The BEAT News - April 13, 2017 - Berkshire Environmental Action Team

Agency gives pipeline company green light for tree cutting in
Otis State Forest

The Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. has been given the green light to start clearing trees and begin building its natural gas storage loop through Otis State Forest. In a letter dated Tuesday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said the company can start laying pipes for the company’s 13 mile, $93 million Connecticut Expansion Project that will also run through parts of New York and Connecticut. The letter said the company had filed the necessary information “to meet the pre-construction environmental conditions.” By Heather Bellow, The Berkshire Eagle, April 12, 2017 <more>

Residents, businesses, officials decry Eversource rate hike at Department of Public Utilities hearing

Disproportionate. Exorbitant. And greedy. Those were among the words used, again and again, by residents and business owners alike to characterize a proposed rate increase by Eversource. They asked the state to reject its request. Eversource wants state Department of Public Utilities’ approval to raise its rates by more than $96 million next year and $50 million annually for the next four years, according to the state’s attorney general. For Eversource’s commercial and industrial customers, the proposal would increase electricity rates up to 37 percent in Western Massachusetts. The rates for businesses in the east would decrease. By Carrie Saldo, The Berkshire Eagle, April 10, 2017 <more>

The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation announces David McGowan of Brookline, MA, as its next Executive Director

Mr. McGowan has dedicated his career to conserving land throughout Massachusetts. After receiving his graduate degree from Antioch New England University in 1996, he worked at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. There, he worked on projects throughout the Commonwealth – securing critical inholdings at Bradley Palmer State Park and Willard Brook State Forest, and helping conserve the 900-acre Spectacle Pond Farm at Otis State Forest. WRLF Press Release, April 7, 2017 <more>

New England Wildflower Society (NEWFS) Receives Grant to Fund Pollinator Gardens in Massachusetts – Apply now!

The New England Wild Flower Society (NEWFS) of Framingham received a significant grant that in 2018 will provide each of two Massachusetts locations a 150 square foot pollinator garden and a day-long hands-on pollinator garden workshop for the public. The gardens will be donated to the local awardee/host partners (schools, hospitals, non-profits, etc.) who must commit to care for the gardens after installation. What an opportunity to help pollinators and create a living educational tool at your location! <more>

Utility Disconnections Leave Thousands around the Nation
“Out in the Cold” or Left in the Dark

According to a new report from the NAACP, utility company shut off policies disproportionately impact low-income and African American communities, literally leaving thousands in the dark, stranded in the cold during winter or severely impacted by sweltering summer temperatures. With 2016 on record as the hottest year to date, and January of this year documented as the 3^rd hottest January on record, many are looking at the coming summer and winter months with fear and dread regarding the potential for utility shut-offs, that leave a disproportionate number of African American and poor communities in the dark and out in the cold. NAACP, March 31, 2017 <more>

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Jobs

Outreach and Education Coordinator – BEAT – Pittsfield

Executive Director -Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) – Belmont, MA

Summer Interns – Environmental Voter Project – Boston

Farm Apprentices and Trail Crew Members – Greenagers – Great Barrington

Aquatic Habitat Technician – Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept. – Roxbury, VT

Stream and Pond Sampling Volunteers Needed – Acid Rain Monitoring Project – Various sites

Experienced Solar Technician – BPVS, Berkshire Photovoltaic Services – Adams, MA

Advocacy Center Director – Conservation Law Foundation – Boston

Recruitment Director – The Public Interest Network – Boston

Caretaker – Cold Brook Wildlife Sanctuary – Otis, MA

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Agency gives pipeline company green light for tree cutting in Otis State Forest

By Heather Bellow
The Berkshire Eagle
April 12, 2017

SANDISFIELD — The Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. has been given the green light to start clearing trees and begin building its natural gas storage loop through Otis State Forest.

In a letter dated Tuesday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said the company can start laying pipes for the company’s 13 mile, $93 million Connecticut Expansion Project that will also run through parts of New York and Connecticut.

The letter said the company had filed the necessary information “to meet the pre-construction environmental conditions.”

It’s been a big controversy in Berkshire County, in part because the state-owned land is protected by Article 97 of the state Constitution, and because it borders an old growth forest and a pristine lake in a treasured state park. While the project will run along an existing pipeline run, that corridor has to be expanded to make room for the new project.

Tennessee Gas was planning to begin the work more than a year ago, but it ran into delays when the state Attorney General’s Office sued because the project required that the state grant the easement.

Berkshire Superior Court Judge John A. Agostini ruled last May that eminent domain through the Natural Gas Act of 1938 trumped state law, and set the company’s plans in motion.

“Article 97 of our state Constitution is meant to protect the right of our citizens to the quality of life that clean water and undeveloped open space can provide,” said Paula Kohler, a Sandisfield resident. “It is a shame when that protection is made useless by federal law.”

Local environmental groups, whose legal actions also delayed the project, are still hoping to hold the company’s feet to the fire during clearing and construction.

“They have to work in accordance with all the permits issued for the project,” said Kathryn Eiseman, director of the Massachusetts PipeLine Awareness Network.

“There are erosion control measures, protections for vernal pools, and wetland replication as part of the commonwealth’s mitigation package.”

“That’s assuming that Kinder Morgan in fact follows the law,” she added. Kinder Morgan is the parent company of Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co.

Kinder Morgan spokesman Richard Wheatley referred questions about the company’s adherence to permit conditions to FERC, and would only say the project had been well vetted before it was approved.

“The project received a thorough and thoughtful review by state and federal agencies during the last two years,” he said, adding that the company is “pleased” to have the go-ahead. He also said the project will help feed increasing demand for natural gas in the Northeast.

It was unclear when the company would begin construction work.

Yet there is another wrinkle still outstanding with FERC: The Narragansett Indian Tribal Historic Preservation Office filed a letter of opposition with the agency last week over the company’s request to proceed with tree clearing, saying the matter of sacred Native American sites in the pipeline path had not been fully attended to.

State Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli, D-Lenox, said he isn’t surprised by FERC’s notice, but he said all the delays to the company’s plans were important to local protections.

“It was well worth the fight, though I knew it was going to be an uphill battle,” he said, adding his famous line about agency in this situation, “once again, we got FERC-ed.”

But throughout the battle to save this forest, Pignatelli said he wanted to protect Sandisfield, population 800, from what will be an invasion of heavy equipment that will exert wear and tear on the town’s already rough roads and other infrastructure.

Kinder Morgan and town attorneys had drafted an agreement that the company would give the town roughly $1 million to mitigate this, and reimburse $40,000 in attorney fees for this negotiation.

But the agreement — also made verbally — was never signed.

“I hope Kinder Morgan will be honorable and fulfill the agreement,” Pignatelli said.

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Residents, businesses, officials decry Eversource rate hike at Department of Public Utilities hearing

By Carrie Saldo
The Berkshire Eagle
April 10, 2017

PITTSFIELD — Disproportionate. Exorbitant. And greedy. Those were among the words used, again and again, by residents and business owners alike to characterize a proposed rate increase by Eversource. They asked the state to reject its request.

Eversource wants state Department of Public Utilities’ approval to raise its rates by more than $96 million next year and $50 million annually for the next four years, according to the state’s attorney general. If approved, the proposed increase would add $11.64 to the average monthly bill for residential customers who live in the west and $8.45 for those living in the east as of Jan. 1, 2018, according to Eversource.

For Eversource’s commercial and industrial customers, the proposal would increase electricity rates up to 37 percent in Western Massachusetts. The rates for businesses in the east would decrease.

Eversource officials have said the proposed increase is needed to offset its operating deficit of nearly $96 million.

The DPU held a public hearing on the proposed increases in Pittsfield Monday night, one of several it is hosting statewide on the issue.

It was standing room only inside the Berkshire Athenaeum auditorium, where about 275 people filled it and an adjacent room.

Jane Winn of Pittsfield spoke of the diverse interests of those at the hearing. Head of the Berkshire Environmental Action Team, Winn pointed to fellow environmentalists, social justice advocates, business owners, state and local elected leaders and more.

Different though they are, she said they all agree on one thing: “We are all united against this rate hike, please take us into consideration,” she said.

Many who spoke at the hearing said they were skeptical of the company’s reasons for the proposed increase. They also said the increase is unfair to customers here, who on average earn less annually, versus the more affluent eastern part of the state.

“We are smaller, we are older, we are sicker and we are poorer,” State Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli said. “Those are four facts that we cannot dispute about Berkshire County.”

Electricity rates for commercial and industrial customers in Massachusetts are among highest in the country, behind Alaska, Connecticut and Hawaii.

The proposed increase would impact the bottom line of commercial customers from $41,000 to over $1 million, according to testimony given to the DPU Monday.

Pittsfield Mayor Linda M. Tyer said the city’s bill would increase $1.3 million.

“This will undermine growth, threaten job security, and jeopardize the economic prosperity of every citizen,” she said.

Brendan Ronayne, senior finance manager for crane currency, said it is in the middle of a five-year, fixed-rate contract with the United States government to make its currency paper. He said it anticipates paying $550,000 more to Eversource while the electric company would receive “excessive” returns.

Pat Begrowicz, owner of Onyx Specialty paper in Lee, stressed the disproportionate nature of Eversource’s proposed increase.

She said the company would generate $2.2 million from the 18 largest ratepayers in Western Mass. Meanwhile, 112 similar companies in the east will see their rates decline.

“This exacerbates the divide between east and west,” she said.

The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation announces David McGowan of Brookline, MA, as its next Executive Director

WRLF Press Release
April 7, 2017

In 2006, Mr. McGowan took a position with The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts. Many of his projects at the Conservancy focused on adaptation to climate change, including a project to provide flood storage along the Taunton River, and the protection of an 800-acre property in Copake, New York that creates a large wildlife corridor within the Berkshire-Taconic landscape.

Following a productive year at Mass Audubon, Mr. McGowan joins the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation in July with an eye towards continuing the work of the organization in the areas of land conservation and nature education. Rural Lands will continue to provide meaningful engagement for the citizens of Williamstown.

Mr. McGowan will succeed outgoing Executive Director Leslie Reed-Evans, who has been with the WRLF for almost 23 years. Leslie counts the WRLF’s acquisition and move to Sheep Hill as one of its greatest accomplishments during this time. In addition to the preservation of Sheep Hill and its development as a community resource, WRLF has successfully completed several important and innovative farm protection projects and added many miles of public hiking trails.

The President of the Foundation, Philip McKnight, summed up the transition of its leadership this way, “Leslie Reed-Evans’s retirement comes as a bittersweet moment in the life of the Foundation. She has over her career been instrumental in the development and the continued success of its land conservation efforts and its nature education programs.

We are grateful for Leslie’s commitment over more than two decades to the mission and the purpose of Rural Lands. David McGowan’s role as our next Executive Director will permit us to continue our important work in both the preservation of the Town’s beautiful landscape and in aiding in the equally important task of fostering the Town’s economic development by helping make our community a destination for visitors and new homeowners alike.”

The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation is a non-profit, member-supported land conservation trust which just celebrated 30 years of working to preserve open and accessible space for the benefit of present and future generations. WRLF also serves as a catalyst to increase public awareness over land-use issues and options, to promote responsible land stewardship, and to connect the community to the region’s natural heritage through outdoor education and programs.

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New England Wildflower Society (NEWFS) Receives Grant to Fund Pollinator Gardens in Massachusetts – Apply now!

You might be a perfect applicant if you are able to make a strong case for having a pollinator habitat at your facility and are interested in hosting a day long pollinator workshop. The application clearly states a list of eligibility criteria you must meet completely before writing your application.

If you or your organization is interested in being selected, there are just 3 short weeks to complete the grant using the guidelines and to submit the application. You must have an individual who can write your grant by the deadline.

Need help? The Western Mass Pollinator Networks can provide some limited help to your grant-writer and support your application. We are a six-month old tax-exempt project facilitating collaborative actions among individuals and groups to expand pollinator networks all over western Mass. By sharing this opportunity with you, we are encouraging eligible applicants to apply for this grant.

Find out whether you are eligible to apply*, and then download and fill out the

Workshop Host and Garden Installation Application and return it to NEWFS by April 30.

*Eligibility: Before you write the application, I recommend you contact Jessica Pederson at NEWFS to make sure your group or organization is eligible to apply. Jessica Pederson: jpederson@newenglandwild.org 508-877-7630 Ext. 3302

Good luck! We would be thrilled if an applicant from western Massachusetts was selected as an awardee!

Best,

Peggy MacLeod and Amy Pulley, for Western Mass Pollinator Networks

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Utility Disconnections Leave Thousands around the Nation “Out in the Cold” or Left in the Dark

NAACP
March 31, 2017

NAACP Report Outlines Disproportionate Impact of Utility Shut-Offs on Poor and African American Communities

BALTIMORE, MD –According to a new report from the NAACP, utility company shut off policies disproportionately impact low-income and African American communities, literally leaving thousands in the dark, stranded in the cold during winter or severely impacted by sweltering summer temperatures.

With 2016 on record as the hottest year to date, and January of this year documented as the 3^rd hottest January on record, many are looking at the coming summer and winter months with fear and dread regarding the potential for utility shut-offs, that leave a disproportionate number of African American and poor communities in the dark and out in the cold.

“The life-threatening fact that 16 of the 17 hottest years on record have occurred since 2000, means climate change and global warming are painful household realities for those whose heat, air-conditioning and power are shut off. Dangerous and unnecessary shut offs in the sweltering heat and frigid cold disproportionately impact low-income, the elderly and communities of color,” said NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks. “The measure of our great nation is not unreasoned and unrestrained profitability but rather reasoned solutions and unrestrained compassion for vulnerable populations. This report is inspired by such compassion and offers such solutions,” emphasized NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks.

The report issued by the NAACP’s Environmental and Climate Justice Program (ECJP) shows lower income communities spend a greater portion of income on electricity and heating costs than high-income communities. African Americans are twice as likely to live in poverty as non-African Americans and spend a significantly higher fraction of their household income on electricity and heating as non-African Americans, who spend more on energy used in the production and consumption of goods.

Since African Americans make up a higher percentage of low-income households, their vulnerability to high energy prices and in turn utility disconnections is exacerbated at levels disproportionate to other groups due to rate hikes or swings in weather.

The NAACP’s ECJP in analyzing state policies concerning utility shut-offs, showed:

customers with limited income bear a disproportionate burden of energy bills;
disconnections have a disparate impact on low-income communities and communities of color;
customers may be reliant on utility services for medical devices and life-supporting systems;
vulnerable customers’ use of hazardous heating, cooling, and lighting measures can have harmful and even fatal results.

NAACP ECJP also highlights the inconsistencies in state shut-off polices, which makes it tougher to implement national utility reforms. States and the District of Columbia are uniform only in the fact that all are required to send out disconnection notices, yet:

7 states offer no payment plans to cure delinquency;
8 states have no medical protection policies on affecting disconnection of services;
11 states have no disconnection limitation polices;
14 states have no date-based protection policies. Date based – set specific dates of when customers cannot without due diligence be disconnected from a utility service;
28 states have no temperature-based policies: Meaning regardless of how cold it becomes, utilities can be shut-off;
11 states have no disconnection limitations; and
36 states have reconnection fees.

These inconsistencies in consumer protections result in thousands of individuals and families each year ending up with no heat or power in their homes during the worst of times.

Unfortunately, these numbers are slated to expand tremendously due to President Donald Trump’s proposed elimination of the Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The elimination of LIHEAP would disparately impact over a million African Americans, and nearly 7 million Americans who utilize LIHEAP.

Jobs

Outreach and Education Coordinator – BEAT – Pittsfield

The Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) is seeking an Outreach and Education Coordinator for 20-25 hrs/week. The job pays $15/hour. Pay is monthly. Must be absolutely passionate about wildlife and wildlife habitat protection! 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: producing the weekly e-newsletter called The BEAT News, website updates, social media updates, writing and distributing press releases, scheduling monthly Green Drinks guests and publicizing same, set up/break down and attendance at monthly Pittsfield Third Thursdays from May to September as well as tabling at many other events throughout the county.

Must be available to work evenings & weekends several times every month. Must be extremely detail oriented and able to work without supervision. Knowledge of full suite of Microsoft Office products or similar software. Ability to use Google Groups and docs. Some knowledge of HTML a definite plus – will be required to learn some HTML programming. Must be an articulate writer. Please send resume, cover letter, and writing sample of why you care about wildlife habitat protection 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!

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Executive Director – Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) – Belmont, MA

The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) seeks an Executive Director. MACC is a small membership-based non-profit, established in 1961, that protects Massachusetts’ wetlands, open space, and biological diversity through environmental education, advocacy, and support of Massachusetts conservation commissions. The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer, reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for achievement of MACC’s mission and financial objectives; program planning, development and oversight; board and community relations; finances and fundraising; legislative and regulatory advocacy; and staff supervision. The Executive Director supervises two full-time and one part-time staff.

The successful candidate will have an understanding of relevant Massachusetts environmental laws, regulations, and policy; successful experience in non-profit management and fundraising; a passion for natural resources, and excellent presentation and writing skills. Compensation is commensurate with experience and MACC’s budget.

For a full description of the position, please visit MACC’s website jobs page and download the position description: http://www.maccweb.org/page/ResJobsVolunteering

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume by May 15, 2017, to staff@maccweb.org.

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Bird Research Technicians – Aton Forest – Norfolk, CT

Aton Forest, Inc. has been awarded an Audubon Connecticut Important Bird Area Grant for 2017 to conduct Breeding Bird Surveys and Breeding Territory Studies in northwestern Connecticut. Two experienced birders will be hired in 2017 as Research Technicians to conduct and report on this project.

Brief Description of Project: This grant will continue and expand the breeding bird research conducted at Aton Forest by hiring two experienced birders to complete breeding bird surveys along three established survey lines and determine breeding territories within selected managed shrub land and meadow habitats at Aton Forest, Norfolk, CT. Data from such study will go into the eBird database and contribute to the understanding of the distribution, populations, behavior and habitat use of Connecticut’s birds.

Aton Forest (AF) is an ecological research field station in the Northwest Hills of Connecticut in the northeast corner of the Town of Norfolk. The Forest was designated an Audubon Important Bird Area in 2015. Because of its location the Forest falls within a rather unique geographical area of Connecticut, part of the Berkshire Plateau, with many plants and animals more common further north. The elevation, topography, terrain, weather, climate, and flora all contribute to its special nature. This uniqueness is also reflected in the variety of forest birds that breed there each year. Breeding forest birds include: cerulean warbler, black-throated blue warbler, black-throated green warbler, least flycatcher, magnolia warbler, wood thrush, eastern towhee, American woodcock, and ruffed grouse to name just a few. The AF breeding bird surveys were begun in 2002 and have been conducted continuously to the present day. All breeding bird survey data has been entered into the citizen science database eBird, as well as records maintained at Aton Forest.

Specific Goals and Objectives of Project: There are two goals of the project: one, to organize two breeding bird surveys on each of the three interior survey lines and, two, to determine bird breeding territories within selected managed shrub land and meadow habitats at Aton Forest. The breeding bird line surveys will be conducted between June 1 and 15, 2017; the breeding territory study will be accomplished between June 1 and 31, 2017. It is estimated that the project will require 72 hours per technician and wages will be $15 per hour. Aton Forest, Inc. will also make sleeping quarters, office space and a computer available for the researchers. Orientation, coordination and supervision will be provided by the Executive Director of Aton Forest, Inc.

There may also be an opportunity for student interns to work on this project, to assist the Research Technicians, to learn research techniques, to better their knowledge of northern Connecticut birds, and to further develop their birding skills.

Anyone interested please contact:

John Anderson, Executive Director, Aton Forest, Inc.
Email: contact@atonforest.org
Aton Forest, Inc.
P.O. Box 509
270 N. Colebrook Rd.
Norfolk, CT 06058
(860)542-5125

www.atonforest.org
www.sandybrook.org

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Summer Interns – Environmental Voter Project – Boston, MA

The Environmental Voter Project is now taking applications for the Summer Internship Program run out of our Boston headquarters.

The Environmental Voter Project is looking for highly-motivated undergraduates to join our selective Summer Internship Program. Interns will work closely with the Field Director and the CEO to learn about subjects such as field campaigning, nonprofit communications and data analytics. Interns will be expected to devote time to field outreach, senior staff support, event planning, research, and drafting of membership communications, blog posts, and stakeholder presentations. In addition to gaining valuable nonprofit advocacy skills, interns will become talented organizers and political operatives by learning the nuts and bolts of nonprofit work and electoral campaigning from an exciting and innovative organization. We are seeking responsible, motivated candidates who can commit to 24-32 hours per week for this program.

This is an unpaid internship in Boston, MA.

Our summer interns:

Learn the latest campaign mobilization techniques
Conduct voter turnout and election research projects
Attend weekly seminars on data analytics, polling, and the behavioral science of campaigns
Mobilize non-voting environmentalists to become more consistent voters
Gain valuable field and research skills for use on campaigns and advocacy nonprofits

You can find more details and application instructions here.

Please spread the word, and thank you for your support!

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Great Summer Jobs with Greenagers!

Apply now.

Greenagers employs 50 youth each year for work on local trails and farms, through our trail crews (3 in Berkshire County and 2 in Columbia County) and our Farm Apprenticeships.

Our new and improved Farm Apprenticeships program is the result of an exciting collaboration with Jen Salinetti of Woven Roots Farm in Tyringham, MA. Jen is the new Farm Apprenticeship Coordinator and she has designed a thorough farm/soil/food curriculum to bolster the paid apprenticeship experience. The program runs from April through November. Apprentices are matched with area farms and are expected to work a minimum of four hours per week on that farm. Apprentices will also participate in the Young Farmer Education Series, bi-monthly farm education workshops and farm tours led by Jen on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Workshops are held at Woven Roots Farm, Tyringham, MA and Greenagers, Housatonic, MA. Farm visits will take place throughout Central and South County.

Participant Requirements: 15-22 years old • Able to manage own transportation • Prepared to work outdoors for a minimum of 4 hours/week • Willing to commit to workshop and farm visit schedule • Ready to engage in community dialogue and discovery

Workshop Topics Include • The Soil Food Web • Food Systems • Food Literacy • Food Diversity • Food Justice • Sustainability • Wholesome Food Preparation

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Jen Salinetti, Program Coordinator.

Apply for a Farm Apprenticeship.

Trail Crews consist of 6-8 youth aged 15-24 and one skilled leader with a minimum of 3 years field experience. Our 2017 Trail Crew options are:

~ Appalachian Trail Crew – runs for 4 weeks in July, Mondays to Fridays. This crew camps on-site during the week, returning home for weekends.

~ Community Crews (2 in Berkshire County) run 6 weeks in July and August, Mondays to Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Community Crews build and maintain trails for local land trusts and organizations and begin and end each workday at the Greenagers office in Great Barrington.

~ Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) Trail Crews – 2 crews based in Columbia County that build and maintain trails on CLC-owned land.

For more information, please contact Elia Del Molino, Trails Coordinator.

Apply for a trail crew member position.

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Aquatic Habitat Technician – Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept. – Roxbury, VT

Category: Temporary

Start date: May 1, 2017 (flexible) End Date: Oct. 30, 2017 (flexible)

Responsibilities: This seasonal position will assist with field assessments of stream crossing structures (culverts and bridges) to assess aquatic organism passage and geomorphic compatibility, and with assessments of state owned riparian lands. The technician will assist with measurements and data recording in the field, and data entry and analysis on a computer. The technician will be expected to lift 50 lbs. and work outdoors under adverse weather conditions. The position may involve some overnight travel.

Qualifications: Associates Degree or higher in biological-life, or physical sciences, math or natural resources field, OR high school diploma or equivalent and two years of work experience in engineering, a biological-life or physical science, math, or natural resources field. The successful candidate will possess excellent organizational skills, be self-motivated, familiar with the collection and entry of data and interact courteously with the general public.

Contact: Will Eldridge [william.eldridge@vermont.gov]

To apply: Send a cover letter describing experience, interest in the position and career goals; resume; and name and contact information for two references to Will Eldridge by April 3, 2017.

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Stream and Pond Sampling Volunteers Needed – Acid Rain Monitoring Project – Various sites

The Acid Rain Monitoring Project is seeking volunteers to sample streams and ponds across Massachusetts. Currently, we have over 80% of the 150 sites covered, but we still need volunteers at 24 sites. Most of these sites are southwest of Boston from Quincy down through Attleboro, Taunton, Fall River, and Westport. There are also two sites available near Pittsfield. To view all of the available sites, please see the map on our website that indicates which sites still need volunteers:
https://wrrc.umass.edu/research/projects/acid-rain-monitoring-project/information-volunteers

Please contact Travis Drury, below, if you are interested in sampling these sites on Sunday, April 2^nd. Also, please forward this email to anyone in those areas who may be interested in volunteering for this project.

Thank you,
Travis Drury, ARM Statewide Coordinator
Mass. Water Resources Research Center
203 Ag Engineering Building
250 Natural Resources Rd
Amherst, MA 01003
413-545-5979 or tdrury@umass.edu

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Experienced Solar Technician
BPVS, Berkshire Photovoltaic Services – Adams, MA

BPVS, Berkshire Photovoltaic Services, Inc is seeking a full time experienced solar technician. Minimum requirements are a High School Diploma, valid drivers license, 1 year experience in solar design and installation is required. NABCEP certification and a valid Massachusetts Construction Supervisors License is a plus. Competitive compensation based on experience and excellent benefits.

Please send resume & cover letter to Becca Martin at Becca@bpvs.com.

BPVS, Berkshire Photovoltaic Services, Inc
46 Howland Ave
Adams, MA 01220
HIC MA 131996
Tel.: 413-743-0152
Fax: 413-743-4827

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Advocacy Center Director – Conservation Law Foundation –
Boston MA

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking an experienced and innovative advocate on energy and the environment to lead its Massachusetts Advocacy Center, the largest of its five Advocacy Centers in New England. Working with the President, the Executive Vice President, and CLF senior staff, the Massachusetts Advocacy Center Director (ACD) will be responsible for developing and implementing an advocacy program for Massachusetts with the potential to impact law and policy throughout New England and nationally. Responsibilities include managing the Massachusetts Advocacy Center staff, working with the Massachusetts Advisory Board, and establishing and deepening relationships with members, partner organizations, businesses, government agencies, supporters, media, and the public.

This position is based in CLF’s Boston, Massachusetts office.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be:

 A highly motivated individual with 7 or more years of advocacy experience in environment, energy, or related public interest fields.

 Able to devise effective strategies for achieving advocacy goals and objectives;

 Able to coordinate among diverse partners and understand how advocacy campaigns function;

 Experienced in law, policy and politics at the federal, state, and local levels;

 Able to take complicated issues and communicate them in a way that is accessible to new audiences

 Experienced writing blogs and opinion pieces, and using social media platforms for advocacy and social change;

 Able to create and implement strategic advocacy campaigns;

 Experienced as a media spokesperson (print and broadcast);

 Experienced in fundraising including identifying prospects and cultivating major donors and grant funders;

 An individual possessing excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, having respect for a diversity of opinions, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment;

 Accustomed to articulating and meeting measurable goals; and

 Experienced managing an operating budget and professional staff.

Responsibilities

The Massachusetts ACD:

 Manages the Massachusetts Advocacy Center and reports directly to the President and the Executive Vice President (EVP);

 Works with program directors (PDs), the managing director of CLF Ventures and the EVP, to develop and implement advocacy goals and strategies in the state;

 Serves as the hiring manager for, supervises and mentors staff advocates, legal assistants, legal interns and fellows, office managers and volunteers in her/his state, in coordination with PDs where appropriate;

 Works closely with senior staff colleagues and CLF constituencies to develop and execute fundraising strategies in her/his state, manage operations and expenses of her/his state office and develop and execute media strategy in the state;

 Manages and works closely with the CLF Massachusetts Advisory Board to maximize relevance, visibility and effectiveness of advocacy in Massachusetts, and to develop and execute fundraising strategies;

 Represents CLF at the Massachusetts state legislature, in legal and regulatory proceedings at the state and federal level, at public forums, media events and conferences;

 Develops, directs and stewards relationships with relevant NGOs, government agencies, political and legislative representatives, the business community and other stakeholders in her/his state;

 Manages the Massachusetts office, including its operating budget, administrative matters, a staff of professionals, and an office manager;

 Collaborates with other CLF staff at all levels on interdisciplinary matters; and

 Contributes to the strategic direction and stewardship of the organization throughout the region.

Experience in a nonprofit public interest advocacy setting is highly desirable. A law degree and litigation experience at the state court, federal district court, and/or appellate court levels are preferred, but would not be required for an appropriate candidate.

Salary and Benefits

CLF offers a competitive salary, an extensive benefits plan, and an open, inclusive and accepting work environment where differences are highly respected.

To Apply

Send your resume titled “your last name-first initial-resume” (e.g. “SMITH J RESUME”) and a detailed cover letter titled “your last name-first initial-cover” (e.g. “SMITH J COVER”) to careers@clf.org. Please make “MA ACD” the subject of your e-mail. No phone calls please.

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Recruitment Director at The Public Interest Network

We have organizers currently work in 25 states working with national campaigns to get our country to 100 percent renewable energy, ban the use of bee-killing pesticides, and end the overuse of antibiotics on factory farms.

Right now, we’re looking for a Recruitment director to help leverage our strong field presence, team of 30+ staff and our track record of results to help identify and hire our next leaders.

WHAT YOU’LL DO WITH IMPACT
The Recruitment Director is responsible for recruiting talented entry-level staff to run campaigns on some of our country’s biggest issues. Specific responsibilities include:

Recruitment strategy: The Recruitment Director works with staff across the country to coordinate messaging and carry out comprehensive plans to meet our overall staffing goals.
Candidate outreach: The Recruitment Director identifies top potential candidates, conducts interviews and makes hiring decisions.
Networking: The Recruitment Director develops strategic relationships with partner organizations, universities and serves as the public face for our recruitment efforts at conferences, career panels and job forums.
Tracking and data analysis: The Recruitment Director oversees our tracking and data analysis to identify trends and opportunities.
Operations management: The Recruitment Director oversees daily operations of the department, including creating and managing the department’s budget and overseeing systems and candidate communications.
During the summer, you’ll run a canvass office, building the organization by canvassing and training others to canvass.

PAY AND BENEFITS
Target annual compensation for this position is commensurate with the relevant professional experience and/or advanced degrees that a candidate has. We value experience with project management, networking and running grassroots campaigns. Impact offers a competitive benefits package.

LOCATIONS
Denver CO, Boston MA, or Washington DC

TO APPLY
http://bit.ly/2kGkuNm

APPLY by March 1, 2017

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Caretaker – Cold Brook Wildlife Sanctuary – Otis, MA

Contact Person: Stephen Hutchinson
Contact Email: shutchinson@massaudubon.org

Job Description:The Resident Caretaker serves as a friendly and professional representative of Mass Audubon to wildlife sanctuary visitors, as well as within nearby communities of the property. The caretaker provides ongoing security and monitoring of the property and responds quickly to emergency issues as they arise. He/she performs facility and/or property management duties on the property for a specified number of hours each week, often in conjunction with Mass Audubon staff and/or volunteers. Residing in a Mass Audubon residence on the premises is a requirement, which includes signing and abiding by all the provisions of a housing license. Housing provided in exchange for 8 hours/week work. Caretaker responsible for utilities. This position runs from February 1, 2017 through July 31, 2017 with a possible extension after that initial time period.

Responsibilities: Property Management 1. Ensure the maintenance and security of the properties by regularly monitoring and patrolling the premises, as well as responding to emergencies as they arise. Arrange for alternative security if absent from property for more than 24 hours. 2. Maintain grounds, buildings, and property as needed by: assisting in developing and maintaining a schedule of tasks to be completed, keeping records and reporting monthly to supervisor on tasks planned and completed; supervising contracted services, as well as volunteers; assisting with purchasing supplies and equipment;assisting with equipment and building repair and maintenance; and providing support for ecological management activities. Work independently at times as well as identify and resolve facility and property maintenance issues. 3. Assist Mass Audubon staff and volunteers with tasks related to the sanctuary or other Mass Audubon properties as directed. Visitor and Community Relations Ensure positive visitor experiences; promote membership in Mass Audubon; assist visitors with orientation and admission; install and maintain interpretative signage and exhibits; and establish and maintain positive community relations.

Qualifications: Demonstrated interest and support for the mission and goals Mass Audubon. Mature, responsible, and organized; experience in buildings and grounds maintenance, including proficiency in using hand tools, operating power tools, vehicles, and landscaping equipment, Must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license. Must have at least two years related experience. Strong ability and willingness to communicate well with staff, volunteers. and thepublic.

Physical Demands: The physical demands listed are representative of those that must be met by the caretaker to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodation maybe made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. While performing the duties of this position, the caretaker is required to talk, hear, sit,stand, and walk. The caretaker is required to bend/stoop, crawl/kneel, carry, reach, push/pull,walk over uneven terrain, and operate power tools and equipment, climb ladders, and lift up to 50 lbs. The caretaker is required to apply limited manual dexterity in combination with eye-hand coordination, such as basic keyboarding, basic hand tools and equipment, filing, operating office equipment, and operating a motor vehicle. The caretaker must have good vision to read documents for general understanding and for analytical purposes. Occasionally, the caretaker is required to review non-written materials for general observation purposes and for analytical,detailed purposes. Occasionally it is necessary for the caretaker to differentiate between colors.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that the caretaker encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Routinely work is performed outdoors or in unheated building spaces.Work may require performing responsibilities on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Tools and Equipment Used: The employee is required to use a personal computer and general office equipment (e.g., telephone, calculator, adding machine, copier, facsimile, etc.) as well as hand tools, ladders, power equipment, and vehicles. May require the use of two-way radios for communication with staff. Requires a valid driver’s license.

Compensation and Benefits: Housing provided in exchange for 8 hours/week work. Caretaker responsible for utilities. This position runs from February 1, 2017 through July 31, 2017 with a possible extension after initial time period.

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Streamflow Restoration Specialist (Environmental Analyst II) – Boston

Date of posting: 1/26/17

Closing: The position will remain open until filled. However, first consideration will be given to those candidates who apply within the first 14 days.

The Streamflow Restoration Specialist works with partners to gather and assess high quality data on streamflow and to promote and support restoration of more natural streamflow regimes and aquatic ecosystem health. This position will support the collection and analysis of streamflow data to inform sustainable water management and ecological restoration actions. Work will involve monitoring equipment installation and maintenance, field measurements, local outreach and education, volunteer coordination, technical and policy support, and data analysis and modeling. The Streamflow Restoration Specialist will also coordinate and manage holistic streamflow restoration projects, and provide technical assistance, such as monitoring support, to the Division of Ecological Restoration’s river and wetland restoration projects. This is anticipated to be a one-year contract position. Interested candidates can learn more about DER and view the full job announcement here: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/der/.

To apply online, please visit the MassCareers website at

https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=160008O5

For more information about the position, please contact Michelle Craddock at michelle.craddock@state.ma.us or 617-626-1544.

Michelle Craddock
Watershed Ecologist
Division of Ecological Restoration
Department of Fish and Game
251 Causeway Street Boston, MA 02114
617-626-1544

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