Senate President Stan Rosenberg says energy and climate change to remain on Beacon Hill front burner
Energy will remain a top priority in the upcoming legislative session in Massachusetts, and any bill should “push the envelope” on climate change and push back against the influence of lobbyists, state Senate President Stan Rosenberg told a roomful of civic leaders gathered at a middle school cafeteria here. “We should be focusing our efforts on a robust energy debate, as early in the new term as possible,” Rosenberg said at a Dec. 3 Western Massachusetts Legislative Summit sponsored by the Hampshire Council of Governments. By Mary Serreze, MassLive, December 14, 2016 <more>
Action Alert: advocate for Carbon Pollution Pricing on Gov. Baker’s public comments for global warming solutions portal
From Our Friends at Climate Action Now – Deadline is TODAY, December 15th: Please use your voice as a citizen of Massachusetts to advocate for Carbon Pollution Fee and Rebate. Governor Baker has set up a public comment portal to collect citizen input on how to meet emission reduction rules as set forth in the Global Warming Solutions Act. Please do this before Dec 15, 2016.<more>
Divestment Movement Doubled in Size since 2015
Chorus of Groups and Citizens Demand 100% Percent
Renewable Energy by 2050
Bills now in Congress would push for 100 percent renewable energy economy by 2050, while survey finds seven in 10 Americans support such action. More than 450 organizations and individuals on Wednesday delivered a letter (pdf) calling on U.S. Congress to pass legislation that would work toward a 100 percent renewable energy economy by 2050. The twin bills—known as H.Res. 540, introduced in the House by Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and S.Res. 632, introduced in the Senate by Sens. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)—would set the goal of meeting the country’s energy needs with 100 percent renewable energy and ensuring that all people, especially those in frontline communities, have access to clean resources. By Nadia Prupis, Common Dreams, December 14, 2016.<more>
Obama’s Mad Dash to Protect the Environment
Jobs
Plant Conservation Volunteer – New England Wild Flower Society – Western Mass
Administrative and Event Assistant – Urban Sustainability Directors Network &
Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance – Remote position
Streamflow Protection Biologist (Fish & Wildlife Scientist III) – Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department – Montpelier, VT
Hoosic River Revival – Executive Director – North Adams, MA
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation – Executive Director – Williamstown, MA
Senate President Stan Rosenberg says energy and climate change to remain on Beacon Hill front burner
By Mary Serreze
MassLive
December 14, 2016
Energy will remain a top priority in the upcoming legislative session in Massachusetts, and any bill should “push the envelope” on climate change and push back against the influence of lobbyists, state Senate President Stan Rosenberg told a roomful of civic leaders gathered at a middle school cafeteria here.
“We should be focusing our efforts on a robust energy debate, as early in the new term as possible,” Rosenberg said at a Dec. 3 Western Massachusetts Legislative Summit sponsored by the Hampshire Council of Governments.
As for climate change, “we can’t afford to wait,” he said. “I anticipate a robust discussion in the Legislature.”
Rosenberg said the “hook” for assembling a comprehensive energy and climate bill would be the nearly immediate need to lift the cap on solar net metering.
“The solar net metering cap is going to be reached, and that will give us the opportunity we need to get everybody pushing harder for a much more aggressive approach,” Rosenberg said.
The cap limits how much solar energy utilities must buy. Last April, with solar projects stalled across the state, the Legislature passed a compromise to lift the cap by 3 percent. Lawmakers acknowledged that the bill was a short-term solution, because the cap would be hit again in 2017.
“If you want to put solar on your roof, your business, your farm, you have to hook up to the utilities, and there’s a formula that dictates how much the utilities have to accept at any one time,” Rosenberg said. “They are not entirely happy with that idea. So we have to revisit it from time to time. So that would be the entree, the hook that we would use to rejoin the climate change debate in Massachusetts.”
Many in the room, including local officials, had actively fought Northeast Energy Direct, a now-defunct natural gas pipeline plan that would have crossed dozens of rural towns in the region. The Texas-based Kinder Morgan withdrew plans for the pipeline in May, citing inadequate financial commitments.
At the Northampton conference, Rosenberg rebuffed a request from anti-fossil fuel activists to immediately head back to Boston and convene an emergency legislative session on climate change.
“There’s literally only five weeks left in this two-year legislative term,” he said. “It is impractical to think we’ll call a special session of (the) Legislature in the middle of the holiday season and get anything productive done.”
Rosenberg: Lobbyists had ‘undue influence’ over energy policy
However, in response to an audience question referencing “the undue influence of Associated Industries of Massachusetts” in shaping state energy policy, Rosenberg did not hold back.
“I think Associated Industries of Massachusetts is having an undue influence on the conversation around energy, in part because among their biggest supporters and members are the utilities,” he said. Registered lobbyists represent the the trade group’s interests on Beacon Hill.
Rosenberg said a number of clean energy provisions pushed by the Senate “were left on the cutting room floor” in a rush to forge a compromise with the House of Representatives and produce a bill on windpower and hydropower by the end of the term.
“We lost a lot with the conference process this year,” said Rosenberg. “And we were a little disappointed. But we are patient, and we are persistent. And we’ll have another opportunity this year to open the debate.”
Utilities are struggling with the transition from centralized power plants to a distributed electrical grid based upon renewables, smart technology, storage and energy efficiency, Rosenberg said.
Reached by telephone, a spokesman for Associated Industries of Massachusetts rejected Rosenberg’s characterization of their efforts to shape legislation.
“We represent the interests of 4,000 businesses across the state,” said Christopher Geehern, AIM’s vice president of marketing and communications. “They pay some of the highest electricity rates in the country. If advocating for small businesses constitutes ‘undue influence,’ then so be it.”
Geehern noted that AIM supported the energy bill signed by Gov. Charlie Baker in August. “We think it was a good compromise,” he said. “We didn’t get everything we wanted, and neither did they. That’s how democracy works.”
The final bill, celebrated by environmentalists and panned by large power generators, requires utilities to procure 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind and 1,200 megawatts of hydropower and other renewables through contracts spanning 15 or 20 years.
The Senate bill would have beefed up clean energy benchmarks, incentivized energy storage technologies, backed a slew of new efficiency measures, studied grid modernization, rejected ratepayer financing for fossil fuel pipelines, looked at new ways to finance renewable energy projects and more.
The competing bill from the House of Representatives had drawn criticism from environmentalists, who called the measure “timid.”
2016 energy bill ‘a good start’
The bill signed by Gov. Charlie Baker in August jettisoned many items on the Senate wish list, yet still represented landmark support for large renewable energy projects, including the state’s growing offshore wind industry.
The final bill, in addition to its procurement requirements, addressed the issue of natural gas leaks, included support for energy storage, gave a boost to small hydropower projects, created a panel to guide the decommissioning of Pilgrim nuclear power plant in Plymouth and offered tax incentives for energy upgrades at commercial and industrial properties.
Rosenberg last week called the 2016 energy bill “a good start,” but said more needs to be done.
As for lobbyists who might try to fight clean energy and climate policy, Rosenberg said they “have their heads in the sand” and are not looking down the road.
“Yes, there are costs associated with transitioning to a clean energy future,” he said. “But they’re looking at short-term costs. If you think the short-term costs are going to hurt, wait until you see the long-term costs associated with not changing our energy mix. We have to deal with climate change, which means reducing our use of fossil fuels.”
Rosenberg said Massachusetts’ aggressive approach to energy efficiency has helped lower utility bills for businesses and homeowners alike. “We are number one in the country in our effort to reduce our carbon footprint and fight climate change,” he said. “And energy efficiency makes sense economically.”
The Senate president said he hopes the Legislature will lift the cap on solar net metering, significantly increase the state’s clean energy procurement goals and review and revise MassSave, the 30-year-old conservation program run by utilities and funded by ratepayers.
Action Alert: advocate for Carbon Pollution Pricing on Gov. Baker’s public comments for global warming solutions portal
From Our Friends at Climate Action Now – Deadline is TODAY, December 15th
Please use your voice as a citizen of Massachusetts to advocate for Carbon Pollution Fee and Rebate. Governor Baker has set up a public comment portal to collect citizen input on how to meet emission reduction rules as set forth in the Global Warming Solutions Act.
Please do this before Dec 15, 2016.
Public comments will be entered into the public record. You may comment anonymously or use your name. Please do not use Climate Action Now for “3. Company or organization”; it’s more effective to comment as an individual citizen.
Voice your support for “carbon pollution fee and rebate as the most effective and efficient way to quickly move our economy away from fossil fuels and toward a renewable energy future.”
(You can use these words, or make your own message.)
Link to public comments portal: Click HERE
Instructions for portal: Click HERE
A more detailed sample letter: Click HERE (You can also send this complete letter to the governor’s office)
Learn more about Carbon Pollution Fee and Rebate with these 2 resources:
Divestment Movement Doubled in Size since 2015
A Message from 350.org, December 12, 2016
2016 has been a tough year. Devastating climate impacts and the reality of a dangerous, anti-climate federal government means holding onto hope is more important than ever — so let’s take a momemt to recognize our movement’s successes and learn from our victories.
A new report released today with our friends at Divest-Invest shows that the divestment movement doubled in size since 2015. 688 institutions across 76 countries who represent more than $5 trillion worth of assets have committed to divest!
And there’s more good news: New York’s American Museum of Natural History, one of the world’s most respected science museums, just slashed fossil fuel investments from its $650 million endowment.
This is big! Today’s news shows just how powerful divestment continues to be in the resistance against a rogue fossil fuel industry, and in shining a light on its devastating impacts. In times like these, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on what the divestment movement has been doing right.
- We are organizing for the long haul: It’s more important than ever to organize our communities and grow our movement from the grassroots up. The fossil fuel divestment movement has always believed that it will take more than just governments to address climate change, and that remains as true as ever.
- We are powerful: The fossil fuel industry is fighting for its life against a growing climate movement. 688 institutions including faith groups, cultural institutions, pension funds, and universities have committed to divest from fossil fuels, and resistance to fossil fuel projects is taking root all over the world. This is what happens when we organize and fight, and we must continue to fight.
- We are keeping the pressure on: In the face of a dangerous and anti-climate federal government and intensifying climate impacts, it’s more crucial than ever to push our institutions — especially locally — to step into their leadership and fight with our communities for climate justice.
The announcement today shows just how far the divestment movement has come.
Our work is not over, and there are many more challenges ahead. But the fossil fuel industry is weaker than it’s ever been and we remain strong on the side of climate justice.
Chorus of Groups and Citizens Demand 100% Percent Renewable Energy by 2050
Bills now in Congress would push for 100 percent renewable energy economy by 2050, while survey finds seven in 10 Americans support such action
The twin bills—known as H.Res. 540, introduced in the House by Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and S.Res. 632, introduced in the Senate by Sens. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)—would set the goal of meeting the country’s energy needs with 100 percent renewable energy and ensuring that all people, especially those in frontline communities, have access to clean resources.
“We need to transform the way we power the country, and we still have a long way to go. That is why we are calling for swift action to transition to 100 percent renewable energy and to ensure that the transition to clean energy helps lift up low-income and minority communities that have suffered some of the worst impacts of pollution,” the letter reads.
The signatories range from organizations such as Earthjustice, the Working Families Organization, and Public Citizen, to various state chapters of 350.org, Environment America, and Physicians for Social Responsibility, as well as dozens of elected officials and academics.
“Renewable energy is virtually unlimited and pollution-free, protecting our communities from global warming and other harmful pollution while revitalizing our local economies,” said Rob Sargent, energy program director at Environment America. “America needs a rapid transition to clean, renewable energy and our leaders need to get on board.”
The letter and the legislation come as a new poll conducted by Yale University and George Mason University finds that fully seven in 10 Americans believe that the U.S. should cut down on greenhouse gases and pursue renewable energy goals. The survey, which polled more than 1,200 people nationally, found that the respondents supported limiting C02 emissions from coal-powered plants even if that meant raising the cost of electricity.
Both the House and Senate resolutions recognize that low-income and communities of color are disproportionately affected by pollution and other impacts of climate change.
As Felipe Floresca, vice president of the Emerald Cities Collaborative, explains, that makes it particularly important to ensure that those communities are not left behind.
“We cannot afford to have an energy divide and create energy ghettos. There is an energy democracy movement developing with a clear intent of utilizing renewable energy as a critical tool to promote local sustainability, economic development and community resilience. With energy democracy, the goal is 100 percent renewable energy for all,” Floresca said.
Markey, who co-sponsored the Senate legislation, said, “Given the urgency of combating climate change, achieving 100 percent renewable energy isn’t just possible, it is necessary. By moving to 100 percent renewable energy, we can engage in job creation that is good for all creation. The United States must lead the global clean energy revolution.”
Grijalva added, “Climate change is both the greatest threat facing human kind, and also a tremendous economic opportunity if our nation rises to meet it. Every day our energy future becomes more obvious—either we live in the past and continue to degrade our environment, or we embrace the future of renewable energy which ensures our continued success on a global scale and leaves our children a clean and healthy planet.”
Obama’s Mad Dash to Protect the Environment
Outside Online
What environmentalists hope to accomplish before the 44th president leaves office.
Within a week of the election, League of Conservation Voterspresident Gene Karpsinski met with several key White House officials to deliver a single, consistent message on how they should address the administration’s unfinished environmental and energy business.
“You have been bold and aggressive so far. Don’t slow down at all now,” Karpinski told them. “This will be our last chance to make progress for four years. Be bold.”
They were pushing on an open door. President Obama and his top aides, who have ushered through an increasingly ambitious set of energy and environmental policies during his second term, have decided to flood the zone during his remaining couple of months in office. For months, they had envisioned finalizing a set of regulations and other executive actions that would set the stage for Hillary Clinton’s presidency; now they face the prospect of a Republican successor who has vowed to revive the U.S. fossil fuel industry and eliminate two regulations for every one he adopts.
Obama, who noted a week after the election that the federal government “is not a speedboat, it’s an ocean liner,” is determined to shift its trajectory as far to the left as possible before Donald Trump takes office in January. In many cases, that means exerting every federal lever still available to promote renewable energy, restrict drilling and coal extraction, and safeguard a handful of prized landscapes in the western United States.
Within the span of just two weeks after the election, the administration issued a series of key policies aimed at cementing environmental gains. It issued a five-year plan for offshore oil and gas drilling that halts such decisions in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas off Alaska, as well as in waters off the southeast Atlantic Coast. The administration also finalized a rule aimed at curbing accidental methane releases from oil and gas drilling on federal and tribal lands. Officials estimate the new methane rule—which compels reductions in gas flaring, more leak inspections, and the installation of new equipment in some operations—will cut annual emissions of the heat-trapping gas by 175,000 to 180,000 tons.
The Department of Justice also announced a settlement with Devon Energy that cancels 15 leases in the Badger-Two Medicine area of the Lewis and Clark National Forest in Montana, near Glacier National Park. The leases, which were initially leased under Ronald Reagan and have not been developed, had been the subject of a protracted legal dispute because the area is home to the creation story of the Blackfeet tribe and is close to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. And on December 4, the Army Corps of Engineers announced it would consider an alternate route for the $3.7 billion Dakota Access pipeline, which the Standing Rock tribe in North Dakota protested out of concern that the pipeline could pollute the tribe’s drinking water supplies and threaten sacred sites.
On the other side of the ledger, the Interior Department finalized a rulejust two days after the election that aims to expand wind and solar development on Bureau of Land Management–owned land by streamlining the permitting process and providing financial incentives for firms to bid on areas that have the best potential for generation capacity and the fewest conflicts with imperiled species.
“We don’t think about these decisions in the here and now. We’re thinking about it for generations forward,” Interior Secretary Sally Jewell explained to an audience at Georgetown University on November 29.
Republicans—who will control both chambers of Congress as well as the White House—have threatened to overturn some of these rules, especially those that restrict coal, oil, and gas exploration. While it takes at least a year to rewrite a regulation and even longer to overhaul a five-year leasing plan, the rules Obama has issued since June can be reversed under the Congressional Review Act, a 1996 law that has been used successfully just once in its 20-year history, to overturn an ergonomics rule adopted in 2001, at the very end of President Clinton’s second term. Under the law, the House and Senate can overturn a rule by a majority vote within 60 legislative days if the president signs the resolution of disapproval into law, and given the current congressional schedule, lawmakers will have several months to jettison Obama’s regulations even after he’s left office. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), who has frequently criticized the president’s energy and environmental policies, has already said, “We plan to use that technique vigorously in the next administration.”
Obama doesn’t seem too worried about these threats. Asked about it during a press conference on November 20, while traveling in Lima, Peru, he replied, “That’s their prerogative,” but “I feel very strongly these are the right things to do, and I’m going to make sure I do them.”
That means environmental advocates—who confess to going through alternating phases of deep depression and panic in recent weeks—are working doggedly to secure as many victories as they can over the next few weeks while they still have easy access to the Oval Office. Some of the as-yet-uncompleted actions are piecemeal regulations, such as Environmental Protection Agency standards aimed at preventing accidental chemical releases that haven’t been updated for a quarter century, a stream protection rule, and tighter energy efficiency standards for appliances ranging from furnaces to commercial boilers.
But others have a more overarching theme, such as protections for sacred Native American sites across the country. The Dakota Access pipeline decision and the recent settlement with Devon both fall under this category and have cheered the tribal-environmental alliance that elevated these issues to national prominence. Now attention has shifted to sites such as Bears Ears, a site in southeastern Utah that contains ancient Pueblo petroglyphs and other archeological treasures that remains vulnerable to looting and vandalism.
Five tribal nations have joined together to ask Obama to designate Bears Ears a national monument under the 1906 Antiquities Act and are seeking to manage a proposed 1.9 million-acre swath of land along with federal authorities. Many environmental groups have joined in the effort, arguing the move would safeguard a public resource and serve as an important precedent for tribal-federal relations.
“I think there’s a huge opportunity for President Obama to right historic wrongs by addressing the rights and welfare of sovereign tribal nations by answering their call to protect their sacred lands and waters,” said the Wilderness Society’s Jamie Williams in an interview.
Jobs
Plant Conservation Volunteer – New England Wild Flower Society
New England Wild Flower Society is seeking enthusiastic people who have a commitment to plant conservation and protecting natural habitats to participate in their Plant Conservation Volunteer Program. Plant Conservation Volunteers (PCVs) puts the skills of citizens to work collecting information on rare plants and their habitats across all six New England states. The majority of the work focuses on rare plant monitoring, but there are also opportunities to assist with invasive species removal, habitat management projects and botanical surveys that benefit rare plants. The Society also offers free field trips and some learning opportunities to PCVs. It’s an excellent opportunity to develop your botanical skills and put them to work, learn more about the flora of New England, meet others with similar interests, and help preserve your state’s natural heritage.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Attend the annual 1-day training session held on a weekend in March/April for each of the New England states to review surveying protocols and PCV guidelines. The schedule is on our website for training sessions.
- Review available surveys and choose ones for your abilities and/or surveys that will excel the New England Plant Conservation Program.
- Complete at least one rare plant survey including research on plant/accessing location, coordinating with other volunteers to survey, conducting the survey and completing and submitting field forms digitally through a secure website.
- Conduct possible seed collections on rare plants following specific protocols.
- Represent the PCV program and conduct work in a professional manner.
- Keep ALL data on rare plant populations confidential.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Good candidates are motivated, independent workers; have some skill in plant identification, good observation skills and are adventurous.
- Ability to collect and organize scientific data and filing field forms in a timely manner.
- Some computer proficiency is required for communication and submitting field forms.
- The physical ability to hike in uneven terrain and varying weather conditions.
- The ability to work independently or with a team of other volunteers.
- Ability to travel some distance to survey sites and endure possible long days in the field.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply visit our website and fill out the electronic application by February 1st, 2017:
http://newenglandwild.org/conserve/saving-imperiled-plants/plant-conservation.html/
Interested applicants with botanical knowledge and are outside of Eastern Massachusetts are encouraged to apply. All who are interested must apply and be accepted into the program before attending a training session due to the sensitive nature of rare plant data and data security agreements we have with each state’s Natural Heritage.
Applications are reviewed during the winter (January – February) to be considered for that field season year. To be considered for the 2017 season, please submit your application via the online application by February 1st, 2017.
QUESTIONS? Contact: Laney Widener, Botanical Coordinator, New England Wild Flower Society, 508-877-7630 ext. 3204, lwidener@newenglandwild.org
If you would like a botanical adventure, join the PCV program. This is a great way to meet new friends, explore a wide range of habitats while contributing to the knowledge of our flora. I joined the PCV program the first year it was in Maine and love it as a way to help our environment. ~ B. G.
Administrative and Event Assistant
Urban Sustainability Directors Network &
Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance
Position Type: Full-time
Position Description: The USDN/CNCA Administrative and Event Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting information exchange among members by delivering member services and providing support to other staff in a virtual team environment.
This position will provide the following administrative support: – Schedule meetings, conference calls, and webinars for members and staff, working with various national and international time zones and logistical challenges. – Assist with logistics for webinars and conference calls. – Assist with logistics for in-person meetings before, during, and after the events. – Format USDN/CNCA documents and presentations with branding and graphics. – Maintain member spreadsheets, website profiles, and tracking documents. – Assist in tracking member activity, including responses to scheduling polls, call attendance, and other participation data. – Track status and execution of subcontracts and partnerships. – Other administrative tasks as assigned.
Requirements: Education: – Associate’s degree required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. – Background in administrative assistance or customer service preferred. – Demonstrated interest in sustainability or local government desirable.
Previous experience: – 2-3 years related experience required. May include internships. – Past experience in detail-oriented position preferred.
Hard and Soft Skills: – Long-term commitment to provide high-level administrative support in a fast-paced environment. – Excellent communication skills to keep multiple team members abreast of progress with ongoing tasks, while in a virtual environment. – Detail-oriented and able to accurately meet and communicate about deadlines. – Organized, analytical, and highly motivated. – Independent (comfortable and efficient working alone) while a good team player (communicating with other team members through frequent electronic correspondence and infrequent in-person interaction). – Skilled in computer technology, including Microsoft Office and Google products. – Experience in managing large data sets preferred. – Proactive, able to identify potential issues and brainstorm solutions. – Results-oriented and committed to learning and continuous improvement. – Mission-driven with a passion for fostering social, economic, or environmental change. – Diplomatic, comfortable interacting frequently with city officials and funders.
Compensation: Competitive for early-career position. Benefits negotiable.
Location: USDN/CNCA has no central office, so the position is strictly work-from-home with weekly web meetings. Ability to travel to Milwaukee or western Massachusetts area desired but not required. Candidates must furnish their own quiet office space, computer, and Microsoft Office suite.
To Apply: Send a cover letter addressing the requirements for the USDN/CNCA Administrative Assistant, resume, and three references to Mia Arter, USDN Program Director, at miaarter@usdn.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Streamflow Protection Biologist
(Fish & Wildlife Scientist III)
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
Overview: The Fish and Wildlife Department’s mission is to the conservation of fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the people of Vermont. The protection and enhancement of aquatic habitat is essential to the maintenance of healthy aquatic populations and the recreational fisheries that they support. This position provides an excellent opportunity to make a difference in a small state where you will be involved in a variety of dam, streamflow and other aquatic habitat issues.
General Job Description: This position will work to protect and restore aquatic habitat and aquatic biota throughout the State of Vermont. This position requires strong interpersonal, communication, organization and technical skills, and requires close coordination with regional fisheries staff and collaboration with state, federal and non-governmental organizations. This job involves the participation in FERC hydroelectric licensing permit proceedings; coordinating Department positions on a variety of dam and streamflow project proposals; developing aquatic protection policies, protocols and regulations; and maintaining partnerships and conducting outreach and trainings. Applicants should have a strong background in aquatic/fisheries biology and a solid understanding of the principles of hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, aquatic habitat and fish passage. Experience with IFIM and PHABSIM analytical approaches is desirable. The position requires a mix of field, office and outreach activities. Work is performed under the supervision of the Fisheries Program Manager and is stationed in Montpelier VT.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Master’s degree or higher in a natural resources field.
Experience: 2 years in a natural resources field. OR….
Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in natural resources field or biology.
Experience: 4 years in a natural resources field. OR….
2 years as a Fish & Wildlife Scientist II with the State of Vermont.
Special Requirements: N/A
Starting Salary: $ 23.89 per hour (Pay Grade 24), plus benefits.
Closing Date: 12/7/2016
Contact: Apply online: http://humanresources.vermont.gov/ Job#620271
This Fish & Wildlife Scientist III position is open to all State employee and external applicants. If you would like more information about this position, please contact Rich Kirn via email (rich.kirn@vermont.gov). Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered. The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged.
Hoosic River Revival – Executive Director
The Hoosic River Revival, based in North Adams, Massachusetts, seeks an Executive Director to lead our river restoration efforts. We are a community-based nonprofit working to contribute to North Adams’ urban renaissance by transforming an unattractive concrete-walled section of the Hoosic River into a beautiful, ecologically-sound and publicly-accessible riverscape. This full-time position provides an opportunity to live in the beautiful New England Berkshires and oversee a project that will benefit local ecosystems and economies. No previous experience with river ecology is required. Our ideal candidate will have strong experience with project management and working closely with a board, as well as navigating government processes. To read the full job description go to http://www.hoosicriverrevival.org/position-opening-executive-director.
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation –
Executive Director
The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation (WRLF), a 30-year old land conservation trust and education organization in Williamstown Massachusetts, announces the retirement next year of its long-time executive director, Leslie Reed Evans, and the search for her replacement to lead WRLF during an exciting time in its history. Leslie’s tenure at WRLF has spanned 23 years of exemplary service to our community. She was hired in late 1993 as interim director and was offered the permanent position in 1995 at a time when the organization was completing several major land conservation projects under her dynamic leadership and was in the midst of its largest yet, the effort to preserve the south Williamstown farm and forest lands owned by Norris Phelps along Oblong Road and extending to the Taconic Ridge. At that time, WRLF had a 14-member Board of Directors, a supporting membership of about 200 families, and an annual budget of $39,000. There were 268 acres of private land under conservation restriction, and 66 acres in WRLF’s direct ownership.
Today, WRLF annually monitors 288 acres of conservation restriction land and has close to 600 acres under its own management, including its 55-acre Sheep Hill headquarters and 380 acres on Pine Cobble, its largest preserve. Its membership has more than doubled and its annual budget has grown nearly tenfold. It has established itself as a key resource in the community and an important contributor to the beauty and quality of life which Williamstown residents and visitors alike enjoy.
During Leslie’s tenure and with the active participation of an engaged, dedicated Board of Directors, WRLF undertook many innovative projects, including managing the Reynolds limited development/conservation project, making land available for the Williamstown’s first Habitat for Humanity home, and establishing Caretaker Farm as a Community Land Trust to make it affordable to a new generation of farmers. Perhaps what Leslie is most proud of and in addition to the land conservation projects she has overseen is the acquisition and preservation of Sheep Hill and its establishment as a community resource for outdoor education and recreation for families, school children and visitors.
The search for a new executive director will begin immediately. The job posting and explanation of the application requirements are described on WRLF’s website, wrlf.org, under “Job Opportunities” on the home page. For further information contact WRLF or call its headquarters at 413-458-2494.