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.
Action Alert – Support Endangered Rattlesnake Recovery Plan
Please consider writing a letter in support of Timber Rattlesnake conservation in Massachusetts! The plan to conserve Timber Rattlesnakes was developed by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program in conjunction with scientists from UMass Amherst. This is a science-based recovery plan. Any questions of public safety were thoroughly vetted during state hearings. BEAT believes that recovery plans for endangered species should be developed by the appropriate scientists and ecologists and not stopped because of someone’s irrational phobia.The Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program should be allowed to follow its legislative mandate to protect all native species in the Commonwealth without further legislative interference.
Action Alert: Right to Know GMO – just label it!
BEAT is proud to be among nearly 500 Massachusetts businesses, farms and organizations who have endorsed the campaign to label genetically engineered foods in our state. The Mass. legislature has until July to vote on a GMO labeling bill which has the support of over 75% of lawmakers, but unless we demonstrate how important this issue is, they might not get to it. Please join us in sending a message to your state legislators by filling out the form on the MA Right to Know GMOs website (link below), and our statewide Call-In Days.
Massachusetts energy chief sees ‘long process’ on emissions reduction regulations
The First Official Climate Refugees in the U.S. Race Against Time
Since 1955, the Isle de Jean Charles band of the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw tribe has lost 98 percent of its land to the encroaching Gulf waters. Of the 22,400-acre island that stood at that time, only a 320-acre strip remains. The tribe’s identity, food, and culture have slowly eroded with the land. In response, on January 21, 2016, the Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the tribe $48 million to relocate through the National Disaster Resilience Competition. But moving isn’t a simple solution. By
Blue-eyed Ground-Dove rediscovered in Brazil
São Paulo, May 23rd 2016 – A group of researchers, supported by Observatório de Aves – Instituto Butantan (Butantan Bird Observatory) and Sociedade para a Conservação das Aves do Brasi (SAVE Brasil), this weekend announced the rediscovery of one of the rarest bird species in the world. Known as the Blue-eyed Ground-Dove (Columbina cyanopis), it is critically endangered. The last confirmed record was 75 years ago, in 1941.
Jobs
Watershed Ecologist (Environmental Analyst IV) – Boston
Mohawk Forest Environmental Education Internship – North Adams
Confronting Climate Change Internships: Five On-campus summer emissions research positions – Williams College
Outdoor Educator – Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, Cropseyville, NY
Assistant Director, Summer Camp – Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, Cropseyville, NY
Greenagers Summer Jobs – Trail Crews & Agricultural Apprentices – Various locations in Berkshire and Columbia Counties
Landscape Design Assistant, Garden Installation Manager & Crew, Fine Garden Maintenance Crew – Helia Native Nursery and Land Design
Camp Counselors – Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary of Mass Audubon
Action Alert – Support Endangered Rattlesnake Recovery Plan
Please consider writing a letter in support of Timber Rattlesnake conservation in Massachusetts!
The plan to conserve Timber Rattlesnakes was developed by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program in conjunction with scientists from UMass Amherst. This is a science-based recovery plan. Any questions of public safety were thoroughly vetted during state hearings. BEAT believes that recovery plans for endangered species should be developed by the appropriate scientists and ecologists and not stopped because of someone’s irrational phobia.The Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program should be allowed to follow its legislative mandate to protect all native species in the Commonwealth without further legislative interference.
Currently, there are proposed amendments to the State Budget Bill that would prevent establishing a new population of Timber Rattlesnakes on the island in Quabbin Reservior, and would also prevent re-introducing this endangered species at other historic sites. This sets a very bad, politically driven precedent for all future conservation efforts in Massachusetts.
Please contact Senator Eric Lesser and Senate President Stan Rosenberg’s and ask them to withdraw the budget amendment that stops the conservation of Timber Rattlesnakes. Allow Natural Heritage do its job and conserve the endangered Timber Rattlesnake.
Contact information:
- Stan Rosenberg, Massachusetts Senate President, (413) 584-1649 Stan.Rosenberg@masenate.gov 1 Prince St. Northampton MA 01060 Contact via web: http://www.stanrosenberg.com/
contact-me - Senator Eric Lesser, (413) 526-6501 eric.lesser@masenate.gov, 60 Shaker Rd, Unit 3B, East Longmeadow MA 01028
Action Alert: Right to Know GMO – just label it!
BEAT is proud to be among nearly 500 Massachusetts businesses, farms and organizations who have endorsed the campaign to label genetically engineered foods in our state. The Mass. legislature has until July to vote on a GMO labeling bill which has the support of over 75% of lawmakers, but unless we demonstrate how important this issue is, they might not get to it. Please join us in sending a message to your state legislators by filling out the form on the MA Right to Know GMOs website (link below), and our statewide Call-In Days.
Details at: www.marighttoknow.com/contactlegislators, where you can send an automated message (which you can customize) to your representative after entering your zip code.
The statewide call-in days with Food and Water Watch will take place on May 25th AND June 1st.
Lunch-In for Labeling!
If you’re in the Boston area on Wednesday, June 8th, take your lunch to the Statehouse at noon for a “Lunch-In for Labeling.” We have a right to know what we’re eating! The Massachusetts legislature has until July 31st to pass a popular GMO labeling law, but it might not happen if we don’t demand our right to know what we’re eating, visibly and vocally! This will be a fun and family-friendly way to send a message to our lawmakers: It’s time to Label GMOs! Come for a few minutes or for the afternoon. Learn about what’s happening with GMO labeling and meet others who share your concerns. Join with others to take part in the democratic process!
There will be snacks and yummy samples provided by our sponsors, but please plan on packing your own lunch. Feel free to dress up, make posters, make it fun! Colorful and happy people make for good media! (Bee costumes are always a hit… and the more the better!) There will be speakers, discussions and opportunities to meet with legislators. Stay tuned for other fun surprises!
We have the votes to pass GMO labeling, but whether or not it gets voted on depends on how loud we get about it! We can not continue to allow wealthy financial interests to maintain control over our democratic process. We are taking back our government. We are taking back our food supply. We are taking back our children’s futures!
- Please RSVP and share the Facebook event (if you’re on it): https://www.facebook.com/events/539529536252895/
- Even if you can’t come, please send a quick message to your legislators by filling out this form:http://marighttoknow.org/contactlegislators
- If you’re new to the idea of GMO labeling, you can learn more by visiting www.marighttoknow.org/why-label-gmos/
- Please see the below FAQ and let us know if you have any questions or would like to help by emailing us at action@marighttoknow.org
Kinder Morgan abandons Northeast Direct pipeline project – for now
Massachusetts energy chief sees ‘long process’ on emissions reduction regulations
BOSTON – The Baker administration is a long way from developing emissions reduction regulations that would meet the mandate handed down last week by the state’s highest court, according to the state’s top energy official, who told the News Service there are opportunities to reduce emissions from the transportation sector, but no single sector will bear the burden of meeting the requirements of the Global Warming Solutions Act.
A unanimous Supreme Judicial Court ruling handed down last Tuesday affirms the state’s obligations under a 2008 global warming law and orders state government to create and implement regulations that apply to multiple carbon sources to meet its emission reduction mandates.
Vacating a Superior Court judge’s ruling, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled that Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations do not fulfill the specific requirements of the Global Warming Solutions Act. The ruling requires the department to promulgate rules “that address multiple sources of categories of sources of greenhouse gas emissions, impose a limit on emissions that may be released, limit the aggregate emissions released from each group of regulated sources or categories of sources, set emission limits for each year, and set limits that decline on an annual basis.”
“We have some work to do across every sector,” Energy and Environment Secretary Matthew Beaton told the News Service after attending a Cabinet meeting in Baker’s office on Friday.
A Senate committee tentatively plans a May 31 hearing focused on compliance with emissions reduction targets under the law. Sen. Marc Pacheco, chairman of the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change, told the News Service Monday that the law’s intent was to reduce emissions across the economy and the court ruling “lays down the law that this must be done.”
“I’ve been pleased with the rhetoric that has come out of the administration from the beginning around this issue,” Pacheco said. “Unfortunately though, right now we’re already starting to get behind … We really have to ramp up the implementation. We’ve had a few years where we could have been putting in place other regulatory processes that we really did not do. DEP was not taking the position that they had to do it. Now that we have this ruling it’s going to be very important to move forward as quickly as possible.”
In the wake of the court ruling, which was hailed by the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) as a landmark case, Beaton said the administration is not working with any concrete deadlines to put new emissions reduction regulations in place.
“We haven’t come very far in the full analysis of everything that is going to be required. I think how we are going to end up getting that answer is through engagement of the stakeholders, particularly I think one that would come to mind is CLF because they were in the center of the suit, and working with the community to try to identify what are the appropriate regulations that we would need to basically fulfill the mandate of the court,” Beaton said.
He continued, “It’s going to take a little bit of time to figure that out. I’d be speaking way out of turn if I were to say we have the roadmap, we know what sectors and what categories we’re going to be regulating and what those regulations are going to look like and how many regulations we’re going to have. It’s still way too early to tell.”
Conservation Law Foundation President Bradley Campbell told the News Service on Monday that CLF is hoping the administration commits to an “aggressive schedule” for new rulemaking.
“The regulatory process takes time to be done right, but certainly this set of rulemaking has to be done well before the end of the governor’s first term,” Campbell said. “Because so much time has been lost, from the Patrick administration’s failure to promulgate regulations, meeting the court’s mandate will require an ambitious and expedited rulemaking process. CLF is very encouraged by the initial signals we’ve received from the Baker administration. But the mandate to produce declining emissions caps across a range of economic sectors is going to require an all-out effort and needs to be completed quickly so that affected businesses and economic sectors can plan accordingly.”
Plaintiffs in the suit are hoping the administration takes steps to curb emissions from the transportation sector.
Asked about that school of thought, Beaton said, “If you just look at the history and even in our updated clean energy climate plan, there is opportunity for us to make some strides in the transportation sector. You know, not all the solutions are going to come out of any one sector. So we really truly do have to look at this holistically. Transportation does play a role in it, but our meeting the Global Warming Solutions Act is not going to fall solely on the back of transportation. We have some work to do across every sector.”
Pacheco has recommended that Massachusetts and states already involved in a regional compact to reduce power plant emissions band together and attempt to purchase electric vehicle fleets in state government.
“You start to package those up in the Northeast, and you create a significant market,” he said. “By creating that market you can lower the price significantly with the automobile manufacturers.”
In addition to internal work across agencies, Beaton said he expects a “significant stakeholder outreach” will be in the offing as “part of a long process to figure out what we’re going to do.”
The ruling in Kain et al. v. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection was written by Justice Robert Cordy, who wrote that the case asked the court to examine whether DEP had fulfilled its mandate under the 2008 law that required regulations to be issued by Jan. 1, 2012, to take effect Jan. 1, 2013 and to expire on Dec. 31, 2020.
When the DEP failed to take action by the deadline, residents submitted rules to the department seeking the issuance of regulations. The department, after a hearing in June 2013, issued a statement concluding it had complied with the requirements of the law, citing a regional cap and trade program to reduce power plant emissions, efforts to limit gas leaks, and a low-emission vehicle program.
Plaintiffs went to Superior Court seeking relief in 2014 and a judge in March 2015 ruled for the department, prompting the appeal to the Supreme Judicial Court.
In his opinion, Cordy wrote that the law’s “unambiguous language … requires the department to promulgate regulations that establish volumetric limits on multiple greenhouse gas emissions sources, expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents, and that such limits must decline on an annual basis.”
The court ruled that the gas leaks, Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and low-emission vehicle regulations, while important to overall greenhouse gas reduction efforts, “fall short of complying with the requirements … because they fail to ensure the type of mass-based reductions in greenhouse gases across the sources or categories of sources regulated under each of the programs, as intended by the Legislature.”
Jobs
Watershed Ecologist (Environmental Analyst IV) – Boston
Date of posting: 5/6/2016
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 Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration is hiring!
The Watershed Ecologist provides overall leadership and administration of the Division of Ecological Restoration’s (DER) Flow Restoration Program and manages staff and fiscal resources to achieve Program goals. The position directs and oversees the priorities, strategic planning, resource allocation, scientific integrity, and overall operations of the Program and coordinates flow restoration activities within the Division. The position supervises staff scientists as well as interns, ensuring that their work is scientifically sound and supports DER strategic priorities. This position also serves as an advisor to state agency workgroups, commissions, and initiatives to inform science, policies, and regulations that impact in-stream flow and aquatic ecosystem protection and restoration. 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=1600025T
Mohawk Forest Environmental Education Internship,
North Adams
The Mohawk Forest summer internship places one to two interns with the Caleb Group at Mohawk Forest Apartments in North Adams to work with teen leaders and elementary school children. The teens are part of a teen leadership development and employment program and the youth are part of the summer day camp program. The intern(s) work under Kathy Keeser, the Resident Services and Program Coordinator at Mohawk Forest. The internship is for 35 hours/week, for eight-ten weeks during the summer (specific dates are flexible based on the intern’s and Resident Coordinator’s decision).
The intern(s) work with teen leaders to help them set up and implement neighborhood improvement projects, including:
• Access to healthy and local food, such as nutrition or cooking projects for day camp, community awareness of local resources like the farmer’s market and working with teen-generated ideas for further programming
• Trash/recycling: which might include addressing community efforts and awareness of keeping the community clean and beautified, encouraging and teaching recycling, which last year included a recycling rewards program. Last summer a compost bin was purchased and the teens worked with the youth to separate food scraps for the compost from trash at lunch. The compost will be used for the small youth community garden.
• Fitness: working with the teens to lead current efforts for getting families and kids out and active and to brainstorm new opportunities.
• Other Environmental Awareness or action projects that the teens and youth develop. Last year this included an energy conservation tip sheet that the teens researched, printed and distributed to all 190 apartments. The tip sheet was also sent to the Caleb Group’s head office for distribution to other Caleb Group housing sites.
The intern(s) will work with an older elementary school day camp group, assisted by the teen leaders to implement neighborhood improvement projects in the Mohawk Forest community. The intern(s) will also bring an environmental focus into the summer youth day camp program through experiential education including field trips, activity days and special events.
The internship is a great opportunity for those who are committed to education, community empowerment, and to developing leadership opportunities end environmental consciousness in the Berkshires.
Interns are eligible to apply for funding through the Center for Environmental Studies, which offers a stipend of $400/week and housing on campus. Internship is open to current freshmen.
If interested, please send a resume and brief cover letter to Julia Yarak: jly1@williams.edu
Confronting Climate Change Internships
On-campus summer emissions research positions
The 2016-17 academic year will focus on “Confronting Climate Change” (CCC) at Williams. As part of this CCC initiative we will be closely examining campus emissions and holding some exercises, such as the wedge game,* to demonstrate the options for the campus to meet its CO2 emissions reductions goals.
To this end, the Zilkha Center and the Center for Environmental Studies are hiring five summer research assistants to gather and analyze campus greenhouse gas emissions data and conduct background research for a climate-change related campus event in the next academic year.
The students will work as a team to determine the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction potential of a variety of strategies. Areas of research may include car, bus, and air transportation on college business, campus building hours and energy systems, renewable energy projects, conservation measures, and policies and practices to achieve reductions.
We are seeking students with a variety of skills but most importantly experience with data collection and analysis and an interest in primary research. We will provide training on the details of emissions calculations, but seek students with strong quantitative skills, experience with Excel, and an ability to work tenaciously to track down primary data. Applicants should have experience in visual displays of data (web/graphic design skills) and a general interest in climate change.
The work done by student researchers will be used to run events during the academic year in which groups of students, faculty and staff work together to consider combinations of strategies that can be used to achieve campus GHG emissions goals.
To: Apply:
1. Complete the online application form.https://ces.williams.edu/?page_id=7
Under “Title of Project” write “CCC Internship” and respond to each the questions below in 1 paragraph: 1) Describe your interest in campus GHG emissions and the College’s initiative to reduce emissions; 2) Explain how your experience qualifies you for this position; 3) What are your research preferences, based on the description above.
2. Submit an unofficial copy of your transcript to dlewis@williams.edu (Write CCC Internship Application” in subject line.)
3. Submit your resume to dlewis@williams.edu (Write CCC Internship Application in subject line.)
Application Deadline: March 10, 2016
*The Wedge Game is based on a 2004 paper by Rob Socolow, linked below. It is a game that demonstrates global GHG emissions in a visual way, and participants make choices about how to achieve reductions. We are planning to develop a campus version of the wedge game with campus data. Please see the paper here:https://www.princeton.edu/mae/people/faculty/socolow/Science-2004-SW-1100103-PAPER-AND-SOM.pdf
Summer 2016 Internship, Eagle Eye Institute,
MountainStar Forest, Peru, MA
This is more than an internship; it is a transformational learning opportunity!
Title: Residential Land Management Intern
Positions Available: 2
Background: Eagle Eye Institute is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization based in
Peru, MA, committed to engaging underserved urban youth with the environment
through hands-on exploratory learning, stewardship, and career bridging
programs. This internship program takes place at MountainStar Forest, a 200+
acre forest training site in Peru, MA, just 30 miles west of Northampton, MA. The
mission of the site is to protect the spirit of this forest and to conserve and
enhance its beauty and health by engaging people of all ages and cultural
backgrounds in its stewardship, so that future generations of all life can flourish.
Description: As an intern, you will live on the land for six weeks and connect
with nature, others, and yourself in an immersive outdoor setting. Housing will be
provided in private Eureka Equinox 6 standup tents, each on its own tent
platform. You will live off the grid without electronic devices, participate in food
preparation (all food is vegan and will be provided), learn about energy and water
conservation while living outdoors, help grow organic vegetables, and deepen
your overall relationship with nature. You will gain hands-on experience in land
management, including but not limited to, tree, shrub, and flower planting,
mowing and weed whacking, trail building and repair, forest management and
firewood production, brush cleanup, vegetable gardening, and traditional and
alternative building construction. You will also have the opportunity to assist with
Eagle Eye Institute overnight programs for youth held at the land over the
summer. This will include camp setup, food prep, and overall logistics. In
addition, you may keep a daily journal of your experiences, share your personal
story, and participate in daily morning meditation and exercise.
Melinda Stockmann, former MountainStar Forest intern, says:
“So, I think what I’ll tell other people is that this is a really good chance to …well,
not to be too clichéd… but to connect with yourself and with others and with
nature… and to just really get back to the basics…Coming out here for six weeks
you get to really just be. And work. And appreciate work. And appreciate play
and appreciate the food you eat. And just think about what you want to be and
what you want to do and what you are doing and what you are being. And that’s
really an opportunity that a lot of folks don’t get…It’s challenging… especially if
you’re used to being in a routine and having constant stimulation in different
ways…You have to be committed to the opportunity for what it is…I think it’s
definitely worth it and it pays off on a lot of different levels…Outdoor living is fun!”
We are looking for the right individuals with the following qualities:
• Hard-working
• Positive attitude
• Willingness to learn with an open mind
• Sense of humor
• Sense of cooperation
• Experience and commitment to working with diverse people, especially
urban youth of color
• Trustworthiness
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Good communicator
• A leader who can take initiative
Qualifications:
• Current college/university student
• Good physical condition
• Knowledge of and interest in the environment
• Camping and outdoor living experience
• Use of basic hand tools: shovel, rake, mower, weedwacker, etc.
• Some carpentry skills
Additional Qualifications:
• Must have own transportation to and from the site.
• We prefer that interns have an additional living situation within
commuting distance, for weekends and days off.
• Flexibility with days and hours.
Timeline: Six weeks, approx. July 6 – August 17, 2016 (exact dates TBD).
Schedule: 40 hours per week, flexible based on weather and work to be
accomplished any given day or week.
Compensation: Room (camping) and board.
How to Apply:
Submit a resume, two character references, and a letter stating why you are
interested, why you are the best person for this internship, what skills you have to
contribute, and what you would like to learn from this experience. How do you
see this internship helping you in your own personal development?
SEEKING DIVERSE APPLICANTS
Contact: Anthony Sanchez, Board President, Eagle Eye Institute
MountainStar Forest Manager
(413) 655-0103
asanchez@eagleeyei.org
Seasonal Outdoor Educator –
Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, Grafton, NY
Experience needed: Experience working with children in the outdoors required. Some experience in outdoor recreation preferred. Education required: Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences or Education.
Job Requirements: Must be able to perform physical work in the outdoors, be able to work some weekends and evenings and possess a valid driver’s license.
To apply: Please send resume and Rensselaer County application (available at www.rensco.com) to: Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, 475 Dyken Pond Road, Cropseyille, New York 12052 or contact Lisa Hoyt at 518 658-2055 ordykenpond@gmail.com. Applications accepted until position is filled.
Visit our website for more information about our summer camp and programs at:http://www.dykenpond.org
Dyken Pond
Environmental Education Center
475 Dyken Pond Road
Cropseyville, New York 12052
518 658-2055
Assistant Director, Summer Camp –
Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, Grafton, NY
Job Description: Assistant Director has on-site responsibility for daily camp operations including basic administrative tasks, teaching environmental education programs to youth ages 6 – 13, and supervising other staff. In addition, the Assistant Director will assist in other environmental education programs before camp starts. This position is assigned a wide variety of tasks and duties that must be performed to insure the efficient operation of the camp program. Experience needed: College degree required in natural history subject area or education. Must be 21 years old and hold a valid NYS drivers license. Experience working with elementary aged children in the outdoors required.
For more information on seasonal positions, please contact Lisa Hoyt at 518 658-2055 ordykenpond@gmail.com. To apply, please download a Renssealer County application from www.rensco.com (click on Employment) and return completed application and resume to: Lisa Hoyt, Dyken Pond Center, 475 Dyken Pond Road, Cropseyville, NY 12052
Greenagers Summer Jobs
Greenagers employs 50 youth each year for work on local trails and farms, through our trail crews (3 in Berkshire County and 2 in Columbia County) and our Farm Apprenticeships. Click here to find out more information and apply online.
Applications for trail crew positions are due on May 1st.
Trail Crews consist of 6-8 youth aged 15-19 and one skilled leader with a minimum of 3 years field experience. Our 2016 Trail Crew options are: Appalachian Trail Crew, Berkshire County Community Crews, and Columbia Land Conservancy Trail Crews.
Our 2016 Trail Partners to date are: National Park Service, Columbia Land Conservancy, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Great Barrington Land Conservancy, Housatonic River Walk, Laurel Hill Association, The Nature Conservancy, Chesterwood, Egremont Land Trust, Sheffield, Land Trust, Hancock Shaker Village, and Town of Egremont. Please contact Elia Del Molino, Trails Coordinator, for further information.
Agricultural Apprentices are matched with area farms, from whom they learn about machinery operation, animal husbandry, organic farming and the business of agriculture. Past apprentices have been placed at Woven Roots Farm, Howden Farm, Farm Girl Farm, Plantin’ Seeds, Sky View Farm, Larkin Farm, Ward’s Farm, Project Native, Wolfe Spring Farm, Mountain Falls Farm, The Sheffield Food Program, and here at Greenagers (to name a few). New farm partners this year include: Hosta Hill, North Plain Farm, Equinox Farm, Camp Eisner, and Undermountain Elementary School Gardens. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please contact Matt Downing, Agricultural Program Coordinator, for further information.
We are very grateful for the financial support of: Berkshire United Way; Robbins-de Beaumont Foundation; and the Green Pastures, Berkshire Hills Fund for Excellence, and Berkshire Environmental Endowment funds at Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
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Landscape Design Assistant, Garden Installation Manager & Crew, Fine Garden Maintenance Crew – Helia Native Nursery & Land Design
We specialize in Native Plants, Ecological Landscape Design, Wildflower Meadows, Site Restoration, Edible and Fine Gardens. We are expanding and currently have full time openings in the following positions:
Landscape Design Assistant – The right candidate will have a strong background, full knowledge and experience in site surveying, base mapping and design, autoCAD and SketchUP, with a good knowledge of plants, especially natives. You must be energetic, hardworking, physically fit and a positive team-oriented person.
Installation Manager & Crew – We are looking for full time, energetic, hardworking, physically fit, positive, and team-oriented people to join our landscape installation team and manage installation jobs. Experience with native plants, garden installation, small machinery, stone work and maintenance is preferred.
Garden Maintenance Crew – Come join our full time fine garden maintenance team. We are looking for energetic, hardworking, physically fit, positive, and team-oriented people to join our team.
Please call 413-274-1400 to apply or email your resume to helialanddesign@gmail.com.
Seasonal Ranger I (West)–(1600026F)
DescriptionAbout the Department of Conservation and Recreation: The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. DCR is a dynamic agency, and is one of the largest park systems in the nation. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails and parkways. The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position Seasonal Ranger I. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking Park Rangers to patrol facilities to promote compliance with rules and regulations, protect natural and park resources, and enhance visitor experience through providing a presence and being available for visitor information; coordinate with law enforcement officials for appropriate regulatory action; and perform related work as required. Park Rangers normally work a forty-hour week (which includes nights, weekends, and holidays). April-early June will be Monday-Friday day shift. Mid June to August will require include week-end days and may include some evening shifts. Uniforms and training are provided; park housing is not. Successful candidates must attend the Seasonal Ranger Academy.Conducts patrols, either in a vehicle, on a bicycle or on foot, effectively utilizing techniques and available resources, to enforce applicable laws and regulations, provide visitor services, assess facility resources, assist visitors with first aid, and other public services as required.Perform the crossing of school-aged pedestrians on DCR roadways twice daily in accordance with the school’s schedule.Maintain an inventory of and maintain the condition of issued equipment.Complete Bureau records, reports, files, and logs.
Attend seminars, workshops, training sessions, etc., in order to maintain proficiencies.Participates in search and rescue operations in accordance with agency policy.Provide informal and, occasionally, formal information/educational programs, demonstrations, and materials for schools and civic groups as requires, in areas such as Ranger programs, park activities and services, outdoor skills, natural and cultural history and search and rescue.Respond and assist park staff at major incidents, assist at special events, and occasionally assist at statewide incidents or functions.Position Information: Seasonal Ranger I (00137682)Location: Mohawk Trail State Forest Complex, CharlemontStart Date: 4/24/16End Date: 11/5/16Position Information: Seasonal Ranger I (00182451)Location: Tolland State Forest Complex, OtisStart Date: 4/24/16End Date: 11/5/16Position Information: Seasonal Ranger I (00137661)Location: Moore House, AmherstStart Date: 4/24/16End Date: 12/30/16Preferred Qualifications:Knowledge of the standard procedures and techniques followed in foot, auto or other types of patrols.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of park or resource management.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of recreational programming.
Knowledge of general ecology and cultural history study, practice and principles.
Knowledge of the methods and techniques for presenting media productions, and drafting brochures and exhibits.
Ability to understand, explain and apply the rules, regulations, policies, procedures standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
Ability to speak effectively before the public
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to gather information by examining records and documents and through observing and interviewing individuals.
Ability to accurately record information provided orally.
Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in park or resource management, environmental education, water resources or water supply management, or natural/cultural history interpretation or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
1. Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator’s license.
2. Possession of a current and valid CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) certificate from the American Red Cross or the American heart Association.
3. Possession of a current and valid standard first aid and personal safety certificate and first responder certificate issued by the American Red Cross.An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Official Title: Ranger IWork Locations: Pittsfield – 740 South Street 01201Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Pittsfield-Pittsfield – 740 South StreetJob: Community and Social ServicesAgency: Department of Conservation & Recreation
Schedule: Full-timeShift: MultipleJob Posting: Mar 21, 2016, 12:43:07 PMNumber of Openings: 3Salary: 1,429.24 BiweeklyIf you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator:: Agatha Summons-Maguire – 617-626-1282Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME – Service/Institutional
Seasonal Forest And Park Supervisor III (West) – (160001XB)
DescriptionAbout the Department of Conservation and Recreation: The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. DCR is a dynamic agency, and is one of the largest park systems in the nation. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails and parkways.The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Forest & Park Supervisor III. The Seasonal Forest & Park Supervisor is responsible for supervising the maintenance and operations of parks, recreation areas, parkways, roadways, pedestrian ways and parking lots for public use. The incumbent of this position determines work priorities and resources, assigns and supervises staff, compiles and reviews data concerning park maintenance effectiveness and provides reports of all activities and incidents.SPECIFC DUTIES:
Supervises the maintenance of assigned recreational areas, including such activities as roadway and parkway maintenance, grounds maintenance, building and equipment maintenance and the repair and/or removal of hazardous conditions such as unsafe trees or limbs. Determines manpower and equipment resources necessary to accomplish assigned tasks.Maintains records and prepares reports concerning assigned work to provide information and make appropriate recommendations.Coordinates the activities and work of volunteers, court-referred individuals, etc.May prepares budgets for assigned areas by projecting resource needs and preparing required documentation for agency’s budget request.Monitors the activities involved in park and roadways maintenance work.Compiles and reviews data concerning effectiveness of park maintenance activities to prepare reports for supervisorProvides on-the-job training for new employees.Prepares reports as required; maintains records and logs on such matters as time and attendance of assigned personnel; performs routine vehicle maintenance inspections; and operates motor vehicles and other park machinery and equipment as required.Inspects damage to park areas, roadways, parking lots, equipment, etc. as a result of storms, vandalism and accidents to estimate the cost of labor and materials required for repairs and/or replacementsDetermines work priorities and assigns staff to specific tasks such as spraying, watering, planting trees, cleaning catch basins, trash removal, etc.Performs related work as assigned. Ability to work in a team setting. Ability to exercise sound judgment. Required to work outdoors in all types of weather. Work varied shifts and/or irregular hours; and stand for prolonged periods of time.POSITION INFORMATION: Position: Seasonal Forest & Park Supervisor III
Location: Pittsfield State Forest, Pittsfield
Start Date: 5/1/16
End Date: 11/12/16Salaries are based upon full-time/40 hours worked per week. Work schedules and days off are at the discretion of the Supervisor. This position may require working weekends and/or holidays.Qualifications
This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in the field of forestry, parks or recreational management and (B) of which at least two years must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. An Associate’s or higher degree with a major in forestry, natural resources management or parks and/or recreation management may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*
*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Official Title: Forest And Park Supervisor III Work Locations: Pittsfield-Cascade Street 012010000 Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Pittsfield-Pittsfield-Cascade StreetJob: Community and Social ServicesAgency: Department of Conservation & RecreationSchedule: Full-timeShift: MultipleJob Posting: Mar 11, 2016, 12:18:15 PMNumber of Openings: 1Salary: 1,758.24 BiweeklyIf you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator:: Agatha Summons-Maguire – 617-626-1282Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME – Service/Institutional
Summer Internships – Williams College
Summer Internships on Campus, Berkshire area & U.S. – Also: Summer Internship Funding: Check out dozens of campus and local environmental internships, all eligible for summer funding: Campus Emissions Research, Hopkins Forest Caretakers, Environmental Education, Sheep Hill environmental education, Farm Market/Ag research, Clark Art landscape internship, Environmental Analysis Lab, Hoosic River Watershed Association, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, and more…http://ces.williams.edu/category/summer-jobs/National/Global Summer Internships: Dozens of enviro internships and research positions in the US, many developed specifically by CES alumnae for Williams students HERECES Summer Funding for internships and research information and application form here.Deadline: March 10 (second deadline: April 8).Position required to apply for funding.
Camp Counselors – Pleasant Valley
Pleasant Valley Nature Camp is celebrating its’ 67 th year. We are seeking caring, committed, and enthusiastic staff to lead campers for their best summer ever! Our counselors:
- Plan, develop and implement a variety of outdoor activities utilizing Pleasant Valley’s 1300+ acres of forests, fields, streams and ponds;
- Are responsible for supervising the health and safety of campers;
- Maintain communication with parents and other staff;
- Must be able to work and learn together, have outstanding communication skills, and be willing and able to share their interests and talents with children aged 5-14;
- Provide leadership and mentor Leaders in Training (LITs).
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old;
- College experience preferred;
- Should have knowledge and interest in the nature of the Berkshire region;
- Applicants with a background in Environmental fields, education, or the arts are strongly encouraged to apply;
- Experience working with children;
- Willingness to obtain certification in CPR/First Aid are required-training is provided;
- Some positions also require lifeguard/water safety certifications;
- Successful candidates will pass a background records check (CORI and SORI);
- And…of course, flexibility and a sense of humor is a must!
Compensation and Benefits
Rate of Pay: $10.00- $12.00 per hour – depending on experience and position.
Additional Comments
Camp Session: June 9 – August 19 Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 3:30 pm or 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Camp Counselors are required to work at least one camp overnight during the summer.
How to Apply
Please send (email preferred) your cover letter and resume to:
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
472 West Mountain Road
Lenox, MA. 01240
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