Savoy considers removing wind power welcome mat
One of the first Berkshires towns to allow wind power is poised to prohibit it — before any blades turn. The turnabout would not affect Minuteman Wind LLC’s permit for a $31 million, five-turbine project on West Hill near the Hawley line. But the status of that venture remains unclear after a September setback. Meantime, a petition signed by more than one-fifth of Savoy’s registered voters will trigger back-to-back meetings this month. FROM THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE <more>
Baloon-Faced Flies, Part 3.
Twice before, I’ve posted photos of agromyzid flies freshly emerged from their puparia (hardened larval skins in which they pupate), with their faces grotesquely inflated. You may recall that since adult flies have no chewing mouthparts, they emerge from their puparia by inflating an airbag-like structure, called the ptilinum, to pop them open. FROM BUG TRACKS<more>
BNRC Appoints Jenny Hansell As Its Next President
Threatened amphibian receives helping hand
Eastern Spadefoot introduced to Southwick WMA
The Eastern Spadefoot is a big-headed relative of toads with distinct cat-like eyes. It’s also listed as Threatened under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act due to habitat loss and the high number of individuals killed each year while crossing roads. MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program—with support from the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation and its partnership with Sanofi Genzyme—initiated a project to help this amphibian increase its chances of survival in the Connecticut River Valley, where it is especially at risk. FROM MA DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE <more>
Will batteries and solar have a place in Puerto Rico’s reimagined grid?
It’s been three months since Hurricane Maria slammed into Puerto Rico and destroyed its electric system. Many residents are still without power with only 70% of generation back online. The push to rebuild the island’s electric utility infrastructure got off to a rocky start, slowed by a $300 million contract debacle and the Atlantic Ocean. But the troubled deal with Whitefish Energy has been canceled, and now thousands of aid workers are on the island, including 3,000 focused on power restoration. FROM UTILITY DIVE <more>
Jobs (click for full job listings)
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
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
Savoy considers removing wind power welcome mat
FROM THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE | BY LARRY PARNASS
SAVOY — One of the first Berkshires towns to allow wind power is poised to prohibit it — before any blades turn.
The turnabout would not affect Minuteman Wind LLC’s permit for a $31 million, five-turbine project on West Hill near the Hawley line.
But the status of that venture remains unclear after a September setback.
Meantime, a petition signed by more than one-fifth of Savoy’s registered voters will trigger back-to-back meetings this month.
The first, Dec. 20, will convene a public hearing on a proposal that the town delete Section 9 of its zoning bylaw, which spells out terms of wind power generation, and add language prohibiting it.
The second, Dec. 21, will ask residents to decide on those changes. Both sessions will start at 6:30 p.m. in the town’s 17 Center Road fire station.
Savoy’s wind power bylaw was approved a decade ago, before construction of the nearby Hoosac Wind project in Monroe and Florida.
For years, Minuteman Wind’s venture percolated along out of sight, as it faced environmental reviews and delays.
With final approval in hand from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, plans for the 12.5-megawatt installation resurfaced in late 2016, with Palmer Capital Corp. managing it.
In an effort to increase the 425-foot height of its turbines, Minuteman Wind proposed a bylaw change to residents at a special town meeting this fall, only to be soundly rebuffed.
The company said that by increasing the height 30 feet, it could boost electrical output 15 to 20 percent and be in a position to pay more to the town.
Residents said no. Just 53 people backed the change, with 126 against, well short of the two-thirds majority necessary to pass. The Sept. 27 meeting was preceded by a contentious public hearing.
In 2008, two-thirds of residents backed creation of the wind power bylaw, many enticed by promises of new municipal revenues.
Views on wind power in Savoy had changed since 2008, said Salvatore Raciti of Brier Road.
“I think it was largely an economic vote,” he said of the earlier approval.
After the September meeting, Raciti and others shaped a plan to prohibit future wind power projects. They fanned out through town and gathered 119 signatures of registered voters on 18 petitions, obtaining about half the names in two Saturday visits to the transfer station.
“They braved the dump on Saturday and Wednesday night,” Raciti said of the petition group.
The town has 501 registered voters, according to Town Clerk Brenda Smith. One person signed twice and four people who signed are not registered to vote.
John Tynan, the Select Board chairman, said the petition movement picked up on dismay generated in the fall public hearing.
He said petitioners will speak at the Dec. 20 hearing. The Planning Board will then discuss the issue and make a recommendation in time for the next day’s special town meeting.
“We listen to the residents. If that’s how they feel, we go the same way,” said Tynan, who also serves on the Planning Board, along with fellow Select Board members Russell Clarke and Keith Kupiec.
“That’s the same way it was 10 years ago, when they seemed to want it,” he said of residents’ views of wind power.
Lindsay Deane-Mayer, Palmer Capital’s project manager, could not be reached for comment Tuesday on where the Minuteman Wind project stands.
She told The Eagle in October that failure to secure the bylaw change changed fundamentals of the project and that a decision might not be made until 2018.
“It’s a big puzzle, and all the pieces have to come together,” she said at the time. “Everything was coming together. Now, it’s spreading apart.”
Tynan said the town has not heard from Minuteman. Negotiations over payments in lieu of taxes from the project remain sidelined.
Raciti said that if Minuteman Wind opts to pursue its project, the change now proposed would stop other wind power development.
“It basically closes the door behind them,” Raciti said of Minuteman Wind.
Baloon-Faced Flies, Part 3.
FROM BUG TRACKS | BY CHARLE EISEMAN
Twice before, I’ve posted photos of agromyzid flies freshly emerged from their puparia (hardened larval skins in which they pupate), with their faces grotesquely inflated. You may recall that since adult flies have no chewing mouthparts, they emerge from their puparia by inflating an airbag-like structure, called the ptilinum, to pop them open.
In 2011, the photos were of the gallmaker Hexomyza schineri, which is now Euhexomyza schineri thanks to a recent paper* by Owen Lonsdale (which happens to feature two of my photos from that post). In 2013, they were of a leafminer on bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) whose identity is still uncertain—Owen examined my specimens and said they resembled Phytomyza linnaeae, a western species that mines leaves of twinflower (Linnaea borealis), but I will be surprised if they really turn out to be the same species, since the two have very different larval habits.
Last month, I got another opportunity to photograph this bizarre phenomenon. Once again, the fly is a leaf-mining Phytomyza species whose identity is uncertain. I found the mines on sweet cicely (Apiaceae: Osmorhiza) in Iowa. SEE THE INCREDIBLE PHOTOS AND READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.
BNRC Appoints Jenny Hansell As Its Next President
The board of directors of Berkshire Natural Resources Council has appointed Jenny Hansell of Sharon, Connecticut as its next president, succeeding Tad Ames, who will step down from the organization at the end of the calendar year.
Hansell has served as the executive director of the North East Community Center in Millerton, NY since 2001.
“We conducted a national search resulting in an initial pool of 60 applications. Out of this, Jenny rose to the top on the strength of her experience, track record, and clear articulation of the leadership skills necessary to match the organization’s needs and aspirations.” said Tim Crane, BNRC’s chairman. “The board is delighted as much by her passion for the challenge as by her exemplary qualifications.”
Hansell will take the helm of an organization that has had only two chief executives in its 50 year history. The organization has enjoyed tremendous growth in the last five years with the launch of its Berkshire High Road vision and the conclusion of a $5 million capital campaign.
Hansell fully grasps the promise that the Berkshire High Road represents and the challenge of executing against this vision, Crane said.
“Jenny radiates optimism that is informed and seasoned by her experiences leading the North East Community Center. She possesses a sense of urgency to make real BNRC’s vision of a county-wide, interconnected network of trails while leading BNRC’s broader conservation mission that has become increasingly ambitious and complex,” he said.
“Tad’s stewardship, notably his High Road vision, has created a remarkable platform for the next phase of BNRC’s history,” Crane said. “Jenny has the background and skill set to lead the organization to new heights.”
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to join BNRC at this critical moment in its evolution so I can help bring The High Road to fruition,” said Hansell. “I am looking forward to the chance to get to know and work with the organization’s talented staff, board, volunteers and community partners, to walk the trails from New Marlborough to Williamstown, and play a part in the preservation of our beautiful Berkshires for generations to enjoy.”
The North East Community Center serves northeastern Dutchess County, New York, with programs for children, teens, families and senior citizens, including the Millerton Farmers Market, a Dial A Ride bus, after-school programs, job training and paid internships for teens and young adults, support for families in crisis, and public events like the Spring for Sound music festival. All of the Center’s current programs were developed under Hansell’s leadership.
“Jenny Hansell will be a terrific leader for BNRC, and an invaluable mentor to our high-caliber staff,” said Tad Ames, the outgoing president. “Between the staff, the board, and the donors who make everything possible, BNRC is blessed with deep reservoirs of passion, talent and local knowledge. It’s been a privilege to work with such great people, and I’m honored to pass the torch to Jenny.”
BNRC was founded by George Wislocki in 1967. In 2002, Ames succeeded Wislocki. Today the organization stewards nearly 22,000 acres of conservation land, including approximately 50 miles of hiking trails.
For more information, visit www.bnrc.org.
Threatened amphibian receives helping hand
Eastern Spadefoot introduced to Southwick WMA
The Eastern Spadefoot is a big-headed relative of toads with distinct cat-like eyes. It’s also listed as Threatened under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act due to habitat loss and the high number of individuals killed each year while crossing roads. MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program—with support from the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation and its partnership with Sanofi Genzyme—initiated a project to help this amphibian increase its chances of survival in the Connecticut River Valley, where it is especially at risk.
Southwick Wildlife Management Area (WMA) was selected for establishing a new population of Eastern Spadefoot; however, a breeding pool had to be built at the site. In 2015, MassWildlife and its partners (Bristol County Agricultural High School, Westfield State University, and Southwick Department of Public Works) created three such pools. Water levels, vegetation, and local amphibians’ use were then monitored to confirm the pools would work well for spadefoots. MassWildlife biologists and a volunteer team of spadefoot monitors surveyed areas throughout the Connecticut River Valley to identify donor populations to collect eggs and tadpoles for transfer to the Southwick WMA pools. No adults were collected for this carefully managed introduction in order to avoid harm to the donor population.
Through 2015 and 2016, Massachusetts was experiencing a multiyear drought. The secretive animals remained in their underground burrows for days to weeks at a time, emerging only to feed when nighttime temperature and moisture were suitable. Then, in late March and early April 2017, frequent and prolonged rains finally came and filled traditional spadefoot breeding pools. Temperatures were too cold for breeding at the time, but a 2-day heatwave in mid-April soon changed that. Low-pitched, raucous squawks—like the calls of juvenile crows—filled the night air as the spadefoots emerged in unison. They gathered by the dozens at local breeding pools scattered across parts of Massachusetts. Fortunately, their effort at our most preferred donor site was substantial, presenting the first opportunity to introduce eggs to the constructed pools at Southwick WMA.
Some eggs were transferred directly to the pools, while others were held for captive rearing (commonly termed headstarting) at Bristol County Agricultural High School to boost survival to later developmental stages. The donor pool dried rapidly in the absence of additional, heavy rains, and so most of its spadefoot tadpoles were transferred to Southwick WMA while others were headstarted at MassWildlife. Headstarted animals (mature tadpoles and young froglets) were ultimately released to both the donor site and to Southwick WMA later in the spring.
During a monitoring visit in September, MassWildlife biologists observed two plump, juvenile spadefoots at Southwick WMA. This confirmed that some of the introduced animals had survived, and they were growing at an exceptional rate. With this early sign of success, additional introductions of Eastern Spadefoot eggs, tadpoles, and headstarted froglets to Southwick WMA are planned for 2018 and beyond.
Will batteries and solar have a place in Puerto Rico’s reimagined grid?
It’s been three months since Hurricane Maria slammed into Puerto Rico and destroyed its electric system. Many residents are still without power with only 70% of generation back online.
The push to rebuild the island’s electric utility infrastructure got off to a rocky start, slowed by a $300 million contract debacle and the Atlantic Ocean. But the troubled deal with Whitefish Energy has been canceled, and now thousands of aid workers are on the island, including 3,000 focused on power restoration. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tapped Fluor Enterprise for an $831 million time-and-materials contract to restore electric power in Puerto Rico. The work is estimated to be complete by Feb. 28.
But alongside restoration work, new visions for Puerto Rico’s electric grid are emerging. While thousands of linemen from around the country continue to repair the system, the utility industry and government are simultaneously developing a longer-term vision for the island’s electric system. As multiple concepts come to the table, the challenge will be integrating modern grid architecture while keeping in place some of the basic grid building blocks. An industry work group has developed a plan that builds on the island’s last integrated resource plan, while AES, which owns a large coal plant on the island, has floated a concept that is focused on solar and storage.
But while Puerto Rico’s grid will be modernized and renewables added, the backbone of the system will remain fairly traditional.
Vision’s for Puerto Rico’s grid
Johnny Price, a section manager in electric operations for Consolidated Edison, just returned from San Juan where he led a group of workers restoring power in the island’s capital. He said the challenges faced on the ground may be unique, but Puerto Rico’s electric grid isn’t anything workers haven’t seen before.
“The system is pretty similar to what we’re used to,” Price said. “We’re just trying to figure out how it was wired before, and put it back the same way.”
The tourist-focused area of Old San Juan is entirely back up and running, and most of the city has power as well. But the task has not been simple. Downed trees and language barriers have complicated restoration in more rural areas.
A 300-year-old Spanish fort in Old San Juan meant crews did a lot of climbing, Price said. Concrete poles too heavy for trucks had to be repositioned by crane. “Each job was intellectually challenging, to figure out how to safely do things,” he said.
A lot of the island’s generation is in the south, and lengthy transmission repairs slowed repowering efforts initially, Price said. But since November, when the some major transmission backbone repairs were complete, crews have been making more progress.
Alongside efforts to repair the system and restore power, Puerto Rico’s utility is also looking at ways to strengthen its infrastructure, and include more of the advanced technologies that have become common stateside.
A broad range of utilities and electric groups have developed a $17.6 billion plan to rebuild Puerto Rico’s electric distribution system, including a focus on resilience to withstand future storms and the inclusion of modern grid technologies and control systems. Members in the group include New York Power Authority, Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), Consolidated Edison, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), several national labs, Edison International and others.
PREPA’s new system will need to withstand a Category 4 storm, which produces wind speeds of 155 miles/hour, in addition to heavy floods. The utility’s 2015 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which helped inform the rebuilding proposal, already called for more distributed energy and renewables. Those two advances could strengthen the system.
Jobs
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 Jobs
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
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:
-
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;
-
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;
-
Support member-led teams to launch and carry out local Mothers Out Front campaigns;
-
Connect local teams to state campaigns and national Mothers Out Front movement work across states; and
-
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;
.
More info & application here: 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.
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save