AG Healey Sues EPA For Failing to Meet Required Deadline to Address Harmful Ozone Pollution
BOSTON, DECEMBER 6TH — Attorney General Maura Healey today joined a coalition of 15 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit in the Northern District of California against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for illegally failing to address harmful ground-level ozone, commonly known as smog, as required under the Clean Air Act. The attorneys general are challenging EPA’s failure to comply with the Clean Air Act’s mandate that EPA promulgate area designations for the entire country for 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards, or NAAQS, by Oct. 1, 2017. FROM THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL <more>
Learn about geothermal with Dandelion Energy at Bob Connors and Becky Meier’s home
Becky Meier and Bob Connors of Stop NY Fracked Gas Pipeline welcome digital visitors to their home in Canaan, NY for a talk with Luke Stangel of Dandelion Energy. Becky and Bob are Dandelion’s first residential customers for their geothermal energy system. Working with existing hot air duct work within their home, Dandelion helped them take the step away from heating with fossil fuels and gave them eco-friendly air conditioning for the first time! Thank you to Dandelion Energy for doing this Live on Facebook event and for letting No Fracked Gas in Mass upload to YouTube. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE. FROM NO FRACKED GAS IN MASS & DANDELION ENERGY <more>
Two Challenges Filed Against Millennium ESU
An Introduction to Beneficial Organisms and Habitat
Scientists are spreading the word about how farmers, gardeners, homeowners, and land managers can cultivate rich habitats for beneficial organisms and suppress pests. This issue of IPM Insights is dedicated to the ways people from all walks of life can promote beneficial organisms and habitat. Margaret Skinner of the University of Vermont has been working for many years in this area, and in particular has done recent work on banker plants in hoop houses—in other words, cultivating the types of plants on which natural enemies of pests will gather and reproduce in the outdoor structures used for growing crops. Likewise, Paula Shrewsbury of the University of Maryland has been working on habitat to increase beneficial organisms. We devote some time to each of these scientists. FROM NORTHEAST INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT CENTER <more>
Audio: Margaret Atwood on her conservation-themed graphic novel, dystopian futures, and how not to despair
Like our guest on the last episode of the Mongabay Newscast, Jane Goodall, our first guest on today’s episode probably needs no introduction. But here goes anyway: Margaret Atwood, whose novels and poetry have won everything from an Arthur C. Clarke Award for best Science Fiction to the prestigious Man Booker Prize for Fiction, recently tackled a medium she is not as well-known for: comic books. Not only that, but she has written a comic book series, called Angel Catbird, that “was a conservation project from the get-go,” she told Mongabay. FROM MONGABAY <more>
Jobs (click for full job listings)
Environmental Justice Community Organizer | Arise for Social Justice | Springfield, MA
Conservation Agent | Town of Becket | Becket, MA
Executive Coordinator & Trustee Liaison | The Nature Conservancy | Boston, MA
Fee Stewardship Coordinator | MA Dept. of Fish & Game | Westborough, MA
Interpretive Writer | Hiltown Families | Williamsburg, MA
Development & Sales Officer | Hiltown Families | Williamsburg, MA
Executive Director | Hiltown Families | Williamsburg, MA
MA Community Organizer | Mothers Out Front | Worcester, MA
Government Relations Specialist | The Nature Conservancy | Boston, MA
Event Planner | Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee | Westfield, MA
Campus Organizer | PIRG Campus Action | Western MA
Environmental Health Manager | Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition | Springfield, MA
Regional Recycling Coordinator | City of Pittsfield | Pittsfield, MA
Director of Ecological Restoration | MA Dept. of Fish & Game | Boston, MA
Community Solar Interns | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Energy Efficiency Intern | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Community Solar Program Director | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Energy Efficiency Program Manager | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Chief Executive Officer | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
2017-18 Position Openings | TerraCorps – Various locations
AG Healey Sues EPA For Failing to Meet Required Deadline to Address Harmful Ozone Pollution
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAURA HEALEY
BOSTON, DECEMBER 6TH— Attorney General Maura Healey today joined a coalition of 15 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit in the Northern District of California against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for illegally failing to address harmful ground-level ozone, commonly known as smog, as required under the Clean Air Act.
The attorneys general are challenging EPA’s failure to comply with the Clean Air Act’s mandate that EPA promulgate area designations for the entire country for 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards, or NAAQS, by Oct. 1, 2017. Under the Clean Air Act, these designations trigger obligations and timetables for states to implement measures to reduce ozone pollution. EPA’s failure to make all designations will therefore delay measures to reduce smog that endangers public health and welfare.
“Scott Pruitt’s continued failure to protect the public from dangerous ozone pollution is illegal, ignores the scientific consensus, and disregards public health,” AG Healey said. “We will fight this and other delays of needed clean air safeguards.”
AG Healey and 15 other attorneys general sued EPA and its Administrator Scott Pruitt in August 2017, in the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, for trying to illegally delay the October 1, deadline by one-year, and the next day Pruitt reversed course and withdrew the agency’s illegal delay. However, the EPA then ignored the deadline and failed to issue designations by October 1.
On November 6, EPA issued some required designations but left much of the country, including many densely populated urban areas that suffer from the highest levels of ozone, without designations.
Ozone is one of six common pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act by national ambient air quality standards. Exposure to elevated levels of ozone can pose serious health risks including chest tightness, lung tissue damage, and aggravation of emphysema, heart disease, and bronchitis. Ozone pollution is also harmful to vegetation and crops by making plants more susceptible to disease and insects.
Smog forms when nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide emitted from power plants, motor vehicles, factories, refineries, and other sources react under suitable conditions. Because these reactions occur in the atmosphere, smog can form far from where its precursor gases are emitted and, once formed, smog can travel long distances. This is why New England residents can be endangered by emissions from activities in upwind states and why designations for all areas of the country are important.
EPA’s own research has shown that fully implementing the 2015 NAAQS would save hundreds of lives each year, prevent 230,000 asthma attacks in children, avoid hundreds of hospitalizations and emergency room visits, and prevent 160,000 missed school days for children and 28,000 missed work days.
AG Healey is committed to continuing her office’s longstanding advocacy for more stringent ozone standards that science shows are needed to adequately protect the health of Massachusetts residents. With a coalition of state attorneys general, AG Healey filed an amicus brief in September 2016 in a case pending in the D.C. Circuit to defend the 2015 NAAQS for ozone pollution. In April 2017, AG Healey also joined a coalition of attorneys general in sending a letter to Congress in opposition of pending legislation that would delay implementation of national air quality standards and weaken the longstanding review process for ozone and other pollutants that pose serious dangers to public health.
The lawsuit was filed by the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota (by and through its Minnesota Pollution Control Agency), New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
This matter is being handled for Massachusetts by Assistant Attorney General Carol Iancu of AG Healey’s Environmental Protection Division.
Learn about geothermal with Dandelion Energy at Bob Connors and Becky Meier’s home
FROM NO FRACKED GAS IN MASS & DANDELION ENERGY
Becky Meier and Bob Connors of Stop NY Fracked Gas Pipeline welcome digital visitors to their home in Canaan, NY for a talk with Luke Stangel of Dandelion Energy. Becky and Bob are Dandelion’s first residential customers for their geothermal energy system. Working with existing hot air duct work within their home, Dandelion helped them take the step away from heating with fossil fuels and gave them eco-friendly air conditioning for the first time! Thank you to Dandelion Energy for doing this Live on Facebook event and for letting No Fracked Gas in Mass upload to YouTube. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE.
Two Challenges Filed Against Millennium ESU
NYDEC Approval & FERC Approval Both Challenged
Sullivan County, NY – December 1, 2017 the Delaware Riverkeeper Network filed two challenges to approval of the Millennium Eastern System Upgrade Project. First, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN) filed a petition for review with the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit regarding the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s decision granting Millennium Pipeline Company’s (Millennium) application for a State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit for the Eastern System Upgrade (ESU) Project. Second, the organization filed a rehearing request with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission asking for reconsideration of their November 28 issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to the Project. The rehearing request was accompanied by a motion for a stay of any construction activity and any other land disturbance conducted under the Certificate, pending review of the Order on rehearing.
“The Millennium ESU clearly should not have been approved by New York or by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. On its own the Millennium ESU is a danger to our communities and environment; it is linked to the Valley Lateral Project and the CPV Powerplant and so the harms of all these interrelated projects should have been given a cumulative look by government reviewers, and because the ESU is clearly just one step in a much larger, future expansion that is obviously to come. It is unfortunate that we have had to do the job of filing litigation against the project and our state and federal governments who are so inappropriately deciding to advance it,” said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper and leader of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network.
“The permit as issued by NYSDEC, and the certificate issued by FERC, do not comply with applicable federal laws and therefore we seek a recession or remand of the state authorization and reconsideration by FERC,” said Aaron Stemplewicz, Senior Attorney at Delaware Riverkeeper Network.
The two legal challenges add to the other legal battles that embroil Millennium – including a legal challenge by the state against FERC approval of the Valley Lateral Project and strong opposition to the CPV power plant.
The Millennium ESU project includes:
- a new 22,400 horsepower compressor station in the Town of Highland, NY
- addition of a new 22,400 horsepower compressor unit at the existing Hancock Compressor Station in Delaware County, NY
- installation of 7.3 miles of new 36-inch pipeline parallel to Millennium’s existing 24-inch line between the Huguenot and Westtown meter stations in Orange County, NY
An Introduction to Beneficial Organisms and Habitat
Scientists are spreading the word about how farmers, gardeners, homeowners, and land managers can cultivate rich habitats for beneficial organisms and suppress pests.
This issue of IPM Insights is dedicated to the ways people from all walks of life can promote beneficial organisms and habitat. Margaret Skinner of the University of Vermont has been working for many years in this area, and in particular has done recent work on banker plants in hoop houses—in other words, cultivating the types of plants on which natural enemies of pests will gather and reproduce in the outdoor structures used for growing crops. Likewise, Paula Shrewsbury of the University of Maryland has been working on habitat to increase beneficial organisms. We devote some time to each of these scientists.
Pollinators and Beyond
When people think of beneficial organisms and habitat, they might think of recent popular reports in the media about pollinators. Amid this interest, in 2014 the Northeastern IPM Center awarded $17,100 to Amy Papineau of the University of New Hampshire to lead the Northern New England Pollinator Habitat Working Group. This working group is collaborating on methods to protect pollinator habitat in northern New England. They are protecting existing habitat on farms, roadsides, and natural areas, and planting new flowers that are beneficial to pollinators.
Indeed, pollinators are one important aspect of the picture, but there’s a much larger world of living organisms and practices to maintain a diverse habitat to promote and increase the numbers of beneficial organisms such as lacewings, ladybugs, and hover flies, all of which can suppress pests on farms and in gardens, as well as around residences and in natural areas. Let’s examine the example of high tunnels where commercial crops are grown.
Cultural Practices
Rose Ogutu of Delaware State University writes that cultural practices such as maintaining a diverse variety of disease-resistant plant types is key to managing pests, especially in high tunnels. “Practice crop diversity, crop rotation, including banker plants,” she recommends.
Skinner suggests using IPM practices such as using indicator plants. An indicator plant is a type of plant that attracts pests to a site where natural enemies may attack them. In addition to trap plants and banker plants, she suggests using nectar/pollen/habitat plants, which promote various ecosystem functions.
“Now plants are being used to serve several of these functions at once, particularly in greenhouses where plants or plant stages supportive to natural enemies may be rare,” Skinner wrote in the introduction to a presentation about IPM and guardian plants in greenhouses.
If the greenhouse is a microcosm of the natural world, then this issue of IPM Insights is all about scaling these practices and thinking to the larger world—to entire farms, gardens, homes, and tracts of land. In each of these settings, people from any background can learn IPM techniques to promote beneficial organisms and suppress pests.
Audio: Margaret Atwood on her conservation-themed graphic novel, dystopian futures, and how not to despair
Like our guest on the last episode of the Mongabay Newscast, Jane Goodall, our first guest on today’s episode probably needs no introduction. But here goes anyway: Margaret Atwood, whose novels and poetry have won everything from an Arthur C. Clarke Award for best Science Fiction to the prestigious Man Booker Prize for Fiction, recently tackled a medium she is not as well-known for: comic books. Not only that, but she has written a comic book series, called Angel Catbird, that “was a conservation project from the get-go,” she told Mongabay. The graphic novel explicitly looks at the environmental impacts of pet cats, the plight of declining North American songbird populations, and other ecological concerns, within a really captivating story about a half-man, half-owl, half-cat superhero named Angel Catbird (and yes, he deliberately has three halves).
“We know that there are four big killers of especially migratory songbirds, but birds of all kinds, and they are pollution, habitat loss, glass window strikes, and cats,” Atwood says. “Conservation organizations have tiptoed around it, not wishing to alienate and infuriate cat-lovers. And since I have been a cat-lover and have had a number of cats, I understand that. So h ow better to address the problem than by creating a flying part cat, part bird, part human superhero who can understand both sides of this problem? It seemed obvious to me!”
Atwood discusses what motivated her to build environmental awareness through a comic book, what she hopes a work like that can achieve, and how it feels to see so many of the dystopian scenarios she has written about in the past creeping ever closer to becoming reality today.
Jobs
Environmental Justice Community Organizer
Arise for Social Justice
Arise for Social Justice, a member-led low-income rights community organization in Springfield, MA seeks a community organizer to oversee our Environmental Justice and Public Health work in Springfield.
Responsibilities include working with community members to address ongoing sources of pollution, partnering with local and statewide organizations to develop and advocate for socially justice policy and solutions, and advancing the mission of our organization. Our Environmental Justice Organizer also coordinates the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition, an alliance of over 45 community organizations, faith based groups, civic organizations, and businesses working together for Climate Justice.
Qualified candidates will have some community organizing experience, familiarity with environmental and/or public health issues, a flexible work schedule, an understanding of the political processes and government structures, strong communication skills, the ability to manage multiple projects, and a commitment to community and social justice.
Additional preferred qualifications are experience in grant writing, researching, and reporting, experience in using social media as an organizing tool, and a familiarity with the Springfield, MA region.
Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to AriseForSocialJustice@gmail.
This is a 1099 consultant position, based on 30 hours a week at $20/hr ($600 a week). Benefits include some paid time off and sick time.
Conservation Agent
Town of Becket
The Town of Becket is seeking qualified applicants for the part-time (average seventeen (17) hours per week) non benefited position of Conservation Agent Working under the direction of the Town Administrator and general guidance of the Conservation Commission Chairman, the Conservation Agent is to provide technical and administrative assistance to the Conservation Commission. Required tasks include administering the Wetlands Protection Act and associated laws and town by-laws. The Conservation Agent to the Becket Conservation Commission will need to attend Conservation Commission Meetings, which are normally held on the 3rd Tuesday of the Month at 6:30 PM in the Becket Town Hall. Applicant must be able to develop draft and final permit approvals, orders of conditions and other Commission-issued permits as needed as well as set agendas and provide file maintenance. Must perform on-site inspections, verify wetland resource boundaries and review applications. Will need to maintain office hours for the public, day and time are negotiable but need to be consistent.
Qualifications: college degree in environmental science or other appropriate field with two or more years’ experience in wetland resource administration, or any equivalent combination of education and experience are highly desirable. Position requires sustained periods of walking and hiking, sometimes in construction zones, knowledge of Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, and ability to communicate clearly orally and in written form. The Agent must be familiar with Conservation Commission procedures and will need to interface with the public, volunteers, and various other departments in town.
Please mail or e- mail a cover letter and resume to Edward Gibson, Town Administrator, Becket Town Hall, 557 Main Street, Becket, MA. 01223; Administrator@townofbecket.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Becket is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer.
Executive Coordinator & Trustee Liaison
Massachusetts Chapter of the Nature Conservancy
The Massachusetts Chapter of The Nature Conservancy is recruiting for an Executive Coordinator & Trustee Liaison to be responsible for supporting the State Director, Assistant State Director, and Massachusetts Board of Trustees. S/He provides high-level administrative support and manages the operations of the Board of Trustees. For more information and to apply, visit www.nature.org/
Fee Stewardship Coordinator
MA Dept. of Fisheries & Wildlife | Westborough, MA
The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is accepting resumes and applications from applicants for the position of Fee Stewardship Coordinator. The Fee Stewardship Coordinator is the primary overseer and manager of the realty aspects of MassWildlife’s fee-owned properties, which include 167,000 acres assembled over the last century. The individual will have a thorough understanding of real estate terminology and research techniques and become familiar with the entirety of the agency’s portfolio of properties, in order to advise staff on matters of acquisition and stewardship.
The Fee Stewardship Coordinator will maintain realty records, coordinate boundary-marking efforts, survey contracts and other services, and manage selected boundary disputes and encroachment issues. He or she will conduct deed research and provide advice regarding property interests as necessary in support of agency stewardship, acquisition, and public enjoyment of agency lands. This effort will include periodic monitoring and site visits, collaboration in implementing the agency’s Land Information System, procuring signage, assisting in the development of agency land-use policies, and being a good colleague for the other members of the Realty Section (Chief, CR Coordinator, Realty Specialist, and interns).
To learn more and to apply, click here.
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.
MA Community Organizer
Mothers Out Front : Mobilizing For A Livable Climate | Worcester, MA
Position Summary: The Massachusetts Community Organizer builds and supports volunteer-led community teams to grow a diverse and powerful movement of mothers that develops and implements campaigns to achieve a swift, complete, and just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Specifically, the Community Organizer works to:
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Identify mothers, grandmothers and other caregivers in Worcester and Central Massachusetts who share Mothers Out Front’s goals and are willing to take action to reduce climate change;
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Support the creation of member-led teams in diverse communities in Worcester and Central Massachusetts by helping to organize house parties and coaching team leaders and potential leaders;
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Support member-led teams to launch and carry out local Mothers Out Front campaigns;
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Connect local teams to state campaigns and national Mothers Out Front movement work across states; and
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Provide “in-the-background” support and training to team members to strengthen their leadership skills, including their use of data and technology to support organizing.
READ THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION & APPLY HERE
Event Planner
Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee | Westfield, MA
In 2018, the Westfield River will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary since being designated as a National Wild & Scenic River. This happens to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. As we near a quarter century of protecting the Westfield River and half century of protecting some of the greatest rivers in the United States, we hope to celebrate the accomplishments of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System with a series of events and promotional materials. The Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee seeks an Event Planner to assist us with our 25th and 50th Wild & Scenic Anniversaries outreach and events in 2018. Proposals will be accepted until filled with an initial review to begin on September 28th, 2017. RFQ Details here.
Environmental Health Manager
Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition | Springfield, MA
Primary Objective
Partners for a Healthier Communities (PHC)’ Environmental Health Manager (listed on the Baystate Health website (as “Community Health Planning/Environmental Health) is responsible for the planning, program development, and evaluation of environmental health and other projects, including assistance to subcontractors and community partners allied with the agency in this these efforts. The environmental health initiative will focus on a variety of types of projects, including the management of the Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition, systems and policy change, and collective impact. The Environmental Health Manager will cultivate and strengthen strategic community partnerships and alliances between local, regional, and state-level coalitions and advocacy organizations; community-based nonprofit corporations; and business, social, educational, and health entities.
Role of the Environmental Health Manager
The position’s role typically involves grantwriting and reporting, leading environmental health projects, and convening as necessary community partners and clients to achieve the needed goals of projects. Partnerships could be with sectors such as faith, business, education, academic, healthcare, social sector entities.
In particular, the position implements programming for initiatives to improve the health of people enrolled in the project:
- Develops programs and services that promote best and emerging practices for the environmental health area. Designs and implements collaborative strategies with community partners and collaborators such as social organizations, faith communities, community-based organizations and so on;
- Assists in strategic thinking, research and evaluation and program planning to achieve the corporation’s strategic goals and objectives assigned to the Consultant. In this area, the Consultant is primarily responsible for implementing strategies such as providing training and technical assistance to help prioritize issues and develop community partnerships, utilizing data to execute new initiatives, evaluate results and communicate progress.
- Provides facilitative leadership to fellow community leaders, and offers opportunities and/or shares experiences, perspectives and expertise on issues such as partnership development, meeting planning, facilitation, and conflict management;
- Provides facilitative leadership to the project team in action planning including steps and/or activities to address the priority areas, and implementing actions with a timeline, identifiable milestones and evaluation measures;
- Oversee subcontractors when necessary and student interns;
Performance Expectations
It is expected that the Environmental Health Manager will work under the general supervision of the Director of Programs & Development.
The Environmental Health Manager’s work entails the day-to-day management (including planning, directing and organizing staff, programming and funding responsibility) of Environmental Health programs and activities.
- Programs will meet the objective of the strategic goals and objectives of PHC.
- Coalition-building activities will adhere to PHC standards.
- In establishing community programs, planning will adhere to a community health planning methodology and the planning processes will result in high quality successful programs.
- Community programs and issues will undergo regular assessments and review based on published reports on internal and external environmental issues related to the corporations health priority areas.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Public Policy or related field required. Master’s level college degree in these areas is preferred.
- Applicant must have five years of relevant experience in a role of a program manager or supervisor in a public health or human service program. Five years of relevant experience in a role equivalent to a Program Director of a major public health program is preferred.
Core Competencies
The high visibility of this position, both internally and externally, requires that the Environmental Health Manager have
- Experience designing and implementing program and initiative planning;
- Highly proficient writing skills;
- Strong interpersonal, facilitation and collaborative planning skills;
- Proven abilities to work with and within teams;
- Strong written and oral communication skills; bilingual preferred
- A high degree of computer literacy;
- Demonstrated use of community problem-solving skills;
- Demonstrated facilitative leadership experiences in a community setting; and
- Strong understanding of the public health environment (including asthma and environmental health) and the healthcare environment.
- Strong public presentation skills
About Partners for a Healthier Community
Partners for a Healthier Community, the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, provides skills, expertise and experience to create successful public health campaigns and sustainable system changes to improve health and well-being in Western MA. Through partnerships, we build on community assets and build community capacity to positively impact social determinants of health. Our services include Research and Assessment, Coalition-building, Program Evaluation and Health Policy Development. PHC is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit with a 20 member Board of Directors and relies on state, federal and private grants and contracts. PHC contracts with Baystate Health for Human Resources services.
TO APPLY: Candidates for PHC’s Environmental Health Manager (Community Health Planning Consultant/Environmental Health) should apply through Baystate Health’s job portal at https://www.baystatehealthjobs.com/job/springfield/community-health-planning-consultant-environmental-health-full-time/156/5671580
Campus Organizer
PIRG Campus Action | Western MA
FULL TIME CAREER POSITION
At PIRG Campus Action, our full time organizers work on college campuses across the country to empower students to make a difference on critical environmental and social issues.
If we’re serious about climate change, we can’t afford to drag our feet—so we’re pushing cities and states to commit to 100% renewable energy, now. We rely on bees to pollinate our food, yet we’re allowing some pesticides to drive them toward extinction—so we’re working to ban these bee-killing pesticides. People in our communities and even students on college campuses are dealing with hunger and homelessness that affect their quality of life. We’re raising funds, toiletries, and food items for our local relief agencies – as well as holding fundraisers for Hurricane Relief for the communities in TX, FL, and the Caribbean who were hit from the recent natural disasters.
We’re looking for an individual who has the passion and the drive it takes to win positive change on these important issues, and who isn’t afraid of hard work. Ideally, this person has experience working on campaigns or with groups on campus. Our Berkshires organizer will mobilize a team of passionate students to run a campus chapter on two campuses in Western MA. You’ll recruit dozens of students to volunteer and get involved, and teach them how to plan and run effective campaigns through internships and on-the-ground training.
You’ll build relationships with faculty and administrators, while organizing news events and rallies, and generating the grassroots support it takes to win campaigns. During the summer, you’ll run a citizen outreach office, building the organization by canvassing and training others to canvass. And you’ll learn from some of the best organizers in the country—people who have been doing this work for more than 30 years.
Location: Western MA (organizing at Berkshire Community College and Mass College of Liberal Arts)
We’re also hiring organizers to work on college campuses in California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon and a few other states.
Pay & benefits
The target annual compensation for this position is $26,000 in the first year with room for advancement and salary increase with further commitment. We also offer a competitive benefits package including vacation days, health care, and undergraduate student loan repayment for those who qualify. We are unmatched in our entry-level organizer training program.
Apply here today or contact Samantha@masspirgstudents.org directly with any inquiries or recommendations for candidates.
Regional Recycling Coordinator
City of Pittsfield | Pittsfield, MA
The Municipal Assistance Coordinator for the Western District (WE) provides technical assistance to municipalities to increase recycling, composting, waste reduction, household hazardous waste diversion and regional cooperation. The City of Pittsfield has been awarded a Host Community grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to fund this position.
The Coordinator will act under the supervision of the MassDEP and will serve 100 municipalities in a district known as “Western”. The district extends from Ware to Richmond. For a map and list of communities in the district, please visit: http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/macmap.htm
This is an independent contractor position. The position is funded at 36 hours per week, with an annual ceiling of 1,800 hours. Annual compensation is commensurate with experience, starting at not less than $55,000. An additional $5,000 annual reimbursement is provided for self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare). Use of personal vehicle is required. Vehicle mileage, tolls and parking =will be reimbursed. Limited funding for in-state professional conferences is also provided.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, September 8, 2017 @ 4:00PM
Full listing and application details here.
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.
Director of Ecological Restoration
MA Department of Fish & Game | Boston, MA
The Division of Ecological Restoration is charged with restoring and protecting the health and integrity of the Commonwealth’s rivers, wetlands, and watersheds for the benefit of people and the environment. This mission is critical to the success of the Department of Fish and Game that manages, protects, and restores the natural resources of the Commonwealth.
The Division of Ecological Restoration works with community-based partners to restore aquatic ecosystems. The Division’s ecological restoration work brings clean water, recreation opportunities, and other ecosystem services to the citizens of Massachusetts.
The Director leads the Division of Ecological Restoration, one of three Divisions (and one Office) of the Department of Fish and Game. The Director is responsible for all functions and program performance ensuring that the Deputy Director is properly managing the day-today operations of the Division and the assistant director is administering annual budgets properly. The Director develops and makes sure the annual and five-year strategic plan goals are implemented and sets procedures and program priorities for the Deputy Director and Assistant Director to faithfully administer. The Director oversees development of the operational and capital budgets and manages a diverse staff.
This is only a small part of the job description. Click here to read the full description and to apply.
Various Positions at Co-op Power
Co-op Power in Florence, MA, is hiring for:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Energy Efficiency Program Manager
- Community Solar Program Director
- Energy Efficiency Intern
- Community Solar Interns
Full details and how to apply here.
2017-18 Position Openings with TerraCorps – Various locations
TerraCorps, formerly MassLIFT-AmeriCorps, is an innovative national service program helping communities conserve and secure land for the health and well-being of people and nature. This year we are looking for 36 members to serve in full-time, 11 month positions. Members will carry out capacity building projects; educate or train individuals; recruit, train, manage, and support community volunteers engaged in land-based activities; and identify new individuals and groups to participate in education, recreation, or service opportunities centered around land access and conservation.
Members serve as: Land Stewardship Coordinators, Regional Conservation Coordinators, Youth Education Coordinators, or Community Engagement Coordinators.
These 1,700 hour AmeriCorps positions receive a living allowance, education award, and additional AmeriCorps benefits. The 2017-2018 program will run from 8/28/17 – 7/27/18.
Application specifics, position descriptions, and information about organizations hosting TerraCorps members can be found at here.
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
AmeriCorps programs provide equal service opportunities. TerraCorps will recruit and select persons in all positions to ensure a diverse and inclusive climate without regard to any particular status. We encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations for interviews and service upon request. TerraCorps is a grant program of the Corporation for National and Community Service.
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