travel: Co-op students will travel to various area stations, construction sites, and rights-of-way as part of their responsibilities.
• Exposure: Gain hands-on exposure to environmental permitting within a regulated utility environment.
• Development: Opportunity to develop practical field, GIS, and regulatory experience that is highly valued in the industry.

Compensation & Employment Status

Interns for this position are paid through our Managed Service Provider Program and are not considered direct employees of Eversource. Payrates are hourly and are determined based on the student’s year of graduation and whether the role is categorized as technical or non-technical. Technical rates for this co-op start at $20.60 per hour for a freshman and go up to $27.38 per hour for a senior.

Worker Type: Student / Intern (Fixed Term) (Trainee)

Number of Openings: 1

Emergency Response

Responding to emergency situations to meet customers’ needs is an integral part of every Eversource employee’s role. If employed, you will be given an Emergency Restoration assignment. This means 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