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Appeals court delays Otis State Forest pipeline project

In a setback for Kinder Morgan’s Otis State Forest pipeline plans, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit has ruled that it has no jurisdiction to hear arguments about the project’s water quality permit until the Commonwealth has finalized its review of the permit. On March 15, the Court held that the Natural Gas Act does not allow pipeline companies to leapfrog over state administrative procedures in order to expedite their projects. This is the first time a federal Circuit Court has interpreted the relevant language in the Natural Gas Act. By Mary Douglas, The Berkshire Edge, April 2, 2017. <more>

Registration Underway for Canoe Meadows Community Gardens

Mass Audubon rents space in its popular organic gardens to members and nonmembers alike at Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary on Williams Street in Pittsfield. Participants have been growing vegetables, flowers, and herbs at the two-acre gardens site for over three decades.  Several gardeners describe it as “the most scenic location to plant a garden in Berkshire County.” <more>

Adams BagShare Project Gaining Momentum

 The Adams BagShare Project is not only making waves in town but across the region and the country. Town Administrator Tony Mazzucco held a small meeting at Town Hall on Thursday to mark the first day of the town’s plastic bag ban and to thank those involved in the project charged with creating 8,400 reusable grocery bags out of recycled material – one for each resident. “It is a positive step for Adams sand the Berkshire as we continue to make our communities more sustainable … We are moving the town to a green future,” Mazzucco said. “Adams is emerging as a shining star now that we have partnered with the BagShare Project.” By Jack Guerino, iBerkshires, <more>

Major Fracked-Gas Pipeline Leak Shuts Down Rhode Island Interstate

A major natural gas leak caused parts of Providence, Rhode Island to shut down Wednesday night. The leak, which shut down Interstate 195 and city streets for several hours, was caused by a ruptured high-pressure gas line near a National Grid take station plant at Franklin Square around 8:15 p.m. Local witnesses reported “a loud sound of rushing air” and “a faint smell of natural gas” coming from the Allens Ave. plant. According to The Providence Journal, a dramatic scene unfolded in the area. By Lorraine Chow, Ecowatch, March 30, 2017 <more>

“The Hudson, A River at Risk” Film Screenings Underway

The Hudson is known as America’s “First River.” About two years ago, Ocean 8 Films  undertook the project, “The Hudson, A River at Risk,” to draw attention to some of the ongoing environmental concerns, including bomb trains loaded with crude oil coursing along its banks, the continued pollution by PCBs going back to the 1940s, the serious debate over the future of the nuclear power plant at Indian Point. Oceans 8 Films and the One Ocean Media Foundation originated in the Hudson Valley and the river and its beauty have been a backdrop of and inspiration to much of their work over the years. It is an environment to both be celebrated, and protected. <more>

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Jobs

Outreach and Education Coordinator – BEAT – Pittsfield

Summer Interns – Environmental Voter Project – Boston

Farm Apprentices and Trail Crew Members – Greenagers – Great Barrington

Stream Team and Water Quality Monitoring Volunteers – Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) – Rivers and Streams

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

Stewardship Coordinator – Berkshire Natural Resources Council – Pittsfield, Massachusetts

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 FoundationBoston

Recruitment Director – The Public Interest Network – Boston

Caretaker – Cold Brook Wildlife Sanctuary – Otis, MA

Streamflow Restoration Specialist (Environmental Analyst II) – Boston



“The Hudson, A River at Risk” Film Screenings Underway

The Hudson is known as America’s “First River.” About two years ago, Ocean 8 Films  undertook the project, “The Hudson, A River at Risk,” to draw attention to some of the ongoing environmental concerns, including bomb trains loaded with crude oil coursing along its banks, the continued pollution by PCBs going back to the 1940s, the serious debate over the future of the nuclear power plant at Indian Point.

Oceans 8 Films and the One Ocean Media Foundation originated in the Hudson Valley and the river and its beauty have been a backdrop of and inspiration to much of their work over the years. It is an environment to both be celebrated, and protected. 

The company will be presenting the film up and down the Hudson River Valley between April 5th and June 13th.

See the schedule of screenings HERE

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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!


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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Water Quality Monitoring Volunteers – HVA – Rivers and Streams

Training

Saturday, April 1         10am – Noon              Bill Laston Memorial Park, Rte 7,  Lanesborough, MA

To prepare for collecting water samples at designated locations on Wahconah Falls Brook and the Southwest Branch of the Housatonic River. Volunteers will need to be available for one morning, once a month, from April through October. We are aiming to collect the second week each month, but collection must follow a dry weather period, therefore an exact date each month will need to be determined. Volunteers will need transportation to their water sampling site(s) and must be physically able to collect the sample(s). All equipment will be provided.

Stream Team Volunteers – HVA – Rivers and Streams

Training

Tuesday, April 4th        5:30 – 7pm                  Mason Library, 231 Main Street, Great Barrington  AND

Saturday, April 8th         2:30 – 4:30pm            Berkshire Athenaeum, 1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield

This spring (mid April until the end of May) volunteers will help complete river assessments on the Southwest Branch of the Housatonic River (Pittsfield) and the Green River (Austerlitz, NY to Great Barrington) Volunteers will walk or paddle a 1 – 2 mile segment of the river and record observations.

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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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Stewardship Coordinator – Berkshire Natural Resources Council – Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Take your next career step as stewardship coordinator at Berkshire Natural Resources Council, a dynamic, growing organization in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. The Stewardship Coordinator monitors (and manages aspects of) BNRC’s fee simple lands, conservation restrictions and trail easements―over 20,000 acres all told, and increasing each year. You’ll be part of a team of landkeepers that is building and caring for the Berkshire High Road, a countywide trail network linking towns to nature. This is a great opportunity for professional growth and leadership in a beautiful locale just 2.5 hours from Boston and New York. Visit http://www.bnrc.org/contact-us-2/employment/ for full job description. Anticipated salary range of +/- $40,000-$45,000, plus generous benefits. Send cover letter and resume to Tad Ames, President, BNRC, 20 Bank Row, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Position will be advertised until filled.

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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 2nd. 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 w​ith 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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