This man is creating hedgehog crossings in London
In an effort to make London more hospitable for hedgehogs, Michel Birkenwald is building passages for them to travel from one green space to the next. Life for an urban hedgehog certainly can’t be easy. Lovers of hedges and gardens and all things green and shrubby, walls and fences create a manmade maze that hampers the hedgehog’s ability to easily navigate about the city. What to do? Give them wee doors and tunnels, of course. Which is exactly what Michel Birkenwald has been doing for the last four years. FROM TREEHUGGER <more>
New Publication : Their Land, Their Legacy
Spectacular Snowy Owl Release
Gas pipeline opponents urge Baker to ‘break up’ with industry
Healthy Stuff Testing Finds Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals in Receipts
I’ve picked up this little habit of folding receipts, printed side in when they are handed to me in the store. I may even gently ask the grocery store cashier to fold the receipt that way, as my teenage daughter turns red and pretends not to know me. No, it’s not a compulsion or obsession. It’s what I know is most likely on the printed side of the receipt: Bisphenol-A (BPA) or Bisphenol-S (BPS). FROM ECOLOGY CENTER <more>
Jobs (click for full job listings)
Paid 3-Month Internship | Berkshire Environmental Action Team | Based in Pittsfield, MA – flexible schedule
Part-time Temporary Position | No Fracked Gas in Mass! & BEAT | Based in Pittsfield, MA – flexible schedule
Seasonal Trail Crew : 2 Positions | Berkshire Natural Resources Council | Pittsfield, MA
Seasonal Stewardship Crew : 2 Positions | Berkshire Natural Resources Council | Pittsfield, MA
Development Manager | Mass Audubon, Pleasant Valley | Lenox, MA
MA Clean Energy Organizer | Clean Water Action | Boston, MA
Donor Development Associate | The Public Interest Network | Amherst, MA
River Steward Internship | Housatonic Valley Association | Stockbridge, MA or Cornwall Bridge, CT
Appalachian Trail Ridge Runner | MA Department of Conservation and Recreation | Cheshire, MA
Stream Crossing Specialist | Department of Fish and Game, Division of Ecological Restoration | Boston, MA
Various Internships | Mass. Assn. of Conservation Commissions | Belmont, MA
Paid Turtle Internship | The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Inst. | Front Royal, VA
Office Manager | Berkshire Agricultural Ventures | Great Barrington, MA
Executive Director | Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition | Sudbury, MA
Western MA Organizer | Massachusetts Jobs With Justice | Springfield, MA
Freshwater Projects Coordinator | The Nature Conservancy | Adirondack Region, NY
Conservation & Projects Manager | Kestrel Land Trust | Amherst, MA
Environmental Education Intern | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Early Childhood Program Leader / Naturalist | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Wildlife & Plant Conservation Intern | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Nature Day Camp Educator – Summer 2018 | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Land Management & Stewardship Intern | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Development Manager | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Interpretive Writer | Hiltown Families | Williamsburg, MA
Development & Sales Officer | Hiltown Families | Williamsburg, MA
Executive Director | Hiltown Families | Williamsburg, MA
This man is creating hedgehog crossings in London
In an effort to make London more hospitable for hedgehogs, Michel Birkenwald is building passages for them to travel from one green space to the next.
Life for an urban hedgehog certainly can’t be easy. Lovers of hedges and gardens and all things green and shrubby, walls and fences create a manmade maze that hampers the hedgehog’s ability to easily navigate about the city.
What to do? Give them wee doors and tunnels, of course. Which is exactly what Michel Birkenwald has been doing for the last four years.
“I am just an average guy who decided to help one of our most adorable mammals,” says Birkenwald, a jeweler who moonlights as a hedgehog hero.
Based in the South West London neighborhood of Barnes, Birkenwald founded Barnes Hedgehogs and now he and his hedgehog co-crusaders drill holes for free around town and provide signage to ensure that nobody tries to inadvertently close the openings.
Over at Atlas Obscura, Jessica Leigh Hester likens the hedgehog passageways to other animal crossing efforts:
“Tunnels add to hedgehog-friendly habitats by reconnecting a network of green spaces—parks, gardens, yards—that had been fractured. The scaled-down crossings provide safe passage past obstacles—similar to how dozens of overpasses and tunnels have been built to give grizzlies, wolves, coyotes, and other large mammals a safe way across the four lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway in Banff National Park. Only smaller, and British.”
And oh so wonderfully British they are. In 2013, the hedgehog took the prize in a BBC poll to name a national species. “It is a quintessentially British creature,” says Ann Widdecombe, a former MP and a patron of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. Those last four words sum things up pretty well. Also named Britain’s favorite mammal by the Royal Society of Biology; if there’s any doubt, it doesn’t get more British than the visual aid below.
But beloved as the quilled cuties are, they have really been having a tough row to hoe. Daniel Allen of Keele University in Staffordshire, UK, points out that in the 1950s, Britain had 30 million hedgehogs shuffling about – now, there are under a million.
“The plight is such that the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and People’s Trust for Endangered Species launched Hedgehog Street in 2011 to encourage people to champion the species and its habitat,” writes Keele. The group now has more than 47,000 people registered as “Hedgehog Champions” and its site is dedicated to hedgehog education, explaining things like the urgency of linking gardens, because “ensuring hedgehogs can pass freely through your garden is the most important thing you can do to help them.”
Hester writes that in addition to the handmade holes and tunnels that Birkenwald is making, Hedgehog Street is encouraging fencing companies and developers to manufacture and install dividers with predrilled holes. Though Emily Wilson of Hedgehog Street says that some people have concerns like dogs slipping through the holes, getting people on board to help hedgehogs isn’t that tough. “Everyone seems to love hedgehogs,” she says. “It’s a really, really easy ask.”
While I can’t see the ask being so easy for, say, New York City’s rat population, it’s wonderful to see people coming together for urban wildlife by way of hedgehogs. Saving Britain’s favorite mammal, one tiny doorway at a time. Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle would be proud.
New Publication : Their Land, Their Legacy
- Download a PDF of ‘Their Land, Their Legacy’
- To request a free hard copy(ies), contact Paul Catanzaro
- To request a presentation for your organization, contact Paul Catanzaro
Spectacular Snowy Owl Release
Once released the owl doesn’t go far. Can you see him? He’s in the center at the edge of the beach just before the water.
You don’t have to brave the wind and cold to see a snowy owl up close. At Blue Hills Trailside Museum in Milton, there are 2 snowy owls in the wildlife exhibit—they have been injured and wouldn’t survive in the wild.
Gas pipeline opponents urge Baker to ‘break up’ with industry
FROM STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE | BY KATIE LANNAN
Healthy Stuff Testing Finds Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals in Receipts
FROM ECOLOGY CENTER | BY MELISSA SARGENT
I’ve picked up this little habit of folding receipts, printed side in when they are handed to me in the store. I may even gently ask the grocery store cashier to fold the receipt that way, as my teenage daughter turns red and pretends not to know me. No, it’s not a compulsion or obsession. It’s what I know is most likely on the printed side of the receipt: Bisphenol-A (BPA) or Bisphenol-S (BPS).
The Ecology Center recently examined 207 receipts from 148 businesses to see if the receipt manufacturers have moved away from BPA. Indeed they have, but it’s not all good news. The report, More Than You Bargained For: BPS and BPA in Receipts, found only 18% of the analyzed receipts contain BPA. But, unfortunately, 75% contained BPS (Bisphenol-S).
Why is this of concern? Shoppers may breathe a small sigh of relief when they see a “BPA-free” label on a plastic item on the store shelf. It’s been banned in baby bottles and sippy cups because it’s a known hormone disruptor. It is linked to female and male infertility, early puberty, breast and prostate cancers, as well as metabolic disorders. It’s been voluntarily removed from some food can linings as well. But, as manufacturers move away from BPA, some have jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire. The easiest chemical with which to replace BPA is its chemical cousin, BPS. BPA and BPS are phenols. Both BPA and BPS are known endocrine disruptors. BPS may be just as bad as BPA.
Laura Vandenberg, Ph.D., studies endocrine disruptors at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, School of Public Health & Health Sciences. “Work in my lab has shown that BPS alters exposed mice. Low doses disrupt maternal behaviors, the brain, and the mammary gland in nursing females. Data and emerging work from other groups raise concern that the replacement of BPA with BPS is regrettable. Even though the number of studies on BPS remains limited, I feel there is sufficient evidence to raise concern about its safety.”
When these chemicals are used as developers on thermal receipt paper, they rub off very easily. And they get absorbed right into the bloodstream. In fact, research shows that even though the food and beverage can industry uses the highest amount of BPA and BPS, people are more commonly exposed through the thermal paper. We handle thermal paper every day. Think about every bank and ATM receipt, gas station receipt, receipts from restaurants and retail stores. And if you work as a cashier you will handle an average of 30 thermal receipts an hour.
What should you do? You can fold your receipts glossy side in like I do because the back side is typically not coated with a developer. Some people choose to carry an envelope just for receipts to make sure the BPA or BPS doesn’t rub onto cash or other items. You can decline receipts where possible or ask for an electronic receipt. And make sure to wash hands after handling receipts. This may sound surprising, but don’t recycle them. Recycling BPS- and BPA-based paper can contaminate future products made from the recycled paper.
One of the most important things you should do is send a message to TJX Companies (TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra Trading Post) and Meijer, a Midwest superstore chain to stop using phenol developers. We need your help calling on these companies to switch to non-toxic receipts.
Healthy Stuff’s receipt report has already had an impact. Trader Joe’s was among the companies whose receipts were tested and were found to contain BPS. After the Ecology Center informed Trader Joe’s about the study, the discount natural grocery chain decided to make a change. Trader Joe’s announced, “We are now pursuing receipt paper that is free of phenol chemicals (including BPA and BPS), which we will be rolling out to all stores as soon as possible.”
Hopefully, Meijer, TJX-Companies, and other retailers will follow the lead of Best Buy, which has already switched to phenol-free receipt paper. Healthy Stuff testing also found some receipts without any developer coating. I look forward to no longer having to fold my receipts in half. And then, I can move on to finding new ways to embarrass my teenager in public. Should be easy enough.
[BEAT Note : locally, the Berkshire Co-op Market has used BPA and BPS free receipt paper for years. Let’s urge our other retailers to do the same!]Jobs
Paid 3-Month Internship with BEAT (March – June)
BEAT is seeking a responsible individual with a flexible schedule to assist the Stewardship Manager on a stormwater outfall surveying project. The position runs from March through June and pays $15.00/hour. The intern will be expected to walk or paddle along waterways in Adams, Cheshire, Dalton, Lanesborough, and Pittsfield and collect attribute data of stormwater outfalls. The intern must possess a smartphone and a car. Mileage will be reimbursed. The schedule is variable as it depends on “dry weather conditions” or less than a tenth of an inch of water over a 72 hour period, but should average 15 to 20 hours a week.
Please send resume, cover letter, and writing sample of why you care about moving beyond fossil fuels to: Jane Winn, Executive Director, at jane@thebeatnews.org.
Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) is an equal opportunity organization and will not allow discrimination based upon age, ethnicity, gender, national origin, disability, race, color, veteran status, marital status, size, religion, sexual orientation, LGBTQ+ status, socioeconomic background, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to the people we serve, our volunteers, our staff, our interns, and our Board of Directors.
Visit www.thebeatnews.org to learn more about BEAT!
Part-time Temporary Position
with No Fracked Gas in Mass BEAT! (that’s us)
Moving Beyond Fossil Fuels Campaign Associate
The Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) is seeking someone to be a part of our No Fracked Gas in Mass program to assist the Program Director on our Moving Beyond Fossil Fuels Campaign for 20 hrs/week. The job pays $15/hour. Pay is monthly. (Hours and hourly rate may be slightly negotiable, but funding is limited for this year. This offer is for 2018, with the possibility of extending employment through 2019 and beyond, contingent upon funding.)
BEAT has a strong anti-discrimination policy and you must be able to work well with ALL types of people, and ALL types of people are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities include:
- Website updates, including events listings from multiple organizations.
- Media updates: Being able to scrub through news releases for pertinent information on energy issues including proposed fracked “natural” gas pipelines, energy storage, and renewable energy projects of national, regional, state, and local significance. Must be able to post these stories to appropriate sections of the website.
Ideal candidate will be able to conduct research on multiple subjects (including solar, wind and other clean energy sources, fossil fuel industry impacts and energy laws and regulations), and be able to work with many partner organizations to keep abreast of and publicize events pertinent to these issues.
Must be extremely detail oriented and able to work without supervision. Some knowledge of WordPress and HTML a definite plus – will be required to learn some HTML programming. Must be an articulate writer.
Hours are extremely flexible and working from home is possible, although regular meetings with other staff will be required. In other words, you may work all your hours at the BEAT office, or you may work at home and visit the office weekly to review upcoming work once you are comfortable with the process.
Please send resume, cover letter, and writing sample of why you care about moving beyond fossil fuels to: Jane Winn, Executive Director, at jane@thebeatnews.org.
Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) is an equal opportunity organization and will not allow discrimination based upon age, ethnicity, gender, national origin, disability, race, color, veteran status, marital status, size, religion, sexual orientation, LGBTQ+ status, socioeconomic background, or any other characteristic protected by law. This appl
ies to the people we serve, our volunteers, our staff, our interns, and our Board of Directors.
Visit www.thebeatnews.org to learn more about BEAT!
Seasonal Trail Crew : 2 Positions Available
Berkshire Natural Resources Council
Berkshire Natural Resources Council, a private, non-profit land trust based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is hiring 2 Trail Crew positions for the 2017 season. The Trail Crew will collaborate frequently with the Stewardship Crew.
BNRC has over 50 miles of trail, with more to be built in 2018. Trail Crew members will work with the Land and Trails Coordinator to construct and maintain new and existing trails. The Crew will work alongside contracted youth and professional trail crews; some backcountry camping may be required. The Trail Crew will also assist with a variety of other stewardship tasks as needed. Members must have a high level of self-motivation, as the crew will often be unsupervised. The 40-hour/week position provides a $13 hourly wage and free housing in a rustic cabin on Onota Lake in Pittsfield. The season runs from May 28th to September 7th with flexibility on both ends.
Responsibilities:
- Trail maintenance and construction
- Tool/equipment maintenance
- Work/communication with youth and professional trail crews
- Public outreach (e.g., leading hikes, communicating with hikers, etc.)
Requirements:
- Experience with hand tools required
- Trail crew experience preferred (tread work, rock/timber structure, etc.)
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Comfort with being alone in the woods
- Ability to carry a 50-pound pack for 10 miles over rough terrain
- Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
- Experience working with youth preferred
- Personal transportation required
Opportunities and Experience:
- Free housing on Lake Onota in Pittsfield (org/contact-us-2/employment/ for photos of housing)
- Trail work experience and training
- Opportunity to work alongside professional trail crews
- Learn about land conservation restrictions and other environmental issues in the Berkshires.
Interviews will be set up on a rolling basis starting Monday, February 26th until the positions are filled. Please submit a cover letter, resume and three references to Mike Leavitt, mleavitt@bnrc.org. Additional information can be found at www.bnrc.org.
The seasonal positions and housing are made possible by Jim Rice and family.
Visit bnrc.org/seasonal-stewardship-crew/ to view the Seasonal Stewardship Crew position description. If interested, you can apply for both the Stewardship Crew and Trail Crew positions with one application, just make a note when sending it in.
Seasonal Stewardship Crew : 2 Positions Available
Berkshire Natural Resources Council
Berkshire Natural Resources Council, a private, non-profit land trust based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is offering 2 Stewardship Seasonal Crew positions to individuals exploring a career in the environmental field. The Stewardship Crew will collaborate frequently with the Trail Crew.
The Stewardship Crew will assist BNRC’s Stewardship Coordinator. With over 22,500 acres under BNRC supervision, the crew will have the opportunity to work on a variety of stewardship tasks. This includes monitoring Conservation Restrictions and maintenance of reserve boundaries. The crew will also assist with outreach events including guiding public hikes and leading volunteer workdays. The 40-hour/week position provides a $13 hourly waged free lodging in a rustic cabin on Onota Lake in Pittsfield. Stewardship Crew will enjoy an unusual level of independence and a large amount of self-motivation is required. There is a mix of approximately 70% field work to 30% office work. The seasonal position dates are May 28th to September 7th, with flexibility on both ends.
Responsibilities:
- Conservation Restriction monitoring
- Reserve boundary marking and maintenance
- Public Outreach (e.g., leading hikes, tabling, public events, etc.)
- Invasive plant species control
- Trail construction and maintenance
- Other stewardship related tasks as required
Requirements:
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Comfort with being alone in the woods
- Ability to carry a 35 pound pack and tools for 10 miles over rough terrain
- Willingness to work long days outside in all weather conditions
- Solid communication skills
- Personal transportation required
Opportunities and Experience:
- Experience with Conservation Restrictions
- Orienteering and boundary maintenance skills
- Basic understanding of land management techniques and challenges
- Basic understanding of trail maintenance and construction
- Free housing on Lake Onota in Pittsfield (bnrc.org/contact-us-2/employment/ for photos of housing)
Interviews will be set up on a rolling basis starting Monday, February 26th until the positions are filled. Please submit a cover letter, resume and three references to Mike Leavitt, mleavitt@bnrc.org. Additional information can be found at www.bnrc.org.
The seasonal positions and housing are made possible by Jim Rice and family.
Visit www.bnrc.org/seasonal-trail-crew/ to view the Seasonal Trail Crew position description. If interested, you can apply for both the Stewardship Crew and Trail Crew positions with one application, just make a note when sending it in.
Development Manager
Mass Audubon, Pleasant Valley Sanctuary, Lenox, MA
The Development Manager is a part time (20 hours per week) position responsible for supporting the Sanctuary Director in key fundraising activities for Mass Audubon’s Berkshires Wildlife Sanctuaries. The focus of this position is on growing a renewable base of operating fund support by helping develop the culture of giving in support of the Berkshires Wildlife Sanctuaries, by stewarding and expanding a loyal corps of high-end individual Leadership Friends, and by overseeing fundraising and stewardship events and activities. The Development Manager will understand the overall fundraising plan for the sanctuary and work with the Director, Berkshires Wildlife Sanctuaries and the Director of Philanthropy for Sanctuaries to define and support efforts to achieve annual fundraising goals.
The Development Manager is part of a team of Mass Audubon philanthropy professionals across the state, and co-reports to the Director of Philanthropy for Sanctuaries and the Director, Berkshires Wildlife Sanctuaries, with whom he/she works closely with the on a daily basis. This position is based in Lenox, MA with occasional weekend work and occasional travel to Lincoln, MA as required.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a key member of the team developing a fundraising strategy for the Berkshires Wildlife Sanctuaries. Leverage the passion of existing supporters, visitors, and families attending camp and programs to develop a culture of giving.
- Help to develop and then implement solid marketing and fundraising outreach strategies to increase individual and corporate giving
- Implement individualized cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans for all existing Leadership Friends to ensure retention and promote increased giving.
- Write personal correspondence to donors and funders and prepare fundraising collateral materials for donor and prospect print, email, and online communications.
- Work to identify and cultivate new donors for solicitation by the Sanctuary Director.
- Coordinate and oversee 2-3 prospect cultivation and donor stewardship events per year.
- Coordinate donor recognition and gift acknowledgement process for gifts, in concert with overall Mass Audubon gift acknowledgment processes.
- Help support and develop the capacity of leadership volunteers to assist in fundraising efforts.
- Participate in monthly Development Department staff meetings.
- Performs other related duties as requested
Qualifications
- B.A./B.S. degree or higher. Two to five years of non-profit development experience, or equivalent transferrable skills preferred.
- Must have ability to relate well to staff, visitors, donors, and volunteers and to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Experience in a mission-based non-profit and knowledge of the Berkshire geographic region preferred
- Strong planning and organizational abilities.
- Strong verbal communication skills; proven ability to write clearly and persuasively.
- Ability to work in a small shop and as part of a large, complex organization emphasizing teamwork, collegiality, respect, and excellence.
- Ability to think strategically, work independently, and lead by example.
- Experience in successfully managing multiple projects and competing priorities.
- Ability to communicate Mass Audubon’s mission and work with passion and conviction.
- Ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office products required. Familiarity with or ability to learn use of fundraising database.
- Willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings
- Must pass drivers and background records checks (CORI/SORI)
Compensation and Benefits
To be determined based on experience.
How to Apply
Please send cover letter and resume to:
MA Clean Energy Organizer
Clean Water Action, Boston, MA
Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund will be hiring a full-time advocate/organizer in our Boston office to support the organizations’ Massachusetts campaigns to combat climate change, promote environmental justice and ensure all communities have access to affordable clean energy.
Clean Water Action is a national, grassroots environmental organization that works to protect the environment and safeguard public health, promote passage of strong environmental laws, and help communities address local environmental problems affecting them. Clean Water Fund is a national research and education organization which promotes justice and the public interest on issues related to water, waste, clean energy and toxics. Top issue priorities include: preventing harm to our health from toxic chemicals, promoting energy efficiency and clean energy, advocating for Zero Waste policies, and holding our policymakers accountable. Ensuring that those most affected by environmental degradation have a voice at the table, and that solutions to environmental problems contribute to broader goals of justice for all, are central goals in all campaigns.
Energy is essential to our daily lives and has a dramatic impact on our swiftly changing climate, but most people don’t know where their energy comes from or that energy policy is largely determined at a state level. Educating members of the public on our outdated, centralized, polluting energy system and engaging residents in transforming the grid into a more green, distributed, and equitable network of power is vital to our future. The Clean Energy Advocate will press for statewide reforms by working in broad coalition and organizing Clean Water members to fight for clean energy and climate justice in Massachusetts.
Responsibilities include:
- Co-coordination of the statewide Mass Power Forward coalition;
- Growing Clean Water’s campaigns by enlisting members and partners to engage;
- Work with community leaders to develop grassroots power in support of clean energy;
- Help to design and execute campaign plans to promote access to clean energy, environmental justice and the growing opposition to fossil fuel expansion;
- Build and maintain meaningful ties with environmental justice organizations such as members of the Green Justice Coalition, and deliver policy victories that benefit low-income communities and communities of color;
- Assist in fundraising through grant writing for clean energy campaign and for biannual events and end of year donor drive
Skills required for this position include:
- Demonstrated commitment to Clean Water’s mission and values;
- Strong interpersonal skills;
- Adaptability and ability to learn on the job
- Training and/or demonstrated experience in facilitation of discussions
- Ability to work with the media and tell the campaign “story”
- Cultural competency in interacting with people from a variety of economic, racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds;
- Well organized and able to manage multiple projects at one time;
- Strong oral and written communication skills;
- Solid computer skills (familiar with Word, Excel, social media, etc.);
- Ability to work both independently and in a team.
A minimum of two years experience with issue campaigns is a must. Background in energy and climate issues is helpful. Familiarity with campaign organizing in Massachusetts, organizing in a variety of racial and socio-economic communities, and/or communications is highly desired.
Send resume and cover letter to Elizabeth Saunders, esaunders@cleanwater.org. Internal candidates should first contact their supervisor.
Donor Development Associate
The Public Interest Network
We’re expanding our development team and aim to hire four regional development associates. We’re looking for highly qualified, driven and passionate candidates to spearhead fundraising efforts for our environmental and public interest programs.
Mission and Background
The Public Interest Network is home to more than 16 organizations, including PIRG, Environment America and the National Environmental Law Center. Each of our groups has its own mission, whether it’s environmental litigation, consumer advocacy, research or training new organizers. The 500-plus staff in our network share a vision of a better country, a set of core values about our work, and a coordinated strategic approach to getting things done.
We also share a great track record. Over the past 45 years, our staff have worked on hundreds of projects and campaigns at the local, state, national and corporate levels. Because of the laws and other policies we’ve won, people are buying healthier and safer products, getting more of our energy from the sun and the wind, drinking cleaner water and breathing cleaner air … the list just goes on. But every day brings a new challenge or new opportunity. That’s why right now we’re hiring.
Summary
As a Donor Development Associate you’ll be part of a team that is building people power by deepening the financial and political support of our members. Our Donor Associates are responsible for developing a plan and outreach strategy to broaden the base of support for many groups within the Public Interest Network including Environment America and U.S. PIRG.
Responsibilities
Fundraising
- Implement a monthly strategy of writing, calling and holding one-on- one meetings with current members and prospective donors to ask them to deepen their financial support.
- Identify house party hosts, and in some cases, plan and implement events.
- Meet specific weekly and monthly fundraising performance benchmarks related to annual organizational fundraising goals, typically visiting with about 40 members per month.
- Follow up on outstanding pledges.
Cultivation
- Keep in touch with donors throughout the year, creating and sending at least six personalized updates.
- Engage donors in program and organizational work, such as events or campaign actions.
- Develop and implement customized cultivation strategies for top donors.
Membership Development
- Work with program staff to craft compelling campaign stories.
- Relay the feedback of members you meet with back to program staff.
Administration
- Implement daily, weekly and monthly systems for tracking income and expenses.
- Implement required legal disclosures.
- Maintain excellent notes on all contacts with and information about members and donors.
Training
Donor Development Associates participate in an intensive, paid training program for the first week of the job, which is immediately followed by the first 1-month fundraising cycle. All associates take part in additional state, regional and national trainings and meetings throughout the year. There are opportunities for travel and advancement.
Qualifications
We are looking for smart and motivated college graduates who believe in and love fundraising and have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Candidates must demonstrate a track record of being able to effectively work independently. Previous fundraising experience required.
Compensation & Benefits
Target annual compensation for this position is commensurate with the relevant professional experience and/or advanced degrees that a candidate has. Compensation package will include opportunity to earn fundraising bonuses. The Public Interest Network offers a competitive benefits package.
Location
Amherst, Mass.; New Brunswick, N.J.; Chicago; or Seattle
To Apply
Fill out our online application. Attach your resume and cover letter in .pdf form, and address your cover letters to Faye Park, TPIN Chief of Staff.
Things To Know When You Apply
The Public Interest Network is home to 16-plus organizations that share a vision of a better country, a set of core values about our work and a coordinated strategic approach to getting things done. Click here for things you should know about our network when you apply.
The Public Interest Network is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status.
River Stewards of Tomorrow 2018 Internship Positions Available
Housatonic Valley Association
The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) is seeking applications for our River Stewards of Tomorrow Environmental Internship positions, available for summer 2018. The River Stewards will work on a variety of projects related to water quality and habitat conservation. River Stewards will either be assigned to our Berkshire field office in Stockbridge, MA and work primarily in the Massachusetts portion of the watershed; or in our office in Cornwall Bridge, CT and work primarily in the Connecticut and New York. Each River Steward will be expected to complete at least 280 hours of work from June – August (at least 35 hours/week over 8 weeks).
Internship Overview: While working out of the Berkshire Office, River Stewards will be supervised by HVA’s Berkshire Director, and in the Cornwall Bridge office, by HVA Watershed Conservation Director. They will also be asked to work with other HVA staff as needed. Work will include a mix of office and field-based activities. Projects that the intern may be involved with include:
- Environmental Monitoring: The River Stewards will assist HVA staff in the field with water quality monitoring and habitat assessment activities including collecting water samples for chemical analysis, macroinvertebrate sampling and conducting visual surveys along riverways to document river conditions, threats and identify restoration opportunities.
- Restoration project monitoring and maintenance: River Stewards will monitor the success of past restoration plantings and conduct maintenance activities as needed.
- Data Compilation, Document Analysis and Mapping: River Stewards will assist with gathering and summarizing environmental data and planning documents from a variety of local, state and federal sources. This work will support a number of ongoing HVA efforts, including watershed-based planning.
- Road/Stream Crossing Assessment: River Stewards will visit and assess bridges and culverts throughout the Housatonic watershed to identify barriers to fish and wildlife passage, and assist with post-assessment data processing and report writing.
- Websites and Social Media: The intern will be involved in producing materials for the HVA website and Facebook pages when appropriate. Related tasks might include identifying and summarizing relevant news items, sharing photos of HVA events and field work, and writing project updates.
- Opportunities may be available for the intern to assist with other organization work including GIS analysis of land and water resources, and outreach activities such as guided paddle trips, community events, and school field trips.
Qualifications: Candidates must be highly-motivated, passionate about watershed conservation, and work both independently and as part of a team. In addition, the candidate must possess:
- Enthusiasm for outdoor field work, including working in remote areas under potentially inclement environmental conditions;
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to represent HVA in a professional manner;
- Excellent writing skills;
- Familiarity with basic website administration and social media;
- Experience using GPS and GIS;
- Willingness to work the occasional evening or weekend.
Requirements: Daily access to a personal vehicle is a requirement of the position. The intern must also be physically able to participate in potentially strenuous field work (i.e. physically active work outside for several hours at a time during the summer).
Compensation: The intern will be provided with a $2,400 stipend for the course of the internship. Work related travel will be compensated at a rate of $0.48/mile.
Application Procedure: Interested candidates should submit the following materials via email:
- COVER LETTER explaining your interest and qualifications
- RESUME
- TWO (2) PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
- (Optional but encouraged) Examples of past projects relevant to HVA’s mission (please limit to 1-2 pages/project, max of three projects) Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Deadline: April 20th. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Questions and applications should be directed to:
For Massachusetts: Dennis Regan, Berkshire Director Housatonic Valley Association Mail: PO Box 496, Stockbridge, MA 01262 E-mail: dregan@hvatoday.org Phone: 413/ 298-7024
For Connecticut: Michael S. Jastremski, Watershed Conservation Director Housatonic Valley Association Mail: PO Box 28, Cornwall Bridge, CT 06754 E-mail: MJ.HVA@outlook.com Phone: (860) 672-6678
If a candidate would work in either Massachusetts or Connecticut, just send in one application to either site and note your interest of internship location.
Appalachian Trail Ridge Runner – seasonal
WHERE: Department of Conservation and Recreation – Cheshire office
WHEN: 1 Position available from 5/26/18 – 9/3/18
SALARY: $530.40 / 40 hours / weekends required
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: Minimum age 18 years old with a valid driver’s license and dependable transportation. Heavy lifting and good physical stamina required. Housing not available.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Provide information to trail users, and educate hikers in low impact camping techniques
Provide hiker security by camping overnight on weekends along the Appalachian Trail
Maintain the Appalachian Trail and overnight camping sites
Work alongside trail volunteers to complete trail construction projects
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience in trail maintenance and use of various hand and power tools, including a chainsaw
Excellent communication skills, friendly and outgoing
Experience in long distance hiking and low impact camping
Comfortable camping overnight alone or with others
Knowledge of the Appalachian Trail within Massachusetts
Environmental / Natural Resource background and keen interest in outdoor recreation
Physically fit and able to hike long distances carrying a backpack and tools
For more information contact Becky Barnes at (413) 499-7003
Deadline for applying – March 23, 2018 send resume and cover letter to:
Department of Conservation and Recreation / Attn: Becky Barnes
P.O. Box 1433
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Stream Crossing Specialist
The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Ecological Restoration, seeks qualified applicants for the position of Stream Crossing Specialist (Environmental Analyst III).
Position: Stream Crossing Specialist (18000019)
Posting Date: 2/2/18
Closing Date: First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
The Stream Crossing Specialist will promote river health and restoration by leading a state-wide effort to improve habitat continuity, climate resiliency, and public safety at road-stream crossings. Major responsibilities of the position include training and assisting municipal infrastructure managers and other stakeholders with planning, design, permitting, funding, and construction of stream crossings that meet improved design criteria for aquatic/terrestrial organism passage and storm hazard reduction. The position will also serve as DER’s technical expert on the design and construction of road-stream crossings.
To view the job announcement and apply online, please visit the MassCareers website at:
https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=18000019&tz=GMT-05%3A00
Interested applicants can learn more about the MA Division of Ecological Restoration and our work here: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-ecological-restoration
For more information about the position, please contact Kristen Ferry at Kristen.Ferry@state.ma.us or 617-626-1264. For questions specific to the application process, please refer to the MassCareers website (https://www.mass.gov/find-your-future-commonwealth-job) and information contained within the job announcement.
Various Internships
Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) is a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to protect Massachusetts’ natural resources by supporting conservation commissions through education and advocacy. MACC provides legal, scientific, policy, and technical training to Massachusetts Conservation Commissions. MACC works collaboratively with government agencies, nonprofits, and volunteers to achieve its environmental protection mission.
MACC is seeking environmental students to assist our association with educational events, conferences, database evaluations, fundraising projects, and/or environmental policy research. Internship applications will be accepted on a rolling basis at MACC. Our preference is to have interns work with us for a minimum of 8 to 16 hours per week, for a three to four-month period.
Internships are unpaid, but the experience will provide an excellent opportunity to learn first-hand about how small, statewide environmental non-profit organizations perform important educational and advocacy roles. It is possible that one intern could implement some, or many of the tasks listed below, depending upon candidate backgrounds and MACC priorities at that time.
INTERN POSITIONS
Communications, Finance, and Development Intern: This intern position will provide a key role assisting MACC with grant applications, fundraising campaigns, website updates, database management, and social media outreach. Candidates should have strong organizational and communication skills.
Educational and Event Management Intern. The Educational and Event Management Intern will assist the Associate Director in preparing educational courses, coordinating workshop events, and assist with workshop planning, conference coordination, and webinar implementation. Candidates should have strong communication skills and interest in independent project work.
Legislative and Policy Research: The Legislative and Policy Research Intern will assist the Executive Director with providing research support on wetlands, open space, and climate change policy topics. An ideal applicant will have an interest and enthusiasm for a wide variety of environmental issues, have experience with fast-paced research projects, and strong communication skills.
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to: staff@maccweb.org
Paid Turtle Internship
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute provides the opportunity for an intern to gain experience with the study of the ecology and conservation of threatened Virginia turtle species. The intern will assist with three projects. The first is an ongoing population monitoring project examining the distribution and status of wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) populations across northern Virginia. The second is a master’s research project examining wood turtle movement at the landscape level. The third project is a new study that is part of a multi-state grant to determine the status and distribution of spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata) across their range. The intern will assist with aquatic visual encounter surveys and trapping for both turtles. They will also assist with radio telemetry for one or both species and outreach activities to promote conservation in the Commonwealth.
This is a paid internship opportunity wherein the intern will support the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Through this internship, interns will: Radio-locate turtles and manage GPS data Provide technical assistance to stakeholders and help manage a collaborative wood turtle database Complete a required brief report at the conclusion of their tenure
Qualifications: Candidates should have graduated from a college or university within the last 12 months and have undergraduate coursework in ecology, conservation biology or a closely related field. Knowledge and field experience with ecology and conservation issues is required, as well as the ability to devote long hours in cold and wet conditions in remote field settings. Candidates should take directions easily and work well with others, yet have the ability to work independently. Individuals with previous mark-recapture and aquatic survey experience, and spatial data management and analysis skills (e.g. GIS) are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants should have plans for continued education or a career in ecology or conservation.
Stipend: The stipend is $700-900 per month (dependent on education level, coursework and skills).
Housing: Housing is provided at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia.Parking is available at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia.
Term of appointment: This is a six-month internship, starting March 5, and is a full-time appointment (40 hours per week). There is an opportunity for extension up to one year.
Application deadline(s): Monday, January 22, 2018
How to Apply: To apply, go to: https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html. Select “New to SOLAA? Create Account Here” and complete the information to create an account.
Information that will be requested (in SOLAA) includes:
- Basic personal information
- Professional resume or CV
- A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The statement should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for wanting this internship and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your statement is very important during application evaluations.
- Transcripts from your current and/or previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Two letters of reference (One must be from a current or former supervisor)
- Schedule of availability
Once you create your account and provide the information above, you will see a screen where you select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select: Type of appointment: “Internship” Unit of interest: “National Zoological Park” Program: “National Zoological Park Internship Program” Project: “SCBI – Wood Turtle Ecology” IMPORTANT: Your application is considered complete when you hit “Submit.” Your SOLAA submitted application with references must be received by the deadlines as noted above. For Additional Information Questions about this internship should be sent to Alison Ochs at ochsa@si.edu.
Office Manager
Berkshire Agricultural Ventures
This is a full-time position and it will evolve in responsibilities as the organization itself evolves. The successful candidate will be a creative generalist with superb interpersonal skills who is highly organized, adaptable, strategic and detail oriented. This position is a good fit for an energetic self-starter who is interested in helping a start-up organization to grow. The work will focus on three essential areas: general office support; communications management and fundraising support.
Anyone who is interested in this position should contact me at cynthia@berkshireagventures.org. This position is open until filled.
VIEW FULL JOB DESCRIPTION HERE
Executive Director
Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition
The Board of Trustees of the Mass Land Trust Coalition is seeking a full-time Executive Director with strong non-profit management experience and a highly diverse skill set.
The ideal candidate will have 5 years financial management, fundraising, grant writing, communications, governance, and administrative experience. Candidates with a working knowledge of land conservation and/or natural resource management may be given preference.
Send resume and cover letter by January 5, 2018 to Executive Director, Marylynn Gentry at mgentry@massland.org
Western MA Organizer
Massachusetts Jobs With Justice
Massachusetts Jobs with Justice (www.massjwj.net) is seeking a dedicated, hardworking individual to coordinate and carry out the overall work of the organization as well as helping with campaigns, communications and administration of our growing community labor coalition in Western Massachusetts.
The Senior Organizer/Coordinator will work with other Jobs with Justice staff, partners, and activists to carry out the work of the organization and participate fully in the planning and implementation of our workplan as outlined by our Steering and Executive Committees. The Organizer will work under the supervision of the Executive Director based in our headquarters in Boston. LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE.
Freshwater Project Coordinator
Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy
The Freshwater Project Coordinator develops, coordinates, and advances aquatic connectivity projects, including but not limited to helping municipalities install climate-resilient and fish-friendly road-stream crossing replacements. This position will contribute to building a model aquatic regional partnership in the Adirondack region of New York State that might be replicated in other geographies. The Freshwater Project Coordinator is a three-year full-time position with the possibility of extension. LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE.
Conservation & Stewardship Manager
Kestrel Land Trust
Mass Audubon – Berkshire Sanctuaries Jobs – Lenox
Environmental Education Intern
Early Childhood Program Leader / Naturalist – Part-Time, Seasonal
Wildlife & Plant Conservation Intern
Nature Day Camp Educator – Summer 2018
Land Management & Stewardship Intern
Development Manager
Hilltown Families Is Hiring
Hilltown Families is hiring an Interpretive Writer and Development & Sales Officer, as well as an Executive Director.
They also have openings for volunteers and interns. Take a look at their website here for all of the details.
Conservation Projects Manager
Housatonic Valley Association | Cornwall Bridge, CT
The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented environmental professional to join our Watershed Conservation Team. The successful candidate will support all aspects of HVA’s conservation projects, which include (but aren’t limited to) environmental monitoring, regional road-stream crossing assessment and replacement planning, watershed management planning, stream corridor restoration, stormwater management through Green Infrastructure development, and environmental education. This position is based out of HVA’s Connecticut office.
This is only a part of the job description. To view the full descriptions and to apply, click here.