Animal Tracking Workshop with Elia Del Molino at
Mount Greylock
Free tracking workshop to be offered this Saturday, March 17th from 2 – 3:30 PM. Would you like to learn how to identify animal tracks and improve your wildlife sign reading skills? Then join expert tracker and naturalist Elia Del Molino of Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) for a hands-on tracking workshop at the base of Mount Greylock. This fun, instructive event comprises a brief indoor orientation, followed by a one-hour trail segment that will guide participants through a few basic techniques in track and sign identification. Ideal for all outdoor skill levels. <more>
Solar Hot Water Incentives for Businesses
CET has partnered with the MassCEC to help businesses navigate solar hot water incentives. Does your business have year-round hot water use? Would you like to significantly reduce your hot water heating bill? If you answered yes, then call CET about the Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Program! FROM CENTER FOR ECOTECHNOLOGY <more>
Learn About The Green Team with CET
CET will be at the Massachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES) 2018 Conference on March 29th in Worcester. We will be promoting THE GREEN TEAM! THE GREEN TEAM is an interactive educational program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection that empowers students and teachers to help the environment through waste reduction, recycling, composting, energy conservation, and pollution prevention. Participating classes receive certificates of recognition and are eligible to win awards. If you’re interested in participating, register here or come visit us at the conference! FROM CENTER FOR ECOTECHNOLOGY <more>
First Emerald Ash Borer Evidence Found In Vermont
[BEAT Note: We have partnered with the Pittsfield Tree Watch and the City of Pittsfield to produce the Tree of the Month. March’s Tree of the Month features the tree ash trees we have in Berkshire county, along with the benefits of trees and information on the Emerald Ash Borer.] It was only a matter of time before Vermont joined New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York as a host of the Emerald Ash Borer in the Northeast. This past week, the first evidence of an Emerald Ash Borer infestation was found in Orange, Vermont, bringing the number of states infected by this beetle to 32. FROM NATURALLY CURIOUS WITH MARY HOLLAND <more>
Outdoor instruction makes students more open to learning
“There is still a conceptual gap between teaching science and environmental education,” says Dr. Ulrich Dettweiler, Associate Professor of Education at the University of Stavanger in Norway, formerly employed at TUM. To close this gap and to get pupils excited about the natural sciences is a goal of the “researcher weeks” at the Berchtesgadener Land student research center. FROM SCIENCE DAILY <more>
STUDY: With Global Forests Dwindling, International Conservation Goals May Fall Short Without Targeted Protection for Intact Forests
New research published today in Nature Ecology & Evolutiondemonstrates the extraordinary value of Earth’s remaining intact forests for addressing climate change and protecting wildlife, critical watersheds, indigenous cultures, and human health. Yet the global policy and science communities do not differentiate among the relative values of different types of forest landscapes—which range from highly intact ones to those which are heavily logged, fragmented, burnt, drained and/or over-hunted—due in part to the lack of a uniform way of measuring their quality. FROM WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY <more>
Jobs (click for full job listings)
Part-time Temporary Position | No Fracked Gas in Mass! & BEAT | Based in Pittsfield, MA – flexible schedule
Farm Intern | Fairfield Farm | Lakeville, CT
Seasonal Trail Crew : 2 Positions | Berkshire Natural Resources Council | Pittsfield, MA
Seasonal Stewardship Crew : 2 Positions | Berkshire Natural Resources Council | Pittsfield, MA
Development Manager | Mass Audubon, Pleasant Valley | Lenox, MA
MA Clean Energy Organizer | Clean Water Action | Boston, MA
Donor Development Associate | The Public Interest Network | Amherst, MA
River Steward Internship | Housatonic Valley Association | Stockbridge, MA or Cornwall Bridge, CT
Appalachian Trail Ridge Runner | MA Department of Conservation and Recreation | Cheshire, MA
Stream Crossing Specialist | Department of Fish and Game, Division of Ecological Restoration | Boston, MA
Various Internships | Mass. Assn. of Conservation Commissions | Belmont, MA
Office Manager | Berkshire Agricultural Ventures | Great Barrington, MA
Environmental Education Intern | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Early Childhood Program Leader / Naturalist | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Wildlife & Plant Conservation Intern | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Nature Day Camp Educator – Summer 2018 | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Land Management & Stewardship Intern | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Development Manager | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Development & Sales Officer | Hiltown Families | Williamsburg, MA
Executive Director | Hiltown Families | Williamsburg, MA
Animal Tracking Workshop with Elia Del Molino at Mount Greylock
Free tracking workshop to be offered this Saturday, March 17th from 2 – 3:30 PM.
Would you like to learn how to identify animal tracks and improve your wildlife sign reading skills? Then join expert tracker and naturalist Elia Del Molino of Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) for a hands-on tracking workshop at the base of Mount Greylock. This fun, instructive event comprises a brief indoor orientation, followed by a one-hour trail segment that will guide participants through a few basic techniques in track and sign identification. Ideal for all outdoor skill levels.
Dress for the weather in warm layers, wear sturdy boots and bring water.
This program is FREE and suitable for ages 8 and up. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Meet at the Visitor Center (30 Rockwell Rd. Lanesborough, MA).
For more information, please call (413) 499-4262 or visit mass.gov/dcr
Solar Hot Water Incentives for Businesses
CET has partnered with the MassCEC to help businesses navigate solar hot water incentives. Does your business have year-round hot water use? Would you like to significantly reduce your hot water heating bill? If you answered yes, then call CET about the Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Program! We can provide your business with:
- Solar hot water installers to get your project done
- Information on grants and rebates to help cover costs
- Step by step guidance through the whole process
These systems can provide up to 80% of domestic hot water needs. Solar hot water systems reduce the usage of traditional water heating fuels, such as oil, electricity, or propane, saving consumers money on their energy bills. Incentives of up to $100,000 are available for qualifying projects. For more information, click here! Contact us and get started today! 413.341.3865 or solarhotwater@cetonline.org
Learn About The Green Team with CET
CET will be at the Massachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES) 2018 Conference on March 29th in Worcester. We will be promoting THE GREEN TEAM! THE GREEN TEAM is an interactive educational program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection that empowers students and teachers to help the environment through waste reduction, recycling, composting, energy conservation, and pollution prevention. Participating classes receive certificates of recognition and are eligible to win awards. If you’re interested in participating, register here or come visit us at the conference!
First Emerald Ash Borer Evidence Found In Vermont
FROM NATURALLY CURIOUS WITH MARY HOLLAND
[BEAT Note: We have partnered with the Pittsfield Tree Watch and the City of Pittsfield to produce the Tree of the Month. March’s Tree of the Month features the tree ash trees we have in Berkshire county, along with the benefits of trees and information on the Emerald Ash Borer.]
It was only a matter of time before Vermont joined New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York as a host of the Emerald Ash Borer in the Northeast. This past week, the first evidence of an Emerald Ash Borer infestation was found in Orange, Vermont, bringing the number of states infected by this beetle to 32. The consensus is that the range of the Emerald Ash Borer has expanded rapidly due to the transportation of firewood from infested areas. On its own, the Emerald Ash Borer might spread one or two miles annually – far less than has been the case.
Other than seeing the Emerald Ash Borer itself (either the adult or the inner bark-eating larva) you can detect its presence by 1/8-inch-wide, D-shaped holes in ash bark and by S-shaped tunnels under the bark (see photo).
The insect does the most damage in its larval form, when it chews meandering tunnels through the inner bark of an otherwise healthy tree, depriving the tree over time of the means to transport water and nutrients. The Emerald Ash Borer affects all species of ash and once infected, trees usually die within a year or two.
The ash is the third important North American tree to succumb to blight over the last century, following the American Chestnut, and the American Elm. About one percent of ash populations survive infestations; these trees could indicate genetic tolerance which could hold hope for the future.
Outdoor instruction makes students more open to learning
“There is still a conceptual gap between teaching science and environmental education,” says Dr. Ulrich Dettweiler, Associate Professor of Education at the University of Stavanger in Norway, formerly employed at TUM. To close this gap and to get pupils excited about the natural sciences is a goal of the “researcher weeks” at the Berchtesgadener Land student research center.
Between 2014 and 2016, approximately 300 students participated in the program which is based on the curriculum for science subjects in secondary level I. Students are prepared for the one-week stay in the classroom. This is then continued on site during the research week, culminating in a two-day research expedition with experiments.
Both before and after the course, the students completed a questionnaire on their satisfaction and overall motivation in relation to their autonomy for a study developed at TUM. At the end of the week, the students again shared their experiences during the outdoor class.
Basic psychological needs are better met during outdoor instruction
In the pedagogical context, the basic psychological needs to experience autonomy and competence as well as positive social relationships exert the primary influences on motivational behavior. The study showed that motivational behavior in both contexts was influenced equally strongly by these three needs, albeit at different levels: Basic needs are met to a significantly higher degree during outdoor instruction than in the classroom. A sense of achievement particularly increases motivation during outdoor instruction. On the other hand, the student-teacher or student-student relationships had little or no influence on this increase. Nor did gender have any influence on the results.
Lead author Dettweiler from the study published in Frontiers in Psychology concludes that outdoor instruction with explorative learning methodology significantly promotes the attitudes of students toward learning, i.e. their intrinsic motivation. ‘Explorative’ means nothing more than simply giving students the freedom to discover the subject matter through independently organized experiments. These outdoor dynamics, which provide a strong boost to more situational interest for science and engagement with the subject, can be evoked in occasional outdoor instruction sessions as well.
The teaching techniques explored and developed for this instructional program should therefore be included as a standard feature of lessons in schools. “Whether it involves rural study centers away from school or forms a part of the science curriculum, or both, this statistical analysis demonstrates that regular outdoor teaching is an appropriate strategy to meet the challenges of the 21st century,” Dettweiler concludes. “Such models might even be suitable to bridge the existing gap between science education and environmental education in the long term.”
For Professor Perikles Simon, Head of the Department of Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Prevention at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, the outdoor learning units developed are also interesting from the perspective of potentially positive effects on the physical and mental health of children: “In the coming years, we would like to conduct more specific research into whether and how outdoor instruction influences children’s resilience to stress.”
Story Source:
Materials provided by Technical University of Munich (TUM). Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
STUDY: With Global Forests Dwindling, International Conservation Goals May Fall Short Without Targeted Protection for Intact Forests
WCS-led study recommends enhanced efforts to save the world’s most valuable forests
Link to Paper: http://nature.com/articles/doi:10.1038/s41559-018-0490-x
NEW YORK (February 26, 2018) – New research published today in Nature Ecology & Evolutiondemonstrates the extraordinary value of Earth’s remaining intact forests for addressing climate change and protecting wildlife, critical watersheds, indigenous cultures, and human health. Yet the global policy and science communities do not differentiate among the relative values of different types of forest landscapes—which range from highly intact ones to those which are heavily logged, fragmented, burnt, drained and/or over-hunted—due in part to the lack of a uniform way of measuring their quality.
With over 80 percent of forests already degraded by human and industrial activities, today’s findings underscore the immediate need for international policies to secure remaining intact forests—including establishing new protected areas, securing the land rights of indigenous peoples, regulating industry and hunting, and targeting restoration efforts and public finance. Absent specific strategies like these, current global targets addressing climate change, poverty, and biodiversity may fall short, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
“As vital carbon sinks and habitats for millions of people and imperilled wildlife, it is well known that forest protection is essential for any environmental solution—yet not all forests are equal,” said Professor James Watson of WCS and the University of Queensland. “Forest conservation must be prioritized based on their relative values—and Earth’s remaining intact forests are the crown jewels, ones that global climate and biodiversity policies must now emphasize.”
According to the study, the encroachment of human and industrial activity can have catastrophic effects. Once opened up, formerly intact forests become increasingly susceptible to natural pressures such as disease, fires, and erosion; they become less resilient to man-made climate change, and they become more accessible to human use, driving a spiral of decline.
Some key benefits of intact forests include:
· Climate change: Intact forests currently absorb around 25 percent of carbon emissions from all human sources – damaging them will leave far more carbon dioxide in the air to warm the climate.
· Water availability: Intact tropical forests ensure the stability of local and regional weather, generating more rain than cleared forests and thereby reducing the risk of drought.
· Biodiversity: Intact forests have higher numbers of forest dependent species and have higher functional and genetic diversity.
· Indigenous culture: Intact forests enable many indigenous groups to sustain their traditional cultures and livelihoods. In turn these peoples are often staunch defenders of their ancestral lands.
· Human health: Forest degradation and loss compromise the supply of medically-beneficial species that millions of people rely on; additionally, forest degradation drives the spread of many infectious diseases by bringing humans and disease vectors into close contact.
Said Dr Tom Evans, WCS Director of Forest Conservation and Climate and joint lead author of the study: “Even if all global targets to halt deforestation were met, humanity might be left with only degraded, damaged forests, in need of costly and sometimes unfeasible restoration, open to a cascade of further threats and perhaps lacking the resilience needed to weather the stresses of climate change. This is a huge gamble to take, for conservation, for climate change, and for some of the most vulnerable human communities on the planet. Our research shows that a remedy is indeed possible, but we need to act whilst there are still intact forests to save.”
Retaining the integrity of intact forests must be a central component of global and national environmental strategies, alongside current efforts to stabilize deforestation frontiers and stimulate restoration. The researchers recommend several policy interventions to fill this gap, including:
· Creating new standard metrics of intactness that can be used to raise awareness of the importance of forest quality and to help target action towards the most intact places.
· Embedding the intact forests concept in the UN Framework Convention on Climate and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Special Reports, to help ensure the Paris Agreement’s climate commitments include intact forest protections.
· Supporting global and local forest policies that limit road expansion; regulate hunting, extraction, and development; invest in restoration and protected areas; and help secure indigenous communities’ land tenure rights.
· Supporting efforts that both restore and make degraded forests more productive while also conserving at-risk intact systems–rather than opening intact forests to activity.
This research was supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Jobs
Part-time Temporary Position
with No Fracked Gas in Mass BEAT! (that’s us)
Moving Beyond Fossil Fuels Campaign Associate
The Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) is seeking someone to be a part of our No Fracked Gas in Mass program to assist the Program Director on our Moving Beyond Fossil Fuels Campaign for 20 hrs/week. The job pays $15/hour. Pay is monthly. (Hours and hourly rate may be slightly negotiable, but funding is limited for this year. This offer is for 2018, with the possibility of extending employment through 2019 and beyond, contingent upon funding.)
BEAT has a strong anti-discrimination policy and you must be able to work well with ALL types of people, and ALL types of people are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities include:
- Website updates, including events listings from multiple organizations.
- Media updates: Being able to scrub through news releases for pertinent information on energy issues including proposed fracked “natural” gas pipelines, energy storage, and renewable energy projects of national, regional, state, and local significance. Must be able to post these stories to appropriate sections of the website.
Ideal candidate will be able to conduct research on multiple subjects (including solar, wind and other clean energy sources, fossil fuel industry impacts and energy laws and regulations), and be able to work with many partner organizations to keep abreast of and publicize events pertinent to these issues.
Must be extremely detail oriented and able to work without supervision. Some knowledge of WordPress and HTML a definite plus – will be required to learn some HTML programming. Must be an articulate writer.
Hours are extremely flexible and working from home is possible, although regular meetings with other staff will be required. In other words, you may work all your hours at the BEAT office, or you may work at home and visit the office weekly to review upcoming work once you are comfortable with the process.
Please send resume, cover letter, and writing sample of why you care about moving beyond fossil fuels to: Jane Winn, Executive Director, at jane@thebeatnews.org.
Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) is an equal opportunity organization and will not allow discrimination based upon age, ethnicity, gender, national origin, disability, race, color, veteran status, marital status, size, religion, sexual orientation, LGBTQ+ status, socioeconomic background, or any other characteristic protected by law. This appl
ies to the people we serve, our volunteers, our staff, our interns, and our Board of Directors.
Visit www.thebeatnews.org to learn more about BEAT!
Farm Intern
Fairfield Farm | Lakeville, CT
Application deadline is April 15, 2018. Please email eyoungblood@hotchkiss.org with a cover letter, resume, and 2 references.
Position Summary
Fairfield Farm is a 280 acre educational farm owned by Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT. The farm consists of 8 acres of vegetables, 300 broilers, 75 turkeys, 15 pigs, a modest apple orchard, and two buildings that house farm-related programming. A robust co-curricular program in the fall and spring and a small crew of student interns in the summer support the daily work of the farm. The food grown at Fairfield Farm supplies the Hotchkiss School dining hall with around 35,000 pounds of vegetables per year. Fairfield Farm is an educational resource and living classroom for the campus community.
The Intern will work alongside the Farm Manager to support the agricultural and educational goals of the farm. This will include all operational farm needs from seeding and cultivating to harvesting and delivering produce as well as daily work with animals for all four months of employment. The Intern will have the opportunity to work with students, both in the summer month alongside the student interns and in September and October with the co-curricular program. The Intern will be responsible for alternating weekend livestock chores.
This is a 40 hour/week, July 1-October 31, paid position at $10.75/hour.
Job requirements:
- A strong, demonstrated interest in agriculture, with prior experience preferred
- Interest in working with high-school aged students
- Able to lift 50 pounds and work outside in mixed weather conditions
- Strong communication skills and ability to lead large groups in farm activities
- Patient and positive attitude, willingness to teach and learn
- Valid driver’s license
- Proficiency in safe operation of farm equipment preferred
- Must successfully pass a background check
Seasonal Trail Crew : 2 Positions Available
Berkshire Natural Resources Council
Berkshire Natural Resources Council, a private, non-profit land trust based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is hiring 2 Trail Crew positions for the 2017 season. The Trail Crew will collaborate frequently with the Stewardship Crew.
BNRC has over 50 miles of trail, with more to be built in 2018. Trail Crew members will work with the Land and Trails Coordinator to construct and maintain new and existing trails. The Crew will work alongside contracted youth and professional trail crews; some backcountry camping may be required. The Trail Crew will also assist with a variety of other stewardship tasks as needed. Members must have a high level of self-motivation, as the crew will often be unsupervised. The 40-hour/week position provides a $13 hourly wage and free housing in a rustic cabin on Onota Lake in Pittsfield. The season runs from May 28th to September 7th with flexibility on both ends.
Responsibilities:
- Trail maintenance and construction
- Tool/equipment maintenance
- Work/communication with youth and professional trail crews
- Public outreach (e.g., leading hikes, communicating with hikers, etc.)
Requirements:
- Experience with hand tools required
- Trail crew experience preferred (tread work, rock/timber structure, etc.)
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Comfort with being alone in the woods
- Ability to carry a 50-pound pack for 10 miles over rough terrain
- Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
- Experience working with youth preferred
- Personal transportation required
Opportunities and Experience:
- Free housing on Lake Onota in Pittsfield (org/contact-us-2/employment/ for photos of housing)
- Trail work experience and training
- Opportunity to work alongside professional trail crews
- Learn about land conservation restrictions and other environmental issues in the Berkshires.
Interviews will be set up on a rolling basis starting Monday, February 26th until the positions are filled. Please submit a cover letter, resume and three references to Mike Leavitt, mleavitt@bnrc.org. Additional information can be found at www.bnrc.org.
The seasonal positions and housing are made possible by Jim Rice and family.
Visit bnrc.org/seasonal-stewardship-crew/ to view the Seasonal Stewardship Crew position description. If interested, you can apply for both the Stewardship Crew and Trail Crew positions with one application, just make a note when sending it in.
Seasonal Stewardship Crew : 2 Positions Available
Berkshire Natural Resources Council
Berkshire Natural Resources Council, a private, non-profit land trust based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is offering 2 Stewardship Seasonal Crew positions to individuals exploring a career in the environmental field. The Stewardship Crew will collaborate frequently with the Trail Crew.
The Stewardship Crew will assist BNRC’s Stewardship Coordinator. With over 22,500 acres under BNRC supervision, the crew will have the opportunity to work on a variety of stewardship tasks. This includes monitoring Conservation Restrictions and maintenance of reserve boundaries. The crew will also assist with outreach events including guiding public hikes and leading volunteer workdays. The 40-hour/week position provides a $13 hourly waged free lodging in a rustic cabin on Onota Lake in Pittsfield. Stewardship Crew will enjoy an unusual level of independence and a large amount of self-motivation is required. There is a mix of approximately 70% field work to 30% office work. The seasonal position dates are May 28th to September 7th, with flexibility on both ends.
Responsibilities:
- Conservation Restriction monitoring
- Reserve boundary marking and maintenance
- Public Outreach (e.g., leading hikes, tabling, public events, etc.)
- Invasive plant species control
- Trail construction and maintenance
- Other stewardship related tasks as required
Requirements:
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Comfort with being alone in the woods
- Ability to carry a 35 pound pack and tools for 10 miles over rough terrain
- Willingness to work long days outside in all weather conditions
- Solid communication skills
- Personal transportation required
Opportunities and Experience:
- Experience with Conservation Restrictions
- Orienteering and boundary maintenance skills
- Basic understanding of land management techniques and challenges
- Basic understanding of trail maintenance and construction
- Free housing on Lake Onota in Pittsfield (bnrc.org/contact-us-2/employment/ for photos of housing)
Interviews will be set up on a rolling basis starting Monday, February 26th until the positions are filled. Please submit a cover letter, resume and three references to Mike Leavitt, mleavitt@bnrc.org. Additional information can be found at www.bnrc.org.
The seasonal positions and housing are made possible by Jim Rice and family.
Visit www.bnrc.org/seasonal-trail-crew/ to view the Seasonal Trail Crew position description. If interested, you can apply for both the Stewardship Crew and Trail Crew positions with one application, just make a note when sending it in.
Development Manager
Mass Audubon, Pleasant Valley Sanctuary, Lenox, MA
The Development Manager is a part time (20 hours per week) position responsible for supporting the Sanctuary Director in key fundraising activities for Mass Audubon’s Berkshires Wildlife Sanctuaries. The focus of this position is on growing a renewable base of operating fund support by helping develop the culture of giving in support of the Berkshires Wildlife Sanctuaries, by stewarding and expanding a loyal corps of high-end individual Leadership Friends, and by overseeing fundraising and stewardship events and activities. The Development Manager will understand the overall fundraising plan for the sanctuary and work with the Director, Berkshires Wildlife Sanctuaries and the Director of Philanthropy for Sanctuaries to define and support efforts to achieve annual fundraising goals.
The Development Manager is part of a team of Mass Audubon philanthropy professionals across the state, and co-reports to the Director of Philanthropy for Sanctuaries and the Director, Berkshires Wildlife Sanctuaries, with whom he/she works closely with the on a daily basis. This position is based in Lenox, MA with occasional weekend work and occasional travel to Lincoln, MA as required.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a key member of the team developing a fundraising strategy for the Berkshires Wildlife Sanctuaries. Leverage the passion of existing supporters, visitors, and families attending camp and programs to develop a culture of giving.
- Help to develop and then implement solid marketing and fundraising outreach strategies to increase individual and corporate giving
- Implement individualized cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans for all existing Leadership Friends to ensure retention and promote increased giving.
- Write personal correspondence to donors and funders and prepare fundraising collateral materials for donor and prospect print, email, and online communications.
- Work to identify and cultivate new donors for solicitation by the Sanctuary Director.
- Coordinate and oversee 2-3 prospect cultivation and donor stewardship events per year.
- Coordinate donor recognition and gift acknowledgement process for gifts, in concert with overall Mass Audubon gift acknowledgment processes.
- Help support and develop the capacity of leadership volunteers to assist in fundraising efforts.
- Participate in monthly Development Department staff meetings.
- Performs other related duties as requested
Qualifications
- B.A./B.S. degree or higher. Two to five years of non-profit development experience, or equivalent transferrable skills preferred.
- Must have ability to relate well to staff, visitors, donors, and volunteers and to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Experience in a mission-based non-profit and knowledge of the Berkshire geographic region preferred
- Strong planning and organizational abilities.
- Strong verbal communication skills; proven ability to write clearly and persuasively.
- Ability to work in a small shop and as part of a large, complex organization emphasizing teamwork, collegiality, respect, and excellence.
- Ability to think strategically, work independently, and lead by example.
- Experience in successfully managing multiple projects and competing priorities.
- Ability to communicate Mass Audubon’s mission and work with passion and conviction.
- Ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office products required. Familiarity with or ability to learn use of fundraising database.
- Willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings
- Must pass drivers and background records checks (CORI/SORI)
Compensation and Benefits
To be determined based on experience.
How to Apply
Please send cover letter and resume to:
MA Clean Energy Organizer
Clean Water Action, Boston, MA
Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund will be hiring a full-time advocate/organizer in our Boston office to support the organizations’ Massachusetts campaigns to combat climate change, promote environmental justice and ensure all communities have access to affordable clean energy.
Clean Water Action is a national, grassroots environmental organization that works to protect the environment and safeguard public health, promote passage of strong environmental laws, and help communities address local environmental problems affecting them. Clean Water Fund is a national research and education organization which promotes justice and the public interest on issues related to water, waste, clean energy and toxics. Top issue priorities include: preventing harm to our health from toxic chemicals, promoting energy efficiency and clean energy, advocating for Zero Waste policies, and holding our policymakers accountable. Ensuring that those most affected by environmental degradation have a voice at the table, and that solutions to environmental problems contribute to broader goals of justice for all, are central goals in all campaigns.
Energy is essential to our daily lives and has a dramatic impact on our swiftly changing climate, but most people don’t know where their energy comes from or that energy policy is largely determined at a state level. Educating members of the public on our outdated, centralized, polluting energy system and engaging residents in transforming the grid into a more green, distributed, and equitable network of power is vital to our future. The Clean Energy Advocate will press for statewide reforms by working in broad coalition and organizing Clean Water members to fight for clean energy and climate justice in Massachusetts.
Responsibilities include:
- Co-coordination of the statewide Mass Power Forward coalition;
- Growing Clean Water’s campaigns by enlisting members and partners to engage;
- Work with community leaders to develop grassroots power in support of clean energy;
- Help to design and execute campaign plans to promote access to clean energy, environmental justice and the growing opposition to fossil fuel expansion;
- Build and maintain meaningful ties with environmental justice organizations such as members of the Green Justice Coalition, and deliver policy victories that benefit low-income communities and communities of color;
- Assist in fundraising through grant writing for clean energy campaign and for biannual events and end of year donor drive
Skills required for this position include:
- Demonstrated commitment to Clean Water’s mission and values;
- Strong interpersonal skills;
- Adaptability and ability to learn on the job
- Training and/or demonstrated experience in facilitation of discussions
- Ability to work with the media and tell the campaign “story”
- Cultural competency in interacting with people from a variety of economic, racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds;
- Well organized and able to manage multiple projects at one time;
- Strong oral and written communication skills;
- Solid computer skills (familiar with Word, Excel, social media, etc.);
- Ability to work both independently and in a team.
A minimum of two years experience with issue campaigns is a must. Background in energy and climate issues is helpful. Familiarity with campaign organizing in Massachusetts, organizing in a variety of racial and socio-economic communities, and/or communications is highly desired.
Send resume and cover letter to Elizabeth Saunders, esaunders@cleanwater.org. Internal candidates should first contact their supervisor.
Donor Development Associate
The Public Interest Network
We’re expanding our development team and aim to hire four regional development associates. We’re looking for highly qualified, driven and passionate candidates to spearhead fundraising efforts for our environmental and public interest programs.
Mission and Background
The Public Interest Network is home to more than 16 organizations, including PIRG, Environment America and the National Environmental Law Center. Each of our groups has its own mission, whether it’s environmental litigation, consumer advocacy, research or training new organizers. The 500-plus staff in our network share a vision of a better country, a set of core values about our work, and a coordinated strategic approach to getting things done.
We also share a great track record. Over the past 45 years, our staff have worked on hundreds of projects and campaigns at the local, state, national and corporate levels. Because of the laws and other policies we’ve won, people are buying healthier and safer products, getting more of our energy from the sun and the wind, drinking cleaner water and breathing cleaner air … the list just goes on. But every day brings a new challenge or new opportunity. That’s why right now we’re hiring.
Summary
As a Donor Development Associate you’ll be part of a team that is building people power by deepening the financial and political support of our members. Our Donor Associates are responsible for developing a plan and outreach strategy to broaden the base of support for many groups within the Public Interest Network including Environment America and U.S. PIRG.
Responsibilities
Fundraising
- Implement a monthly strategy of writing, calling and holding one-on- one meetings with current members and prospective donors to ask them to deepen their financial support.
- Identify house party hosts, and in some cases, plan and implement events.
- Meet specific weekly and monthly fundraising performance benchmarks related to annual organizational fundraising goals, typically visiting with about 40 members per month.
- Follow up on outstanding pledges.
Cultivation
- Keep in touch with donors throughout the year, creating and sending at least six personalized updates.
- Engage donors in program and organizational work, such as events or campaign actions.
- Develop and implement customized cultivation strategies for top donors.
Membership Development
- Work with program staff to craft compelling campaign stories.
- Relay the feedback of members you meet with back to program staff.
Administration
- Implement daily, weekly and monthly systems for tracking income and expenses.
- Implement required legal disclosures.
- Maintain excellent notes on all contacts with and information about members and donors.
Training
Donor Development Associates participate in an intensive, paid training program for the first week of the job, which is immediately followed by the first 1-month fundraising cycle. All associates take part in additional state, regional and national trainings and meetings throughout the year. There are opportunities for travel and advancement.
Qualifications
We are looking for smart and motivated college graduates who believe in and love fundraising and have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Candidates must demonstrate a track record of being able to effectively work independently. Previous fundraising experience required.
Compensation & Benefits
Target annual compensation for this position is commensurate with the relevant professional experience and/or advanced degrees that a candidate has. Compensation package will include opportunity to earn fundraising bonuses. The Public Interest Network offers a competitive benefits package.
Location
Amherst, Mass.; New Brunswick, N.J.; Chicago; or Seattle
To Apply
Fill out our online application. Attach your resume and cover letter in .pdf form, and address your cover letters to Faye Park, TPIN Chief of Staff.
Things To Know When You Apply
The Public Interest Network is home to 16-plus organizations that share a vision of a better country, a set of core values about our work and a coordinated strategic approach to getting things done. Click here for things you should know about our network when you apply.
The Public Interest Network is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status.
River Stewards of Tomorrow 2018 Internship Positions Available
Housatonic Valley Association
The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) is seeking applications for our River Stewards of Tomorrow Environmental Internship positions, available for summer 2018. The River Stewards will work on a variety of projects related to water quality and habitat conservation. River Stewards will either be assigned to our Berkshire field office in Stockbridge, MA and work primarily in the Massachusetts portion of the watershed; or in our office in Cornwall Bridge, CT and work primarily in the Connecticut and New York. Each River Steward will be expected to complete at least 280 hours of work from June – August (at least 35 hours/week over 8 weeks).
Internship Overview: While working out of the Berkshire Office, River Stewards will be supervised by HVA’s Berkshire Director, and in the Cornwall Bridge office, by HVA Watershed Conservation Director. They will also be asked to work with other HVA staff as needed. Work will include a mix of office and field-based activities. Projects that the intern may be involved with include:
- Environmental Monitoring: The River Stewards will assist HVA staff in the field with water quality monitoring and habitat assessment activities including collecting water samples for chemical analysis, macroinvertebrate sampling and conducting visual surveys along riverways to document river conditions, threats and identify restoration opportunities.
- Restoration project monitoring and maintenance: River Stewards will monitor the success of past restoration plantings and conduct maintenance activities as needed.
- Data Compilation, Document Analysis and Mapping: River Stewards will assist with gathering and summarizing environmental data and planning documents from a variety of local, state and federal sources. This work will support a number of ongoing HVA efforts, including watershed-based planning.
- Road/Stream Crossing Assessment: River Stewards will visit and assess bridges and culverts throughout the Housatonic watershed to identify barriers to fish and wildlife passage, and assist with post-assessment data processing and report writing.
- Websites and Social Media: The intern will be involved in producing materials for the HVA website and Facebook pages when appropriate. Related tasks might include identifying and summarizing relevant news items, sharing photos of HVA events and field work, and writing project updates.
- Opportunities may be available for the intern to assist with other organization work including GIS analysis of land and water resources, and outreach activities such as guided paddle trips, community events, and school field trips.
Qualifications: Candidates must be highly-motivated, passionate about watershed conservation, and work both independently and as part of a team. In addition, the candidate must possess:
- Enthusiasm for outdoor field work, including working in remote areas under potentially inclement environmental conditions;
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to represent HVA in a professional manner;
- Excellent writing skills;
- Familiarity with basic website administration and social media;
- Experience using GPS and GIS;
- Willingness to work the occasional evening or weekend.
Requirements: Daily access to a personal vehicle is a requirement of the position. The intern must also be physically able to participate in potentially strenuous field work (i.e. physically active work outside for several hours at a time during the summer).
Compensation: The intern will be provided with a $2,400 stipend for the course of the internship. Work related travel will be compensated at a rate of $0.48/mile.
Application Procedure: Interested candidates should submit the following materials via email:
- COVER LETTER explaining your interest and qualifications
- RESUME
- TWO (2) PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
- (Optional but encouraged) Examples of past projects relevant to HVA’s mission (please limit to 1-2 pages/project, max of three projects) Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Deadline: April 20th. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Questions and applications should be directed to:
For Massachusetts: Dennis Regan, Berkshire Director Housatonic Valley Association Mail: PO Box 496, Stockbridge, MA 01262 E-mail: dregan@hvatoday.org Phone: 413/ 298-7024
For Connecticut: Michael S. Jastremski, Watershed Conservation Director Housatonic Valley Association Mail: PO Box 28, Cornwall Bridge, CT 06754 E-mail: MJ.HVA@outlook.com Phone: (860) 672-6678
If a candidate would work in either Massachusetts or Connecticut, just send in one application to either site and note your interest of internship location.
Appalachian Trail Ridge Runner – seasonal
WHERE: Department of Conservation and Recreation – Cheshire office
WHEN: 1 Position available from 5/26/18 – 9/3/18
SALARY: $530.40 / 40 hours / weekends required
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: Minimum age 18 years old with a valid driver’s license and dependable transportation. Heavy lifting and good physical stamina required. Housing not available.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Provide information to trail users, and educate hikers in low impact camping techniques
Provide hiker security by camping overnight on weekends along the Appalachian Trail
Maintain the Appalachian Trail and overnight camping sites
Work alongside trail volunteers to complete trail construction projects
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience in trail maintenance and use of various hand and power tools, including a chainsaw
Excellent communication skills, friendly and outgoing
Experience in long distance hiking and low impact camping
Comfortable camping overnight alone or with others
Knowledge of the Appalachian Trail within Massachusetts
Environmental / Natural Resource background and keen interest in outdoor recreation
Physically fit and able to hike long distances carrying a backpack and tools
For more information contact Becky Barnes at (413) 499-7003
Deadline for applying – March 23, 2018 send resume and cover letter to:
Department of Conservation and Recreation / Attn: Becky Barnes
P.O. Box 1433
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Stream Crossing Specialist
The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Ecological Restoration, seeks qualified applicants for the position of Stream Crossing Specialist (Environmental Analyst III).
Position: Stream Crossing Specialist (18000019)
Posting Date: 2/2/18
Closing Date: First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
The Stream Crossing Specialist will promote river health and restoration by leading a state-wide effort to improve habitat continuity, climate resiliency, and public safety at road-stream crossings. Major responsibilities of the position include training and assisting municipal infrastructure managers and other stakeholders with planning, design, permitting, funding, and construction of stream crossings that meet improved design criteria for aquatic/terrestrial organism passage and storm hazard reduction. The position will also serve as DER’s technical expert on the design and construction of road-stream crossings.
To view the job announcement and apply online, please visit the MassCareers website at:
https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=18000019&tz=GMT-05%3A00
Interested applicants can learn more about the MA Division of Ecological Restoration and our work here: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-ecological-restoration
For more information about the position, please contact Kristen Ferry at Kristen.Ferry@state.ma.us or 617-626-1264. For questions specific to the application process, please refer to the MassCareers website (https://www.mass.gov/find-your-future-commonwealth-job) and information contained within the job announcement.
Various Internships
Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) is a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to protect Massachusetts’ natural resources by supporting conservation commissions through education and advocacy. MACC provides legal, scientific, policy, and technical training to Massachusetts Conservation Commissions. MACC works collaboratively with government agencies, nonprofits, and volunteers to achieve its environmental protection mission.
MACC is seeking environmental students to assist our association with educational events, conferences, database evaluations, fundraising projects, and/or environmental policy research. Internship applications will be accepted on a rolling basis at MACC. Our preference is to have interns work with us for a minimum of 8 to 16 hours per week, for a three to four-month period.
Internships are unpaid, but the experience will provide an excellent opportunity to learn first-hand about how small, statewide environmental non-profit organizations perform important educational and advocacy roles. It is possible that one intern could implement some, or many of the tasks listed below, depending upon candidate backgrounds and MACC priorities at that time.
INTERN POSITIONS
Communications, Finance, and Development Intern: This intern position will provide a key role assisting MACC with grant applications, fundraising campaigns, website updates, database management, and social media outreach. Candidates should have strong organizational and communication skills.
Educational and Event Management Intern. The Educational and Event Management Intern will assist the Associate Director in preparing educational courses, coordinating workshop events, and assist with workshop planning, conference coordination, and webinar implementation. Candidates should have strong communication skills and interest in independent project work.
Legislative and Policy Research: The Legislative and Policy Research Intern will assist the Executive Director with providing research support on wetlands, open space, and climate change policy topics. An ideal applicant will have an interest and enthusiasm for a wide variety of environmental issues, have experience with fast-paced research projects, and strong communication skills.
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to: staff@maccweb.org
Office Manager
Berkshire Agricultural Ventures
This is a full-time position and it will evolve in responsibilities as the organization itself evolves. The successful candidate will be a creative generalist with superb interpersonal skills who is highly organized, adaptable, strategic and detail oriented. This position is a good fit for an energetic self-starter who is interested in helping a start-up organization to grow. The work will focus on three essential areas: general office support; communications management and fundraising support.
Anyone who is interested in this position should contact me at cynthia@berkshireagventures.org. This position is open until filled.
VIEW FULL JOB DESCRIPTION HERE
Mass Audubon – Berkshire Sanctuaries Jobs – Lenox
Environmental Education Intern
Early Childhood Program Leader / Naturalist – Part-Time, Seasonal
Wildlife & Plant Conservation Intern
Nature Day Camp Educator – Summer 2018
Land Management & Stewardship Intern
Development Manager
Hilltown Families Is Hiring
Williamsburg, MA
Hilltown Families is hiring an Executive Director and Development & Sales Officer, as well as an Executive Director.
They also have openings for volunteers and interns. Take a look at their website here for all of the details.