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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.

The Pittsfield Conservation Commission is developing a Conservation Properties Master Plan and is looking for community input.  Working with graduate students from the Conway School of Landscape Design, city staff are seeking to develop a new vision for the following large, city-owned conservation properties of Brattlebrook Park, Barkerville Conservation Area, Tierney Conservation Area, and Wild Acres.

 Pittsfield Officials Have Released the City’s Community Choice Power Supply Program Aggregation Plan

The City of Pittsfield has developed the Aggregation Plan in compliance with Massachusetts law regarding public aggregation of electric consumers. It contains required information on the structure, operations, services, funding, and policies of the City’s Plan. The Plan has been developed in consultation with the City’s aggregation implementation consultant, Colonial Power Group, Inc. (CPG) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).

Important Environmental Victory in U.S. Supreme Court

Earlier today, the United States Supreme Court ruled 6-2 to uphold the legal authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to regulate Demand Response (DR) in wholesale, interstate electricity markets.  On both of the major issues in the case, the Supreme Court agreed completely with the positions taken in an amicus curiæ brief filed with the Court by Conservation Law Foundation and other environmental organizations. This was a major victory for the environment, because it will have the effect of substantially reducing carbon emissions from the electricity sector; and it was a major victory for electricity ratepayers because it will have the effect of substantially reducing the electricity bills of customers. By Jerry Elmer, Conservation Law Foundation Blog, January 25, 2016.

AG Healey praises Supreme Court decision on ‘demand response’

State Attorney General Maura Healey welcomed Monday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding a rule that lets federal regulators urge factories, businesses, schools, hospitals and shopping centers to reduce electricity consumption at peak times, such as heat waves and extreme cold spells, in exchange for price breaks.The approach, known as “demand response,” lowers costs for consumers and lessens the risk of blackouts. As reported by Clarence Fanto in The Berkshire Eagle online, January 26, 2016.

FERC Should Review Indirect Impacts, GHG Emissions From NatGas Projects, EPA Says

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said this week that FERC should require applicants seeking approval under the Natural Gas Act to provide more information on a project’s indirect impacts, including potential increases in gas production and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. EPA submitted comments Tuesday on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Draft Guidance Manual for Environmental Report Preparation for Applications Filed Under the Natural Gas Act. FERC released a revised version of its guidance manual, which had not been updated since 2002, last month.  As reported by Jeremiah Shelor in Natural Gas Intel/Shale Daily on January 21, 2016.

Fracking may be linked to Porter Ranch gas leak

Did fracking play a role in the Porter Ranch natural gas leak, one of the biggest environmental disasters in recent California history?  In October, a ruptured storage well in the Aliso Canyon oil field began spewing hundreds of thousands of tons of noxious gas into Los Angeles neighborhoods. Three months later, this massive leak still hasn’t been stanched. Thousands of people in the Porter Ranch area have been driven from their homes, schools and businesses by horrible smells and spiking levels of cancer-causing benzene. State regulators don’t seem to know what caused the leak, or how to stop it. But newly uncovered documents show that hydraulic fracturing was commonly used in the Aliso Canyon gas storage wells – including a well less than a half-mile from the leak. As reported by Maya Golden-Krasner, Special to the The Sacramento Bee, January 21, 2016. 

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Jobs

2016 Berkshire Land Conservation Summer Internships – BNRC

2016 Berkshire Trail Crew – BNRC

Executive and HR Assistant – CET

Program Operations Manager, Green Business Services – CET

EcoFellow 2016-2017 – CET

Teacher for After-School Program – Greenagers

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Pittsfield Developing Conservation Properties Master Plan

The Pittsfield Conservation Commission is developing a Conservation Properties Master Plan and is looking for community input. Working with graduate students from the Conway School of Landscape Design, city staff are seeking to develop a new vision for the following large, city-owned conservation properties of Brattlebrook Park, Barkerville Conservation Area, Tierney Conservation Area, and Wild Acres.

The Conway School students will lead a public input forum on Thursday, February 4th beginning at 7 pm in the City Council Chambers at Pittsfield City Hall. All who have an interest in the future of these conservation areas should plan to attend. In addition, a short online survey has been developed and city staff hope residents and stakeholders will take a few minutes to fill it out. For more information, contact City Conservation Agent Rob Van Der Kar at rvanderkar@pittsfieldch.com or 499-9359.

For more information, also contact James McGrath, CPR, Park, Open Space, and Nat. Res. Program Manager, City Hall, 70 Allen St. Pittsfield, MA 01201 or 413.499.9344

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Pittsfield Officials Have Released the City’s Community Choice Power Supply Program Aggregation Plan

Press Release from the City of Pittsfield
January 16, 2016

Click here to access Frequently Asked Questions about Municipal Aggregation.

The City of Pittsfield has developed the Aggregation Plan in compliance with Massachusetts law regarding public aggregation of electric consumers. It contains required information on the structure, operations, services, funding, and policies of the City’s Plan. The Plan has been developed in consultation with the City’s aggregation implementation consultant, Colonial Power Group, Inc. (CPG) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).

The purpose of this Plan is to represent consumer interests in competitive markets for electricity. It seeks to aggregate consumers in the City to negotiate rates for power supply. It brings together the buying power of more than 44,000 consumers. Furthermore, the City seeks to better manage energy prices. Participation is voluntary for each eligible consumer. Eligible consumers have the opportunity to decline service provided through the Plan and to choose any Competitive Supplier they wish. The City has distributed this Plan for public review prior to submitting it to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.

Public Review and Comment Period – The City of Pittsfield’s Aggregation Plan is available for public review and comment until Tuesday, February 2, 2016, at 4:00 p.m.

Any person who desires to comment may do so in person at the City Clerk’s office or submit written comments using one of the following methods: (1) by e-mail to jmcgrath@pittsfieldch.com; or (2) by postal mail to the address below.

Comments must be clearly marked City of Pittsfield’s Aggregation Plan and must be received (not postmarked) by the end of the comment period in order to be addressed.

James McGrath, Department of Community Development, City Hall, Room #205, 70 Allen Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Any questions pertaining to this should be directed to James McGrath, Open Space and Natural Resource Program Manager at (413) 499-9344.

Click HERE to read the City of Pittsfield’s Aggregation Plan. An original hardcopy of the Plan is also available at the City Clerk’s office.

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Important Environmental Victory in U.S. Supreme Court

By 
Conservation Law Foundation | Blog | Scoop
January 25, 2016

Earlier today, the United States Supreme Court ruled 6-2 to uphold the legal authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to regulate Demand Response (DR) in wholesale, interstate electricity markets.  On both of the major issues in the case, the Supreme Court agreed completely with the positions taken in an amicus curiæ brief filed with the Court by CLF and other environmental organizations.

This was a major victory for the environment, because it will have the effect of substantially reducing carbon emissions from the electricity sector; and it was a major victory for electricity ratepayers because it will have the effect of substantially reducing the electricity bills of customers.

You can see detailed background on the case in my February 19, 2015 blog, including an explanation of what DR is and exactly how it reduces both carbon emissions and electricity bills.

In my May 7, 2016 blog, I reported that the Supreme Court had agreed to hear the case (as CLF and others had requested), and I explained the two specific questions that the Supreme Court agreed to address:

  • Does FERC have jurisdiction (that is, legal authority) to regulate DR in wholesale markets? (CLF said “yes.”)
  • If yes, was FERC’s decision to require relatively generous compensation for DR “arbitrary and capricious” (a legal term meaning not legally acceptable). (CLF said “no”; that is, FERC’s mandate for generous compensation was fine.)

And in my October 18 blog, I reported on the oral argument at the U.S. Supreme Court, which I was honored and privileged to attend. Note that mid-way through that blog, I pointed out that, in its amicus curiæ brief, CLF had observed that in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 Congress had specifically given FERC jurisdiction to regulate DR – and that, at oral argument, Justice Kagan had been careful to mention this fact. In my October blog I observed that Justice Kagan was absolutely correct, and that that fact ought to decide the case.

Today the Supreme Court issued its decision, and the decision was written by Justice Kagan. And this is what she said:

“In the Energy Policy Act of 2005, [Congress] declared as the policy of the United States that demand response shall be encouraged. In particular, Congress directed, demand response systems shall be facilitated, and unnecessary barriers to demand response participation in energy markets shall be eliminated.”

[Slip Opinion, at 9; statutory citation and internal quotation marks omitted.]

The Supreme Court held, unequivocally, that FERC has jurisdiction to regulate DR; and then it went on to rule that the relatively generous compensation that FERC has ordered by given to DR was perfectly legal and proper. In short, the Supreme Court ruled on both issues exactly as CLF and other environmental organizations had asked it to rule. You can see the full text of the Supreme Court’s opinion here.

I would just add one additional point. Sometimes people who criticize the efforts of environmentalists say that our efforts to reduce carbon emissions and other forms of pollution are too expensive and can hurt taxpayers or utility customers. This was a case that gave the lie to that mistaken idea. Environmentalists urged the Supreme Court to support DR, because DR reduces carbon emissions and other dangerous air pollutants. Consumer advocates and attorneys general from many states urged the Supreme Court to do the same thing, because DR saves ratepayers literally (not figuratively) billions of dollars. It was deeply gratifying to have had the opportunity to work on this case that saw a joint effort by environmentalists and ratepayer advocates.

And we won!

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AG Healey praises Supreme Court decision on ‘demand response’

By Clarence Fanto
The Berkshire Eagle online
January 26, 2016

State Attorney General Maura Healey welcomed Monday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding a rule that lets federal regulators urge factories, businesses, schools, hospitals and shopping centers to reduce electricity consumption at peak times, such as heat waves and extreme cold spells, in exchange for price breaks.

The approach, known as “demand response,” lowers costs for consumers and lessens the risk of blackouts.

“I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to incentivize customers to reduce their use of power during periods of high electricity demand,” Healey stated in an email message.

“The decision supporting the inclusion of ‘demand response’ in the wholesale energy market will ensure that this common-sense and proven approach to lowering energy costs and prompting electric reliability will continue to grow and thrive,” she said.

The Supreme Court decision also supports a study commissioned by Healey’s office last summer in connection with Kinder Morgan’s proposed 420-mile, Tennessee Gas Co. Northeast Energy Direct pipeline. The findings demonstrated that reduced power consumption during peak demand can control costs and provide “a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to new fossil fuel infrastructure,” according to Healey’s office.

Last November, Healey released the report by the Analytics Group of Boston stating that new natural gas pipelines aren’t needed in New England because the region is unlikely to face electricity supply shortages over the next 15 years. Kinder Morgan blasted the study as “seriously flawed” because, the company argued, it did not take into account what it described as expected shortfalls in natural gas supplies as soon as 2018.

The attorney general has urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, to scrutinize Kinder Morgan’s application for its $5 billion pipeline project. FERC may rule by November, and if it’s favorable, the company aims to build the pipeline and put it into service by November 2018.

The company’s preferred pipeline route stretches from the Marcellus shale fields of southwest Pennsylvania to Wright, N.Y., west of Schenectady.

Then it heads eastward, entering Berkshire County from Stephentown and crossing portions of Hancock, Lanesborough, Cheshire, Dalton, Hinsdale, Peru and Windsor before slicing through Hampshire and Franklin counties, jogging northward across 70 miles of southern New Hampshire, including 17 towns, before terminating in Dracut, Mass., north of Lowell.

The High Court’s 6-2 ruling reverses a May 2014 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia to eliminate the FERC regulation issued in 2011.

Writing the Supreme Court’s majority decision on Monday, Justice Elena Kagan explained that “demand response” arose “because wholesale market operators can sometimes — say, on a muggy August day — offer electricity both more cheaply and more reliably by paying users to dial down their consumption than by paying power plants to ramp up their production.”

Environmental groups welcomed the ruling. ” ‘Demand response’ programs make energy cheaper, ensure the reliability of the grid, and protect our air and water from fossil fuel pollution,” Casey Roberts, a lawyer with the Sierra Club, said in a statement. The White House also cheered the Supreme Court decision.

“Demand response” cuts into the profits of companies that own power plants, which lose money when price spikes are avoided. Business groups and their supporters said the Supreme Court majority had ignored legal principles that should have constrained FERC.

“The Supreme Court sends a clear message by ruling in favor of FERC’s power demand rule: Energy politics are a game that ignores both the rule of law and states’ constitutional authority,” Myron Ebell of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a libertarian group, said in a statement.

Information from The New York Times was included in this report.
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FERC Should Review Indirect Impacts, GHG Emissions From NatGas Projects, EPA Says

Jeremiah Shelor
Natural Gas Intelligence | Shale Daily
January 21, 2016

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said this week that FERC should require applicants seeking approval under the Natural Gas Act to provide more information on a project’s indirect impacts, including potential increases in gas production and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

EPA submitted comments Tuesday on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Draft Guidance Manual for Environmental Report Preparation for Applications Filed Under the Natural Gas Act. FERC released a revised version of its guidance manual, which had not been updated since 2002, last month (see Daily GPI, Dec. 29, 2015).

The manual is meant to help project applicants determine what information to provide FERC in conducting its environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

In its comments this week, EPA recommended that FERC’s guidance manual “request applicants provide information regarding the potential for increased natural gas production and the potential for environmental impacts associated with the potential increase.”

“In previous NEPA analyses, FERC has concluded that the nature of natural gas supply and the pipeline system in the U.S. make it difficult to predict accurately where additional gas development activity will occur and thus, that it is not feasible to specifically evaluate the localized environmental impacts in a project-level NEPA document,” EPA wrote. “However, both FERC and the Department of Energy (DOE) have recognized that an increase in natural gas exports will result in increased production.”

EPA further said that DOE has conducted a study on the impact of U.S. natural gas exports that “provides the kind of conceptual level analysis of the types of impacts that are likely to occur from increased production” and urged FERC to require applicants to use the study “to inform their analysis” of their project’s impacts.

The recommendation echoes calls from environmentalists for FERC to review cumulative regional impacts of the multiple transmission projects that have been proposed in response to the rapid growth of production from unconventional shale development (see Shale Daily, Nov. 2, 2015).

FERC has generally held that evaluating a particular project’s impacts on future gas production falls outside its responsibilities under NEPA. In a recent court filing defending its approval of the Dominion Cove Point LNG Liquefaction Project, FERC wrote that it is not required “to consider all potential impacts no matter how attenuated or speculative,” adding that “future natural gas development production activities…are not a causally related effect of the construction and operation of this particular liquefaction facility” (see Daily GPI, Jan. 7).

EPA also took issue with the language in FERC’s guidance manual concerning GHG emissions. The manual “includes, in our view, an incorrect determination that no methodology exists to determine how an individual project’s incremental contribution to GHG would translate into physical effects on the global environment and a recommendation to address the contribution of the project emissions as a percentage of total estimated GHG emissions worldwide,” EPA said.

EPA urged FERC to include a separate detailed section advising applicants on reporting a range of information related to climate change impacts and GHG emissions, including mitigation measures and a discussion of both “emissions from the construction and operation of the project” as well as “emissions associated with the production, transport, and combustion of the natural gas.”

EPA pointed to both the DOE report and a report from the National Energy Technology Laboratory on the “Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Perspective on Exporting Liquefied Natural Gas [LNG] from the United States” as helpful for applicants to consider in evaluating their projects.

“The environmental impacts are best described by using emissions as a proxy when comparing the project, alternatives and potential mitigation,” EPA said. “We recommend FERC request the applicant provide an existing frame of reference in their resource report, such as an applicable Federal, state, tribal or local goal for GHG emission reductions, and discuss whether the emission levels are consistent with such goals.”

Amid environmental opposition to hydraulic fracturing and concerns about the impact of fossil fuel development on climate change, FERC’s environmental reviews of pipelines and LNG projects have come under greater scrutiny recently, even as the agency contends with an uptick in pipeline applications (see Daily GPI, Dec. 10, 2015; Dec. 1, 2015).

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Jobs

2016 Berkshire Land Conservation Summer Internships –
Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC)

Berkshire Natural Resources Council (www.bnrc.net), a private, non-profit land trust based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is offering its 2016 Rice Fellowship to individuals exploring a career in the environmental field.

The internship dates are May 16 to September 2, with flexibility on both ends.

The 40-hour/week fellowship provides a stipend and lodging in a rustic cabin on Onota Lake in Pittsfield.  There is a mix of approximately 90/10 field/office work. Fellows will gain valuable experience in resource management at a successful environmental organization while performing meaningful work in the Berkshires.  BNRC is a small organization (staff of seven) unburdened by administrative formality.  Rice Fellows enjoy an unusual level of independence compared with many internships; a large amount of self-motivation is required.

Responsibilities

  1. Public outreach (e.g., leading hikes and coordinating events)
  2. Land management
  3. Trail maintenance and construction
  4. Conservation restriction stewardship
  5. Invasive plant control
  6. Boundary work
  7. Other land management tasks as required

Requirements

  1. Ability to work unsupervised
  2. Comfort with being alone in the woods
  3. Ability to carry a 30 pound pack for 10 miles over rough terrain
  4. Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
  5. Solid communication skills
  6. Personal transportation required

Fellows will gain:

  1. Trail-building skills
  2. Leadership skills
  3. Understanding of conservation restrictions
  4. Orienteering and boundary maintenance skills
  5. Understanding of ecological restoration theory and practice
  6. Basic understanding of land management techniques and challenges for land conservation

Interviews will begin on February 16, 2016.  Please feel free to contact with questions or for more information.  Applicants should email cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references to:

Michael Leavitt, mleavitt@bnrc.netBerkshire Natural Resources Council, 20 Bank Row, Pittsfield, MA 01201. (413) 499-0596

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 2016 Berkshire Trail Crew –
Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC)

Berkshire Natural Resources Council (www.bnrc.net), a private, non-profit land trust based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is hiring 2 trail crew members for the 2016 season.

The season runs from May 31 to September 2 with some flexibility on both ends.

BNRC maintains more than 50 miles of trail, with more to be built in 2016.  Trail crew members will work with the Trails and Outreach Coordinator to maintain existing trails and construct new ones.  The crew will work with and alongside youth and professional trail crews.  Some backcountry camping may be required.  Members must have a high level of self-motivation, as the crew will often work without supervision.  An hourly wage and free housing in a rustic cabin on Onota Lake in Pittsfield is provided.  A head trail crew position is available for the right applicant.

Responsibilities

  1. Trail maintenance and construction
  2. Work with youth and professional trail crews
  3. Public outreach (e.g., leading hikes, communicating with hikers, etc.)
  4. Other stewardship/management tasks as needed

Requirements

  1. Experience with hand tools required
  2. Trail crew experience preferred
  3. Ability to work unsupervised
  4. Comfort with being alone in the woods
  5. Ability to carry a 50-pound pack for 5 miles over rough terrain
  6. Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
  7. Experience working with youth preferred
  8. Personal transportation required

Head Trail Crew Position Requirements

  1. Trail Crew experience required
  2. Leadership experience preferred

Interviews will begin on February 16, 2015.  Please feel free to contact with questions or for more information.  Applicants should email cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references to:

Michael Leavitt, mleavitt@bnrc.netBerkshire Natural Resources Council, 20 Bank Row, Pittsfield, MA 01201. (413) 499-0596

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Executive and HR Assistant – Center for EcoTechnology (CET)

For more than 35 years, the Center for EcoTechnology has helped people and businesses in Massachusetts save energy and reduce waste. If you have a passion for helping to transforming the way we live and work for a better community, economy and environment, then CET is the place for you. The Executive Assistant provides timely, helpful, creative and accurate support to the Office of the President and the Human Resources department to further this mission.

  • The Executive Assistant handles day-to-day logistics such as scheduling, email correspondence, agendas, Board minutes and travel preparations.
  • The Executive Assistant tracks programs and maintains data for the human resources department and assists with recruiting and onboarding initiatives.
  • The Executive Assistant creates a wide range of written materials including blog posts, newsletters, Board resolutions, confidential correspondence, and speeches.
  • The Executive Assistant plans and coordinates events held at CET including arranging for speakers, securing catering, and controlling the budget.
  • The Executive Assistant analyzes budget and mission impact data and compiles complex information into database and spreadsheet files.

We are looking for someone with a strong commitment to the non-profit community mission of CET. To be successful in this job, you must be outgoing, friendly, and helpful, approaching others with warmth and tact. We need someone who reacts calmly under pressure and treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.

The Executive Assistant is effectively the “right-hand-person” to our President and a key support to the Human Resources department.  The ability to manage multiple projects, summarize complex information, strategize the delivery and follow-up of that information, and think proactively are critical to success in this role.  Any fundraising/endowment experience (although not required) would be a great plus.

In 2013, we helped 26,000 people save $33 million and reduce the impact on the environment equal to taking 29,000 cars off the road and 12,000 homes off the grid for a year! We provide practical solutions that save energy, materials and money and have a positive impact on our environment and community. In the past 6 months, we have added more than 30 people to our dedicated team and are still looking for more.

This is a full-time hourly position with benefits located in our Northampton office. To qualify, you must have minimum 2 years’ experience working in an administrative office environment with similar responsibilities. You should have strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel and PowerPoint as well as database software. You must have excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication skills needed. You should be able to succeed at the above while having fun and being fun to work with.
Send cover letter and resume via email to: hr.cs.ea16@cetonline.org. You may include military service assignments and any verified work performed on a volunteer basis. CET is an equal opportunity employer.

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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.

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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

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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.

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