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Thank you to Rachel Branch, producer of the television show Solutions Rising for including a “BEAT” series for people to learn more about the fracked gas pipelines proposed to bring gas from the fracking fields of Pennsylvania across New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire to a gas hub in Dracut, MA. The show interviews many people providing information about the proposed pipelines as well as the many alternatives to these pipelines.

Sue Morse presents “The Cougar Returns to the East”

The Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees), Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and Berkshire Community College (BCC) are proud to present Sue Morse’s critically acclaimed presentation “The Cougar Returns to the East”. The presentation is free and open to the public and will take place on February 6th at the Robert Boland Theatre in the Koussevitzky Arts Center at Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield.

Nominations Sought for 75th Citizens’ Legislative Seminar

State Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, is seeking residents to nominate as participants of the 75th Citizens’ Legislative Seminar to be held March 22-23 at the Massachusetts State House. The CLS is a semi-annual educational seminar geared towards adults of all ages interested in learning more about state government and the legislative process.

Defending the Global Warming Solutions Act

Mass Energy joined the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) and others in filing a lawsuit versus the Commonwealth of Massachusetts because the Department of Environmental Protection has not yet promulgated regulations required under Section 3D of the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA). On Friday, January 8, the Supreme Judicial Court heard oral arguments on the case. Mass Energy is proud to be associated with CLF on this issue and here is a link to Mass Energy Director Larry Chretien’s observations about what transpired at the Supreme Judicial Court. http://blog.massenergy.org/blog/climate-change-had-its-day-in-court. From Larry Chretien, Executive Director Energy Consumers Alliance of New England. www.massenergy.org

New Report Documents the Overwhelming Benefits of Renewable Energy Standards

An exciting study released today from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) finds that state-level renewable electricity standards (RES) are helping to substantially improve public health and the environment, create jobs, and protect consumers. This first-of-its-kind comprehensive national assessment confirms what clean energy advocates have argued for years: the benefits from investing in renewable energy far outweigh the costs. Union of Concerned Scientists, , asst director of research & analysis, Clean Energy | January 6, 2016.

Federal Agencies Partner to Launch the Transform Tox Testing Challenge to Improve Chemical Screening

On January 8, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), and NIH’s National Toxicology Program (NTP) within the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) are announcing a new challenge that will award up to $1 million to improve the relevance and predictivity of data generated from automated chemical screening technology used for toxicity testing. Press Release from the EPA, 1/8/16. 

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Jobs

Program Operations Manager, Green Business Services – CET

EcoFellow 2016-2017 – CET

Teacher for After-School Program – Greenagers

Conference Coordinator – Northeast Sustainable Energy Association

Christodora/Manice Education Center (MEC) – Various positions

Land Protection Specialist, Western/Central Mass – Mass Audubon

Land Protection Specialist – Mass Audubon

Ecological Restoration Specialist (Environmental Analyst II) – MA Division of Ecological Restoration

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Sue Morse presents “The Cougar Returns to the East”

Saturday, February 6th – 7:00-9:00 pm
Robert Boland Theatre – Koussevitzky Arts Center
Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield
FREE!

Pittsfield, MA – The Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees), Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and Berkshire Community College (BCC) are proud to present Sue Morse’s critically acclaimed presentation “The Cougar Returns to the East”. The presentation is free and open to the public.

There is no question about it. Cougars are not only being seen in eastern North America, some are attempting to recolonize their former habitats. Where once it was flatly dismissed as an impossibility in the so-called “developed” east, scientists have now documented cougar dispersals and even occupancy in a growing list of eastern states and provinces.

Join us for a magnificently illustrated introduction to cougar biology and ecology in the broad diversity of habitats where Sue has studied them, from Alberta to the Arizona/Mexico border. You’ll also get the low-down regarding the latest confirmations of cougars in the east, including the recently documented suitability of a substantial amount of wild habitats from Manitoba to Louisiana and Maine to Georgia. It is only a matter of time!

Sue Morse, the founder of Keeping Track, is highly regarded as an expert in natural history and one of the top wildlife trackers in North America. Since 1977, she has been monitoring wildlife, with an emphasis on documenting the presence and habitat requirements of bobcat, black bear, Canada lynx and cougar.

The following day, Sunday, February 7th, Sue will be giving a guided morning hike to teach tracking concepts. To reserve your space contact Elia@thebeatnews.org. Space is limited so sign up today to reserve your spot!

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Nominations Sought for 75th Citizens’ Legislative Seminar

State Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, is seeking residents to nominate as participants of the 75th Citizens’ Legislative Seminar to be held March 22-23 at the Massachusetts State House.

The CLS is a semi-annual educational seminar geared towards adults of all ages interested in learning more about state government and the legislative process.

The two-day seminar features presentations by senators and staff on aspects of the day-to-day experience of legislators in the Commonwealth. The seminar will walk participants through the legislative process including how bills are introduced, debated and passed. The CLS culminates with a simulated legislative hearing and Senate session.

Interested residents of Downing’s Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden District are invited to contact his chief of staff, Chris Gilrein, at Christopher.Gilrein@MASenate.gov by Thursday, Feb. 4.

Applicants must be able to attend both days of the CLS program and submit a resume for consideration in order to be nominated. Participation is on a first come, first serve basis. Transportation and lodging are not provided.

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Fight for Solar Energy! Action from Mass Power Forward

The growth of solar electricity in Massachusetts is threatened by new proposed legislation—we must take action now.

  • H.3854, now in conference committee, would:
  • Slap a new mandatory minimum charge on solar
  • Raise the net metering cap only 2% (reached by summer 2016)
  • Slash net metering reimbursement by 75% for sizeable projects (such as municipal and community shared solar).

If H.3854 enacted, most sizeable planned projects will be abandoned, and jobs and tax revenue will be lost. Low-income residents and municipalities would be hurt most because projects for apartment buildings, community shared solar, and municipalities would never be built. Homeowners too might abandon solar plans because the monthly minimum charge could reduce their benefit of going solar.

It’s not too late to turn this ship around. We need to tell members of the House and Senate to fight for solar energy by eliminating the net metering cap, ensuring power sold back to the grid is fairly compensated, and making sure there is no mandatory fee for producing solar energy.

To head off climate catastrophe and continue the economic benefits the solar industry brings to the Commonwealth, we should make it easier, not harder, to build solar. Send a message to your state legislators calling for a stronger solar energy bill that keeps our solar industry growing – and that you will be watching very carefully to see what happens with this issue.

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Defending the Global Warming Solutions Act

Mass Energy joined the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) and others in filing a lawsuit versus the Commonwealth of Massachusetts because the Department of Environmental Protection has not yet promulgated regulations required under Section 3D of the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA). On Friday, January 8, the Supreme Judicial Court heard oral arguments on the case. Mass Energy is proud to be associated with CLF on this issue and here is a link to Mass Energy Director Larry Chretien’s observations about what transpired at the Supreme Judicial Court. http://blog.massenergy.org/blog/climate-change-had-its-day-in-courtFrom Larry Chretien, Executive Director Energy Consumers Alliance of New England. www.massenergy.org

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New Report Documents the Overwhelming Benefits of Renewable Energy Standards

By Jeff Deyette, Asst Director of Research & Analysis
Union of Concerned Scientists | Blog | The Equation
January 6, 2016

An exciting study released today from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) finds that state-level renewable electricity standards (RES) are helping to substantially improve public health and the environment, create jobs, and protect consumers. This first-of-its-kind comprehensive national assessment confirms what clean energy advocates have argued for years: the benefits from investing in renewable energy far outweigh the costs.

The RES is a market-based policy that requires electricity providers to gradually increase the amount of wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources in their power supplies. Currently, 29 states and the District of Columbia have RES policies in place. And for nearly two decades, the RES has been a primary driver of new renewable energy development in the United States. Through 2014, state-level RESs have spurred more than 50 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable energy development, and they are projected to support an additional 67 GW through 2030.

Key findings

This new analysis, conducted by researchers at DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, examines a suite of potential benefits and impacts from the new renewable energy sources developed to achieve state-level RES compliance in 2013. The results are calculated at the national level and they are impressive. In 2013 alone, new renewables driven by state RES policies:

  • Generated $7.4 billion in public health and other societal benefits from the reduction of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and particulate matter. Power plant carbon emissions are the single largest contributor to U.S. global warming pollution, while SO2, NOx, and particulates are major contributors to acid rain, smog, asthma, and premature death from heart and lung disease.
  • Supported nearly 200,000 domestic renewable energy jobs, with an average annual salary of $60,000.
  • Saved consumers as much as $1.2 billion from lower wholesale electricity prices and up to $3.7 billion from reduced natural gas prices. Bringing more renewable energy on to the grid reduces the demand for (and helps lower the price of) natural gas and other power sources with higher operating costs.
  • Reduced power plant water consumption by 27 billion gallons and water withdrawals by 830 billion gallons. In the U.S., more water is withdrawn by power plants than for any other use. As climate impacts worsen, it puts water supplies and water-dependent power plants at risk.

What’s most impressive about these RES benefits is that only represent a single year. Most benefits, especially those related avoided pollution, will continue to accrue—and even expand as RES targets increase—in future years.

SEE CHART FROM FULL ARTICLE.

Benefits far outweigh costs of RES compliance

DOE’s latest report follows an analysis completed by the same team in 2014 that focused on the costs of state-level RES compliance. That work found total RES compliance costs across all states to be about $1 billion per year between 2010 and 2013, which is generally equivalent to less than 2 percent of average statewide retail electricity rates.

This new analysis helps put these compliance costs into context, and clearly shows that the benefits far outweigh compliance costs. The health and societal benefits from avoided pollution alone provides a remarkable return on investment of more than 7 to 1!

Why is this new research so important?

DOE’s analysis comes at a critical time and offers significant value to decision makers in the effort to transition toward a low-carbon economy. Here are three of my key takeaways for how this report can contribute:

  1. With the EPA’s Clean Power Plan now finalized, states must develop compliance plans to achieve their carbon emissions reduction targets. RES policies can offer a powerful complementary policy measure for all states to use as part of a cost-effective compliance strategy.
  2. Many state RES policies have been under attack in recent years by fossil-fuel funded front groups using disinformation to try and undermine the value of renewable energy. Fortunately, nearly all of those attacks have failed. But this analysis provides further valuable evidence needed to rebut bogus claims and reject further attempts to weaken RES laws.
  3. The comprehensive nature of DOE’s analysis and the clear, uniform methods they use can serve as a blueprint for state RES administrators across the country to evaluate the benefits from their respective RES programs.

The message from this new analysis is clear: Accelerating the transition to greater use of renewable energy (and using the RES to do it) is a great way lower emissions, improve public health, create jobs, and save consumers money.

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Federal Agencies Partner to Launch the Transform Tox Testing Challenge to Improve Chemical Screening

News Release
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
January 8, 2016

Up to $1 million to be distributed among winning submissions

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), and NIH’s National Toxicology Program (NTP) within the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) are announcing a new challenge that will award up to $1 million to improve the relevance and predictivity of data generated from automated chemical screening technology used for toxicity testing.

Out of thousands of chemicals in commerce today, very few have been fully evaluated for potential health effects. Scientists from EPA, NIEHS/NTP, and NCATS are using high-throughput screening (HTS) assays to evaluate the potential health effects of thousands of chemicals. High-throughput screening uses automated methods that allow for a large number of chemicals to be rapidly evaluated for a specific type of biological activity.

Current HTS assays do not fully incorporate chemical metabolism, so they may miss chemicals that are metabolized to a more toxic form in the body. The challenge announced today, Transform Tox Testing Challenge: Innovating for Metabolism, is calling on innovative thinkers to find new ways to incorporate physiological levels of chemical metabolism into HTS assays. This will help researchers more accurately assess effects of chemicals and better protect human health.

Teams will compete in three stages for a total award of $1 million. The first stage, opening today and closing April 8 seeks practical designs that may be fully implemented. Up to ten submissions may receive a prize of $10,000 each and an invitation to continue on to the next stage.

The second stage requires a prototype that demonstrates the proposed idea in use. Up to five participants may be awarded up to $100,000 each and invited to participate in the final stage. The final stage requires a commercially viable method or technology for EPA and its partners to demonstrate and test. Based on this testing one participant may be awarded up to $400,000 for delivery of a method or device that will result in technologies that can provide metabolic competence to HTS assays.

All segments of industry, government, academia, non-governmental organizations, and others are encouraged to enter.

For more information on the Tox Testing Challenge, visit: www.transformtoxtesting.com

EPA is a federal agency whose mission is to protect human health and the environment. For more information about EPA, visit http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/our-mission-and-what-we-do.

NTP is a federal, interagency program, headquartered at the NIEHS, whose goal is to safeguard the public by identifying substances in the environment that may affect human health. For more information about NTP and its programs, visit http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov

The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) is a distinctly different entity in the research ecosystem. Rather than targeting a particular disease or fundamental science, NCATS focuses on what is common across diseases and the translational process. The Center emphasizes innovation and deliverables, relying on the power of data and new technologies to develop, demonstrate and disseminate advancements in translational science that bring about tangible improvements in human health. For more information, visit https://ncats.nih.gov

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Jobs

Program Operations Manager, Green Business Services
Center for EcoTechnology (CET)

Are you a successful manager of people and programs? Do you excel at leading a team to fulfill the changing needs of multiple clients in a fast-paced environment? Have you been working in the environmental field or are you looking for a more meaningful way to use your skills?

CET is seeking a key member of our management team to oversee our work for government, utility and other clients to help their business customers reduce costs and improve environmental performance. This hands-on position will be responsible for managing the work of administrative support and field staff, establishing effective systems for program delivery, providing account management services to high value customers, and monitoring and reporting on progress towards project goals and budgets.

  • Manages a variety of program deliverables such as customer service, inside sales, events, websites and other programmatic services.
  • Manages clients, identifying opportunities and developing partnerships to further the relationships.
  • Develops employees through motivation, counseling, skills development and technical knowledge development.
  • Acts as a resource in resolving customer issues brought to the department by using process knowledge and strong communication skills.
  • Communicates program outcomes and status in a clear, effective and timely manner to necessary parties in the business unit and to clients.
  • Produces material for newsletters, websites, and other outreach and education practices to fulfill program objectives.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Requirements:

We are looking for someone with a strong commitment to the non-profit community mission of CET. To qualify, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences or related field or equivalent experience. You should have a minimum 3 years managing a team of people responsible for multifaceted programs or projects with numerous deliverable and deadlines. Experience in the field of commercial waste or recycling and familiarity with waste management programs desirable.

For nearly 40 years, the non-profit Center for EcoTechnology has helped people and businesses save energy and reduce waste. We provide practical solutions that save energy, materials and money and have a positive impact on our environment and community. CET is proud to be:

  • Passionate: We are passionate about our environmental mission. We work hard and care about our customers, coworkers and community.
  • Professional: We are experienced, objective and base our work on science. We work with integrity and are friendly and approachable to all.
  • Practical: We offer innovative, practical and cost-effective solutions. We do as we say and get results.

For a chance to join our team, please submit your resume and cover letter to Human Resources at hr.gbs.pom16@cetonline.org. CET is an equal opportunity employer.


 

EcoFellow 2016-2017
Center for EcoTechnology (CET)

The Center for EcoTechnology helps people and businesses in Massachusetts save energy and reduce waste. We make green make sense. For 40 years, we’ve offered proven advice and resources to save you money, make you more comfortable at home, and help your business perform better. Working with partners throughout the region, we’re helping transform the way we live and work for a better community, economy, and environment – now and for the future. We provide practical solutions that save energy, materials and money and have a positive impact on our environment and community. We serve residents, business and communities in the areas of energy efficiency and waste reduction and through our retail store, EcoBuilding Bargains.

The Center for EcoTechnology is seeking five qualified college graduate candidates for a 10-month paid fellowship position to work with our staff to carry out a range of activities related to climate action initiatives and educational programming in western Massachusetts. Activities will support the CET’s initiatives to assist residents, students, institutions and businesses across the region in ongoing programs in energy efficiency, home energy services, renewable energy, and waste reduction through recycling, reuse and home composting. The Fellowship offers a full orientation and week-long training by CET professionals in subjects related to above programs, as well as professional development exploring a variety of environmental topics throughout the fellowship. Fellows will be based in CET’s Northampton office, with travel expected between CET locations and into local communities.

EcoFellowship Qualifications:

  • We are looking for creative and energetic college graduates (bachelor degree required) with an interest in energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies, climate change, recycling and resource conservation. Previous experience through volunteering, internships and/or professional work is required.
  • Commitment to the entire Fellowship program, from August 8, 2016 to June 30, 2017, is required.
  • Fellows work a flexible schedule (40 hrs/week) that requires some evening and weekend hours as needed.
  • Computer skills required, experience in creative uses of social media and/or graphic design preferred.
  • Driver’s license and reliable, insured transportation is required.
  • Ability to lift and move 50# will be required as necessary for certain placements.
  • Background checks and drug testing will be required for all positions.
  • CET is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all to apply.

EcoFellowship Salary and Benefits:

  • Salary: Pays $10/hr for 40 hrs/week, with an additional $2,000 bonus at the completion of the program. Hourly rate increases to $11/hr Jan 1, 2017.
  • Benefits: Health Insurance; paid sick, holiday and vacation; supplies and mileage reimbursement
  • Professional Development: Week-long training; monthly professional trainings throughout experience

Hiring Process:

Application Process:  Rolling applications are accepted until March 13

Interview Process: 

  • Initial interviews are ongoing until March 18, either in-person or by phone
  • 2nd interviews will be scheduled for late March/early April, in-person required

Hiring Process:  Position placements will be offered by mid-April

EcoFellowship Placement:  August 8, 2016 to June 30, 2017

Send Resume and Cover Letter to: hr.out.ef16@cetonline.org


Greenagers: Teacher for After-School Program

Greenagers is now hiring for a part-time (approx. 15hrs/wk beginning in late Feb.) teaching position for the after-school program, “Crafting the Landscape”. This program focuses on teaching environmental literacy and stewardship to middle school students through hands-on projects and excursions as well as with the video game MineCraft.edu

The program runs Monday through Thursday afternoons from 3:00 -5:00 pm in Great Barrington and Sheffield during the school year.  Summer programs run 4 days/wk, 6hrs/day for 5 weeks.

Requirements: A four-year degree in environmental or related studies and/or relevant field and teaching experience required.  Experience with or willingness to learn MineCraft also required.  Candidates must be able to work well in a team teaching environment with a broad range of academic and emotional abilities. Applicant must have reliable transportation, clean driving record and submit to a CORI background test.

This program is a collaboration between Greenagers and the Berkshire Coop Market.

How to apply: Cover letter and resume may be sent to Will Conklin:  director@greenagers.org.


 

Conference Coordinator –
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association

Posted: Dec 18, 2015

We are looking for a dynamic super hero to join the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association staff as our Conference Coordinator in Greenfield, MA. The ideal candidate will be as passionate about coordinating conference speakers, registration, continuing education credits, and event planning logistics as they are about our mission, which is to advance the adoption of sustainable energy practices in the built environment. This position requires excellent organizational, interpersonal and computer skills. We have a great culture here – we play almost as hard as we work. We’re fans of lean impact, Seth Godin, and other entrepreneurial approaches.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Conference Coordinator is responsible and held accountable for the following duties:

Coordinate Speakers

  • Attend all conference content planning meetings to provide administrative support for smooth and successful outcomes.
  • Work with Operations Director and Conference Chairs to organize conference content worksheets and communication systems.
  • Assemble and record contact information for and provide logistics to volunteer speakers contributing to BuildingEnergy Boston, BuildingEnergy NYC, and The BuildingEnergy Bottom Lines Business Summit.
  • Work with track chairs to confirm speakers and contact rejected speakers.
  • Assemble, send and collect signed contracts for workshop speakers, as well as release forms for all speakers.
  • Upload to nesea.org and conference app, sessions and workshop titles, descriptions, speakers’ names, bios and photos

Coordinate Registration

  • For BuildingEnergy Boston, BuildingEnergy NYC, and other NESEA events:
  • Help oversee the development of online registration pages
  • Provide customer service to people with inquiries about the registration process
  • Process registrations online
  • Design and print attendee name badges
  • Maintain badge stock and ribbon inventory
  • Generally support the whole registration process
  • Coordinate on-site registration support

Coordinate Continuing Education Credits

  • Understand, maintain, and keep updated NESEA’s CEU program
  • Collect learning objectives for all educational opportunities
  • Apply for CEUs in timely, accurate manner
  • Issue certificates to appropriate participants

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

  • Detail oriented, highly organized, ability to multi-task and be flexible.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google products, Dropbox, and other digital collaboration tools.
  • Highly developed customer service and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to work efficiently and effectively with staff teams and a diverse group of NESEA members.
  • Ability to work with NESEA work plans and timelines.
  • Commitment to the overall sustainability of NESEA and its mission.
  • Desire to learn about energy efficiency, renewable energy, and whole systems thinking.
  • Availability and willingness to travel regionally.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

  • Four-year degree preferred.
  • At least 3 to 5 years of experience in a nonprofit association or small business desired.
  • Demonstrated track record in establishing and maintaining constructive communications and healthy working relationships.

COMPENSATION

  • $16.50/hour, 40 hours/week
  • Eligible for health insurance after 90 days of employment
  • 4 weeks (160 hours) paid time off (combined paid and sick time, start accruing after first pay period)
  • 13 paid holidays
  • Eligible for 401k after 90 days (organization will match up to 3%)

HOW TO APPLY

  • Send an email to jobs@nesea.org, subject line “Conference Coordinator”
  • In the email, tell us what super-powers you possess, why you’re interested in the job, and why you think you’d be a good fit
  • Attach your resume
  • Additional points if you have prior event planning and cat herding experience

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Christodora/Manice Education Center (MEC) – Various positions

Christodora’s goal is to build leadership skills and academic success through an awareness and understanding of the natural environment. Christodora’s Manice Education Center (MEC), located in a pristine outdoor setting in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts, is hiring a number of positions. Follow the links below for more information. MEC annually serves approximately 850 youth with an array of programs, including 3-day field trips for NYC schools, and 1-3 week summer camping programs that have a focus on backpacking and canoeing expeditions.

Assistant Director

Wilderness Program Supervisor

Logistics Coordinator

Outdoor Education Camp Counselor

Outdoor Education Resident Camp Assistant Counselor

AmeriCorps Outdoor Education Resident Camp Assistant Counselor

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Land Protection Specialist – Western/Central MA Mass Audubon

Location: Easthampton, MA
Sanctuary: Arcadia
Works under the supervision of the Director of Land Protection, and with other Mass Audubon Land Protection department staff, to identify, evaluate and implement land protection projects – with primary focus on central/western MA – consistent with Mass Audubon land protection policy and procedures.

ResponsibilitiesPrimary

  • Negotiate with private landowners, public agencies, businesses, and other organizations concerning land acquisitions, transfers and sales.
  • Provide technical assistance to private landowners and conservation partners regarding conservation options and techniques.
  • Assist with development of baseline information, monitoring and record keeping relative to Conservation Restrictions (CR’s) held by Mass Audubon.
  • Provide advice and assistance to Mass Audubon staff, Board, volunteers and sanctuary committees on land protection issues.
  • Evaluate land protection proposals to ensure consistency with Mass Audubon policies and objectives.
  • Assist with duties relative to system for tracking existing Mass Audubon land holdings and conservation restrictions.
  • Promote the financial and legal advantages of land conservation with donors and sellers, promote gifts and bargain sales of land.
  • Ensure the timely and accurate completion of tasks required to acquire and dispose of land or interests in land, including the preparation of administrative, financial and legal documents.
  • Prepare written reports, proposals and plans as required.
  • Attend department meetings and serve on committees as requested by Director.
  • Provide training for Mass Audubon staff on land protection issues.

Fundraising

  • Seek out and promote gifts and grants to support Mass Audubon land protection efforts.

Budget Development and Management

  • Assist in the preparation and implementation of an operating budget for land protection, and make recommendations on capital budget allocations for land.

Community Relations

  • Respond to public and media inquiries on land issues. Assist in the preparation of public relations material.

Property

  • Help assess the maintenance and security aspects of proposed land and building acquisitions and present recommendations to Director. Conduct initial Environmental Site Assessments on properties.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in natural resource management, land use planning, business, biological sciences or related field.
  • Three years experience in land conservation/planning, real estate, or business in a related natural resource field.
  • Excellent writing and speaking skills.
  • Solid skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook).
  • Valid driver’s license, and willingness to travel frequently in western/central MA and throughout the state,
  • Ability to traverse a variety of terrain (hilly, wooded, rocky, marshy) on foot.
  • Must pass a background records check (CORI, SORI and driver’s).
Compensation and Benefits Competitive salary and full benefits package.
How to Apply Please email your resume and cover letter to:
Elaine Kile
Job# 2657
Location: Lincoln, MA
Sanctuary: Lincoln Headquarters
Works under the supervision of the Director of Land Protection, and with other Mass Audubon Land Protection department staff, to identify, evaluate and implement land protection projects consistent with Mass Audubon land protection policy and procedures.

Responsibilities

  • Negotiate with private landowners, public agencies, businesses, and other organizations concerning land acquisitions, transfers and sales.
  • Provide technical assistance to private landowners and conservation partners regarding conservation options and techniques.
  • Assist with development of baseline information, monitoring and record keeping relative to Conservation Restrictions (CR’s) held by Mass Audubon.
  • Provide advice and assistance to Mass Audubon staff, Board, volunteers and sanctuary committees on land protection issues.
  • Evaluate land protection proposals to ensure consistency with Mass Audubon policies and objectives.
  • Assist with duties relative to system for tracking existing Mass Audubon land holdings and conservation restrictions.
  • Promote the financial and legal advantages of land conservation with donors and sellers, promote gifts and bargain sales of land.
  • Ensure the timely and accurate completion of tasks required to acquire and dispose of land or interests in land, including the preparation of administrative, financial and legal documents.
  • Prepare written reports, proposals and plans as required.
  • Attend department meetings and serve on committees as requested by Director.
  • Provide training for Mass Audubon staff on land protection issues.

Fundraising:

  • Seek out and promote gifts and grants to support Mass Audubon land protection efforts.

Budget Development and Management:

  • Assist in the preparation and implementation of an operating budget for land protection, and make recommendations on capital budget allocations for land.

Community Relations:

  • Respond to public and media inquiries on land issues. Assist in the preparation of public relations material.

Property:

  • Help assess the maintenance and security aspects of proposed land and building acquisitions and present recommendations to Director. Conduct initial Environmental Site Assessments on properties.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in natural resource management, land use planning, business, biological sciences or related field.
  • Three years experience in land conservation/planning, real estate, or business in a related natural resource field.
  • Excellent writing and speaking skills.
  • Solid skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook).
  • Valid driver’s license, and willingness to travel frequently and extensively throughout the state,
  • Ability to traverse a variety of terrain (hilly, wooded, rocky, marshy) on foot.
  • Must pass a background records check (CORI, SORI and driver’s).
Compensation and Benefits Competitive salary and full benefits package.
How to Apply Please email your cover letter and resume to:
Elaine Kile
Job# 2616

Ecological Restoration Specialist (Environmental Analyst II)
Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration

Date of posting: 12/15/15 Closing: The position will remain open until filled.  However, first consideration will be given to those candidates that apply within the first 14 days. The Ecological Restoration Specialist (Environmental Analyst II) serves a dual role as a wetland ecologist and ecological restoration project manager.  As a wetland ecologist, the Restoration Specialist will serve as a technical expert in support of DER’s work, from flow restoration to river and wetland restoration and salt marsh restoration. As a project manager, the position will manage an interdisciplinary suite of ecological restoration projects. The position manages project development and implementation activities for 7-10 active projects at any given time.  The Restoration Specialist’s project management portfolio may include salt marsh restoration, freshwater wetland restoration, stream continuity, river restoration, or other project types to be determined based on future needs.  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=150002F7. For more information about the position, please contact Beth Lambert at beth.lambert@state.ma.us or 617-626-1526. return to top

 

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