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.
William R. Moomaw to Speak in Williamstown on April 10th
William R. Moomaw, lead author of five U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Reports, coordinating lead author of two, will speak on “Exceeding Expectations: Beyond the Climate Agreements at COP21.” Moomaw will describe what happened in Paris outside the official boundaries of COP21—among the regions, the states, the cities, the private sector business groups, the municipalities, and individual organizations. It is an exciting, untold story of commitments to carbon reduction that equal or exceed the pledges of some major countries.
Williamstown Repair Cafe Opens at Sheep Hill
Come all ye broken lamps, socks with holes, blades that have seen sharper days, bicycles needing a little tenderness! Come to Repair Cafe, co-sponsored by the South Williamstown Community Association and the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation, at Sheep Hill, 671 Cold Spring Road (Route 7) Saturday afternoon, April 9th from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Registration Closing Friday for Housatonic River Adventure – Source-to-Sound Paddle Trip
In honor of its 75th Anniversary and as a gift to the river, the Housatonic Valley Association and dozens of partners present the 2016 HOUSATONIC RIVER ADVENTURE and SOURCE TO SOUND PADDLE TRIP. Paddlers provide their own kayaks or canoes, transportation, food and safety equipment. Some sections are not suitable for novice or intermediate paddlers … Mandatory pre‐registration can be done online at hvatoday.org. You may join expert paddlers as they travel from Source to Sound during the 2016 Housatonic River Adventure – Source to Sound Paddle Trip. Come for a day, weekend, or the entire 149-miles and celebrate the beauty and wonder of the Housatonic River!
Legislative Negotiators Reach Deal on Solar Energy Roadmap
Five months of negotiations resulted in a deal Tuesday between House and Senate leaders to raise the cap on the amount of solar energy that public and private customers can sell back to grid by 3 percent, while decreasing the value of the incentives for new projects. The compromise would also allow utilities companies to petition the Department of Public Utilities to charge solar-producing customers a minimum bill to cover the cost of maintaining electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure, according to a summary obtained by the News Service. By Matt Murphy, STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
APRIL 5, 2016.
Massachusetts finally has a bill to raise the net metering caps
The conference committee comprised of both houses of Massachusetts’ legislature has reported a bill which will raise net metering caps by 3%, but reduces compensation for larger private solar projects. After six months of wrangling between the Massachusetts House and Senate and years of failed legislative attempts, the state finally has a viable bill to raise restrictive caps on net metering. Late yesterday a conference committee reported a bill which represents a compromise between the previous House and Senate versions. By Christian Roselund in PV Magazine, April 6, 2016.
EPA Launches New Voluntary Methane Challenge Program To Reduce Emissions from the Oil and Gas Sector
Today, as part of the Obama Administration’s ongoing commitment to take action on climate change and protect public health, EPA is launching a new voluntary partnership program—with 41 founding partner companies in the oil and gas sector. The Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program builds upon the Natural Gas STAR Program, a flexible, voluntary partnership between EPA and the U.S. oil and natural gas industry that focuses on achieving cost-effective methane emission reductions from natural gas operations. Methane is upwards of 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in warming the planet. Press Release from the Environmental Protection Agency, 03/30/2016.
Jobs
Laborer I – MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation (Pittsfield) – SIX POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Seasonal Ranger I (West) – MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation (Pittsfield)
Seasonal Forest And Park Supervisor III (West) – MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation (Pittsfield)
Seasonal Forestry Assistant – MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation (Pittsfield)
Laborer II – Long Term Seasonal – MA Dept. of Conservation and Rereation (Pittsfield)
Environmental Justice Job – Arise for Social Justice
GIS Developer / Analyst – Housatonic Valley Association
Landscape Design Assistant, Garden Installation Manager & Crew, Fine Garden Maintenance Crew – Helia Native Nursery and Land Design
Office Manager – Mass Audubon Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries
Camp Counselors – Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary of Mass Audubon
William R. Moomaw to Speak in Williamstown on April 10th
William R. Moomaw, lead author of five U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Reports, coordinating lead author of two, will speak on “Exceeding Expectations: Beyond the Climate Agreements at COP21.” Moomaw will describe what happened in Paris outside the official boundaries of COP21—among the regions, the states, the cities, the private sector business groups, the municipalities, and individual organizations. It is an exciting, untold story of commitments to carbon reduction that equal or exceed the pledges of some major countries.
The talk, which is free and open to the public, will be at 11:20 a.m., April 10, in the Community Hall of the First Congregational Church, Williamstown. It is one of the church’s Second Hour programs, which follow the regular 10 a.m. Sunday morning service.
The IPCC shared the Nobel Peace Prize for its climate work in 2007. Moomaw is Emeritus Professor of International Environmental Policy and Founding Director of the Center for International Environment and Resource Policy at The Fletcher School, Tufts University. Previously he taught for 26 years at Williams College, which in September 2013 bestowed a Bicentennial Medal on him for his work combining science and policy to address climate change. He recently served as Chief Science Officer for Earthwatch Institute, and is now on the Board.
Moomaw and his wife, Margot, live in a zero net energy home in Williamstown.
Contact: Terry Plumb-Clark, 413-458-4273, office@firstchurchwilliamstown.org
Williamstown Repair Cafe Opens at Sheep Hill
Come all ye broken lamps, socks with holes, blades that have seen sharper days, bicycles needing a little tenderness!
Come to Repair Cafe, co-sponsored by the South Williamstown Community Association and the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation, at Sheep Hill, 671 Cold Spring Road (Route 7) Saturday afternoon, April 9th from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
It’s an occasion for people to bring in things that need repair. You can get advice, instruction or actual fixing of one or two items. There will be volunteer “fixers” standing by with tools, lamp parts, sewing machines, darning needles. You can make a donation if you wish, but it is all free.
It is good for all of us who aren’t so good at fixing things and it’s good for the environment. There will be music and refreshments and lots of good will. If you are willing to be a volunteer “fixer” or if you have questions, please call Bette Craig at (413) 458-5257 or email swca32@gmail.com.
Meanwhile, in addition to physical fixing, Williamstown’s first Repair Cafe is also offering advice. Standing by will be: a lawyer, a veterinarian, a genealogist, a specialist in Berkshire County elder services, a gardener, a realtor and a computer person. The list is growing longer every day.
Leslie Reed-Evans, Executive Director of the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation, says “We anticipate this will serve a real community need and if we have a good turnout, we may offer it twice a year.”
Bette Craig, President of the South Williamstown Community Association, has attended two Repair Cafe events held in Pittsfield (and gotten two lamps fixed). She said, “I’m really excited about the generosity of our neighbors in wanting to share their skills. Today, I heard from Maija of Williams College’s Purple Bike Coalition saying ‘Sign me up!’”
The Repair Cafe concept arose in the Netherlands in 2009. There are now hundreds all over the world.
Registration Closing Soon for Housatonic River Adventure – Source-to-Sound Paddle Trip
In honor of its 75th Anniversary and as a gift to the river, the Housatonic Valley Association and dozens of partners present the 2016 HOUSATONIC RIVER ADVENTURE and SOURCE-TO-SOUND PADDLE TRIP. Paddlers provide their own kayaks or canoes, transportation, food and safety equipment. Some sections are not suitable for novice or intermediate paddlers … Mandatory pre‐registration can be completed online at www.hvatoday.org.
This is a 10-day paddle trip from April 22 to May 1st, but paddlers may join for a day, weekend, or the entire 149-miles and celebrate the beauty and wonder of the Housatonic River!
Registration will end on Friday, April 8th.
You can check out the paddle itinerary and plan a day out on the mighty Housatonic River with expert guides and avid paddlers.
Click the links below for more information:
Legislative Negotiators Reach Deal on Solar Energy Roadmap
By Matt Murphy
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
APRIL 5, 2016
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON – Five months of negotiations resulted in a deal Tuesday between House and Senate leaders to raise the cap on the amount of solar energy that public and private customers can sell back to grid by 3 percent, while decreasing the value of the incentives for new projects.
The compromise would also allow utilities companies to petition the Department of Public Utilities to charge solar-producing customers a minimum bill to cover the cost of maintaining electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure, according to a summary obtained by the News Service.
Lawmakers have been debating the future of solar incentives for months as clean energy and solar industry advocates have ramped up the pressure to strike a deal, warning that delays were freezing an industry that employees thousands in Massachusetts.
House Speaker Robert DeLeo in recent days has talked about his desire to clear the solar issue off the Legislature’s plate before embarking on an arguably more complicated debate over the state’s energy future, including how to pursue renewable sources like hydroelectric and off-shore wind to replace retiring nuclear and coal facilities.
“The legislation reflects our shared priorities and will provide a path for continued solar development in the Commonwealth while also ensuring significant ratepayer savings,” Rep. Brian Dempsey and Sen. Benjamin Downing, the lead negotiators of the conference committee, said in a joint statement to the News Service.
The conference committee, which was named on Nov. 18, included Dempsey, Downing, Reps. Thomas Golden and Brad Jones and Sens. Marc Pacheco and Bruce Tarr. The committee, according to a source, intends to file its report Tuesday evening with the goal of allowing it to come to the floor of the House on Wednesday for a vote.
The cap lift of 3 percent for public and private projects goes beyond the 2 percent expansion proposed in the both the House and Senate bills that were being reconciled. Advocates had expressed concern that the longer it took to reach a compromise the less impact a 2 percent cap lift would have as projects waiting for incentives began to pile up.
The conference committee also compromised on the value of the solar net metering credits moving forward. Currently, the state’s net-metering program allows solar-producing businesses and municipalities to sell that energy back to the grid at retail rates. The current caps – 4 percent on private installations and 5 percent on public – are calculated as a percentage of the peak electrical usage.
The compromise bill will propose to reduce the value of those credits by about 40 percent, reducing the reimbursement price to roughly 11 cents to 12 cents per kilowatt hour compared with the 17 cents to 21 cents currently paid.
Solar facilities owned by municipalities and government entities would continue to be credited at the full retail rate, and residential and small commercial projects would also be exempt from the new incentive structure.
Solar industry advocates last week said that in the year since caps were reached in the National Grid service territory 550 solar projects had stalled and $618 million in investments were put on hold, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Recently, caps on net metering were also met in regions of the state served by Eversource.
Despite hitting its cap in March 2015, National Grid said recently that it still interconnected 15,000 solar projects last year and continues to receive a “high volume” of applications.
Existing solar facilities would be grandfathered, under the compromise bill, and continue to receive retail rate credits for 25 years, splitting the difference between the 30 years proposed by the Senate and the 20 years recommended by the House.
The bill also includes provisions calling on the Department of Energy Resources to encourage low-income solar projects as it works to design the next phase of the state’s solar renewable energy certificate program, which is a statewide market-based program to incentivize solar outside of the net-metering system.
George Bachrach, president of the Environmental League of Massachusetts, and ELM’s program director Josh Craft called the conference report a small step forward, but suggested the 3 percent cap lift could be exhausted quickly.
“If we’re going to build a robust solar industry in the state and the jobs that go with it we have to keep going forward, so this is one small step, but more is needed,” Bachrach said.
Craft said it ELM may try to persuade lawmakers to revisit the issue of the cap when it debates an omnibus energy bill later in the session. He also said he was concerned that minimum utility bills could “further undermine the economics for solar.”
“The market likes certainty an stability and this is a pretty tentative step,” Bachrach said.
Massachusetts finally has a bill to raise the net metering caps
By Christian Roselund
PV Magazine
April 6, 2016
The conference committee comprised of both houses of Massachusetts’ legislature has reported a bill which will raise net metering caps by 3%, but reduces compensation for larger private solar projects.
After six months of wrangling between the Massachusetts House and Senate and years of failed legislative attempts, the state finally has a viable bill to raise restrictive caps on net metering. Late yesterday a conference committee reported a bill which represents a compromise between the previous House and Senate versions.
Not everyone will be happy with what is in H.4173. Notably, it reduces compensation for surplus generation exported to the grid (calculated either monthly or on a time-of-use basis) 40% for solar projects above 25 kW once the state’s 1600 MW solar goal is reached. Public installations, including municipal solar projects, are exempted from this cut and will still receive full retail rate.
“The Conference Committee report will put solar workers back on the job and enable more families and communities to save with solar,” noted Vote Solar Northeast Regional Manager Sean Garren, who has been a leader in efforts to move the state’s legislature to action. “However, we are concerned about some of the tough choices in this short-term compromise and hope to remedy them in future sessions.”
Garren notes that Massachusetts’ booming community solar sector is likely to be hard hit by the changes. The bill also allows utilities to propose a minimum bill and directs the Department of Public Utilities to consider these proposals.
It is unclear whether the new rates will go into effect when the state has 1600 MW of projects which are allocated for net metering, which has already occurred, or when these projects are qualified and operational. Garren says that the solar industry is working to resolve this issue.
The bill will now go to the House and then the Senate for an up-or-down vote, with only technical amendments allowed. Garren says that this could happen as early as today.
The situation in the state has become urgent. Massachusetts has already hit net metering caps in the service areas of several utilities, and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) estimates that $617 million in economic activity is on hold as a result. SEIA joined Vote Solar in urging for swift passage of the bill, despite its shortcomings.
“While the compromise proposal includes cuts to the rates at which some customers are credited for solar power, it gets the industry moving again,” reads a statement by SEIA CEO Rhone Resch.
EPA Launches New Voluntary Methane Challenge Program To Reduce Emissions from the Oil and Gas Sector
WASHINGTON—Today, as part of the Obama Administration’s ongoing commitment to take action on climate change and protect public health, EPA is launching a new voluntary partnership program—with 41 founding partner companies in the oil and gas sector. The Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program builds upon the Natural Gas STAR Program, a flexible, voluntary partnership between EPA and the U.S. oil and natural gas industry that focuses on achieving cost-effective methane emission reductions from natural gas operations. Methane is upwards of 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in warming the planet.
The Methane Challenge Program will provide partner companies with a platform to make company-wide commitments to cut emissions from sources within their operations by implementing a suite of best management practices within five years. Transparency is a fundamental part of the program, and partner achievements will be tracked by submitting annual data directly to EPA. Partner companies have committed to replacing or rehabilitating cast iron and unprotected steel distribution mains, and to reducing methane emissions from pipeline blowdowns, among other activities.The Methane Challenge Program has the potential to achieve significant emissions reductions in a cost-effective way, and is an important component of the Administration’s 2014 Methane Strategy, which set out regulatory and voluntary approaches for reducing methane emissions by 40 to 45 percent below 2012 levels by 2025. EPA expects program participation to grow over time and is actively working to expand the options for participation by finalizing an additional Emissions Intensity Commitment option through the ONE Future Coalition. ONE Future is a coalition of natural gas companies focused on increasing efficiency across the natural gas supply chain.
Another key outcome of the Global Methane Forum is the re-chartering of the Global Methane Initiative (GMI) for the next five years. In addition, the Forum has provided an opportunity for the GMI, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, and the United Nation’s Economic Commission for Europe to collaborate in strategically aligning their methane mitigation activities.The GMI is a partnership of 43 countries, including the United States, aimed at achieving cost-effective methane reductions across five sectors: municipal solid waste, wastewater, agriculture, coal, and the oil and gas sector. Together, GMI’s 43 partner countries account for approximately 70 percent of global methane emissions from targeted sources. Since 2004, partner countries avoided nearly 350 MMTCO2e in methane emissions from these sources.
Learn more about the Methane Challenge Program and list of founding partner companies:https://www3.epa.gov/gasstar/methanechallenge/
Learn about the Global Methane Initiative:
https://www.globalmethane.org/
Learn about the Global Methane Forum:
https://www.globalmethane.org/forum/index.html
Learn about the Climate and Clean Air Coalition:
http://www.ccacoalition.org/
Jobs
Laborer I – Dept. of Conservation and Recreation, Pittsfield
(six positions available)
Please excuse the short notice, but DCR now has 6 positions open for Laborer 1 positions working with Greening the Gateways in Pittsfield. These are short-term seasonal positions, meaning the work is from (late) April – June with the possibility of coming back for our Fall season Sept – Nov. The hours are 7:30am – 4pm with a 1/2 hour unpaid lunch. The pay is $13.45/hour. This job is manual labor intensive; digging holes, carrying saplings, loading and unloading rack truck with saplings, carrying buckets of soil and mulch, etc.
Because of the short turnaround time, interested candidates should call Jacklyn Beebe directly to talk more about the position:
Jacklyn Beebe
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Greening the Gateway Cities
Forester 1
(857) 930-6042
October Mountain State Forest
317 Woodland Rd
Lee, MA 01238
Please CLICK HERE for a blank application or use the link below to access the pdf version.
http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/
Important Dates:
We are holding interviews next Monday, April 11.
Anticipated start date is Tuesday April 19th since Monday 4/18 is a State Holiday.
Environmental Justice Job Opening – Arise for Social Justice
Applicants should be familiar with environmental issues, have strong writing skills, and at least some organizing experience. Bilingual abilities strongly preferred. Half-time position.
Please submit a cover letter and resume to Ariseforsocialjustice@gmail.com or mail to Arise, 467 State St., Springfield MA 01105.
GIS Developer / Analyst – Housatonic Valley Association
Summary: The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) seeks a skilled and motivated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) professional with strong geospatial analytical and developer skills and demonstrated expertise with ESRI’s ArcGIS desktop, mobile and server technology for the full-time position of GIS Developer / Analyst. For 75 years, HVA has been dedicated to the health and vitality of the Housatonic River, a nationally recognized, 1,245,000 acre watershed located in western Connecticut and Massachusetts and portions of eastern New York. GIS is an HVA core competency. It is essential to the work we and our partners undertake to set conservation priorities, conserve the natural character and environmental health of our communities, and protect and restore the lands and waters of the Housatonic Watershed for this and future generations.Position Description: Working out of our Cornwall Bridge, CT main office, the incumbent works closely with HVA colleagues and acts as the GIS Manager for the organization. This is a full-time position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining and enhancing HVA’s natural resource and parcel-based GIS data, developing geospatial models to perform spatial and tabular analysis, and publishing cartographic products as static paper maps and dynamic web-based applications.Required Qualifications:
- Proven capabilities with ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Server
- Experience building interactive web-based applications using Arcgis Online and/or ArcGIS FlexViewer
- Familiarity with ArcGIS Story Maps
- Enthusiasm to remain current in GIS technologies
- Passion for Environmental Protection and Land Conservation
- Willingness to assist with non-GIS related activities
- Effective communicator in written and spoken language
- Valid Driver’s License
Desired Qualifications:
- Familiarity with GIS data sources for CT, MA and NY
- Familiarity with Amazon Web Services and managing ArcGIS Server on Amazon EC2
- Experience with GPS and mobile GIS data collection
- Experience using Data Driven Pages, ModelBuilder
- Experience managing ArcGIS Online Organization Account
To apply: Email cover letter, resume, examples of recent work using ArcGIS Desktop and ArcServer, and links to Facebook and Linkedin pages to: Tim Abbott tim.abbott@hvatoday.org. The position will remain open until it is filled.
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. return to top
Office Manager – Mass Audubon Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries
Mass Audubon is seeking an Office Manager to join our Berkshire Sanctuaries team. The position is based at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox, MA.
Responsibilities
- Perform a variety of office management and administrative duties;
- Manage all financial data including invoice payment, receivables, budget reconciliations, gifts and cash receipts;
- Develop marketing and publicity materials including social media, print pieces, e-newsletter, posters and press releases;
- Oversee online program registrations;
- Greet visitors, answer phones and provide trail information to visitors;
- Work with Mass Audubon headquarters staff to implement statewide initiatives for membership and information security;
- Manage and market facility rental program;
- Manage occasional fundraising or other events;
- Supervise maintenance of office equipment including printers, copiers, and phone system;
- Supervise visitor services staff;
- Manage Canoe Meadows Community Gardens registration;
- Manage Pleasant Valley Day Camp registration;
- Occasional weekend hours for special events;
- Attendance at 2-3 statewide Mass Audubon A-team meetings per year, required;
- Other duties as required.
Qualifications
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Excellent interpersonal and customer relations skills;
- Exceptional attention to detail and a highly organized approach;
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently;
- Ability to manage a wide variety of tasks
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher);
- Basic skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and InDesign) desirable;
- Experience managing social media and electronic newsletters;
- BA or equivalent experience;
- A sense of humor is welcome;
- Valid drivers license
- Must pass a background record check (CORI, SORI and driver’s).
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
Seasonal Forestry Assistant – MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation (Pittsfield)
About 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 Forestry Assistant. Seasonal positions may be subject to the recall process and will be filled in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, positions not filled using this process will be interviewed for.Duties: Forestry Assistants work outdoors in all types of weather; work in isolated areas; may be exposed to the hazards of power tools and equipment such as chainsaws and hoists and travel for job related purposes.Assists in the preparation of forest management plans designed to provide water supply protection; assists in the interpretation of aerial photos, GPS and GIS data, and other cartographic work regarding forests; assists in the inventory of natural resources and the establishment and maintenance of state forest boundary lines.Assists in planning and supervision of timber stand improvement work by state forest crews and private contractors.Assists in the sale of wood products including preparing silvicultural prescriptions, minimizing adverse environmental impacts of harvesting, and ensuring contractual compliance by private contractors.Cooperates with state and municipal authorities during emergencies and natural disasters such as forest fires, wind or ice storms, and insect infestations.Performs related duties such as maintaining records and attending staff meetings.Specific Duties:
- Collecting forest inventory data (CFI) including tree measurements, forest assessment, forest understory assessment, and coarse woody debris measurement.
- Processing forest inventory data with a computer.
POSITION INFORMATION:Position: (2) Seasonal Forestry Assistant
Position 1 Location: Pittsfield Regional Office, 740 South Street Pittsfield, MA 01202
Position 2 Location: Amherst Field Office, 40 Cold Storage Drive, Amherst, MA 01004
Start Date: April 3, 2016
End Date: November 4, 2016Qualifications:Minimum Entrance Requirements:Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in forestry or natural resource management, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.Substitutions:
- An Associate’s or higher degree with a major in forestry or forestry management may be substituted for the required
experience.**Education toward such a degree will be. prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.Special Requirements: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s LicenseThis requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 dayMinimum Entrance Requirements:Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in forestry or natural resource management, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.Substitutions:
- An Associate’s or higher degree with a major in forestry or forestry management may be substituted for the required experience.*
*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.Special Requirements: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.Schedule: Full-time
Number of Openings: 2
Salary: 1,547.60 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: 09-MOSES – Engineers/Scientists
Laborer II – Long Term Seasonal (Pittsfield) – (160001F6)
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, golf courses, trails and parkways.The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Planting Laborer II.The Seasonal Planting Laborer II will work outdoors in all types of weather and performs various manual labor tasks in support of the effort to plant trees in Massachusetts’s gateway cities to increase tree canopy cover for the purpose of reducing heating and cooling energy costs to residences and businesses.Seasonal staff dig and backfill tree planting holes and levels earth to grade; plant trees according to DCR Bureau of Forestry standards; load and unload tree stock from delivery vehicles; load and unload tools and equipment; maintain vehicle and equipment cleanliness.The basic purpose of this work is to perform manual tasks requiring specialized skill and the use of hand tools to support reforestation efforts.Performs various manual labor tasks, which may require some specialized skills, to plant trees.Digs holes for tree planting and plants trees according to DCR Bureau of Forestry standards.Loads and unloads trucks, physically or by use of dollies; unpacks and stores tools and supplies and equipment in stockrooms, storerooms or warehouses; and takes periodic inventories of supplies and equipment.Performs preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and tools by washing, inspecting, tightening, lubricating and by sharpening edges on all cutting tools.Performs related duties as assigned.Start date is March 20, 2016 and end date is November 19, 2016.
Preferred Qualifications: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.Ability to speak and write Spanish and translate materials for homeowners who speak Spanish.Skill in using hand tools such as shovels, mattocks, pry bars, bolt cutters, clippers, etc. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to work in a team setting. Manual dexterity. Physical stamina and endurance for full time, hard manual labor. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Willing to work in all weather conditions.
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 six months of full-time, or equivalent part- time experience in performing manual labor in connection with general construction or maintenance work.An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Official Title: Laborer II Work
Locations: Lee-Woodland Road
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Lee-Lee-Woodland Road
Job: Equipment, Facilities & Services
Agency: Department of Conservation & Recreation
Schedule: Full-time Shift: Day
Job Posting: Mar 22, 2016, 4:09:37 PM
Number of Openings: 2
Salary: 1,220.36 Biweekly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator:: Agatha Summons-McGuire – 617-626-1282
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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