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.
Berkshire County state forests to get trail improvements
Hikers, mountain bikers, snowmobilers and other off-road vehicle users could see much-needed access and maintenance improvements at two Berkshire state park trail systems. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has unveiled draft plans to overhaul the dozens of miles of footpaths and rustic tracks for motorized and non-motorized vehicular use at Pittsfield and October Mountain state forests. If finalized in the fall, the DCR looks to implement the plans — with some of the recommended improvements contingent on funding approval in the Legislature. By Dick Lindsay, The Berkshire Eagle, July 5, 2016. [text-blocks id=”26627″ slug=”click-headline-read”]
MassDEP clears way for Kinder Morgan pipeline
in Otis State Forest
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) told Kinder Morgan subsidiary Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company Wednesday (June 29) that its application for a water quality certificate was approved for its Connecticut Expansion Project, natural gas storage loop that will cut through a pristine slice of state protected land in Otis State Forest, located in the town of Sandisfield. In a letter to pipeline project manager James Flynn, MassDEP Wetlands Program Chief David Cameron said the approval was based on “reasonable assurance” that the project would be conducted in a way that would not violate the state’s surface water quality standards and other state laws. By Heather Bellow, The Berkshire Edge, July 1, 2016. [text-blocks id=”26627″ slug=”click-headline-read”]
Senate passes omnibus energy
Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D – Pittsfield) has announced that the Massachusetts State Senate voted to support an omnibus energy bill to diversify the State’s energy portfolio by procuring additional clean energy resources to replace aging power plants that are going offline and move the Commonwealth closer to its emissions reduction goals under the Global Warming Solutions Act. S.2372, An Act to promote energy diversity, was offered as an amendment to the energy bill passed by the House of Representatives earlier this month. It will now be returned to the House, which may accept the Senate’s new draft or insist upon its own version and appoint a conference committee to work out the differences between the two bills. By Emily Edelman, The Berkshire Edge, July 1, 2016. [text-blocks id=”26627″ slug=”click-headline-read”]
How Canada’s pipeline watchdog secretly discusses “ticking time bombs” with industry
Canada’s pipeline watchdog has given two of North America’s largest energy companies up to six months to fix what industry insiders have described as a series of “ticking time bombs.” The National Energy Board waited eight years after U.S. regulators raised the alarm about substandard materials, finally issuing an emergency safety order in February. At least one Canadian pipeline with defective materials blew up during that period. Newly-released federal documents show that Texas-based Kinder Morgan and Alberta-based Enbridge are both looking into the use of defective parts purchased from Thailand-based, Canadoil Asia, that recently went bankrupt. But the companies were not immediately able to say where they installed the dodgy parts. It’s a problem that also struck Alberta-based TransCanada, which had defective materials in its own pipelines, including one that blew up in 2013. July 5th 2016. [text-blocks id=”26627″ slug=”click-headline-read”]
Should lawyers be ethically obligated to protect the environment?
As states and corporations increasingly head to court over climate change, a lawyer lays out an ethical roadmap to give the environment a louder legal voice. Contrary to many corny jokes, lawyers do follow a code of ethics. But there’s a glaring omission in the professions’ ethical outline: the environment. The American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct is a suggested blueprint for state bars, laying out a boilerplate for client-lawyer relationships, public service, communication and other matters of the professions. “It talks about other legal obligations for third parties, but never talks about the environment,” said Tom Lininger, a professor at the University of Oregon School of Law. By Brian Bienkowski, The Daily Climate, June 6, 2016. [text-blocks id=”26627″ slug=”click-headline-read”]
Can Virtual Reality Emerge
As a Tool for Conservation?
New advances in technology are sparking efforts to use virtual reality to help people gain a deeper appreciation of environmental challenges. VR experiences, researchers say, can be especially useful in conveying key issues that are slow to develop, such as climate change and extinction. Could virtual reality (VR) — immersive digital experiences that mimic reality — save the environment? Well, that may be a bit of a stretch. But researchers say that it could perhaps promote better understanding of nature and give people empathetic insight into environmental challenges. “Virtual reality can give everyone, regardless of where they live, the kind of experience needed to generate the urgency required to prevent environmental calamity,” says Jeremy Bailenson, professor of communication at Stanford University. By Heather Millar, Environment360, June 27, 2016. [text-blocks id=”26627″ slug=”click-headline-read”]
Jobs
Field Biology volunteers – Great Gull Island Project, Waterford, CT (remote NYS waters)
Research Scientist – SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry – Albany, NY
Camp Counselor – Becket Day Camp – Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA, Becket
Greenagers Middle School and High School Program – Various locations in Berkshire County
Greenagers Summer Jobs – Trail Crews & Agricultural Apprentices – Various locations in Berkshire and Columbia Counties
Outdoor Educator – Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, Cropseyville, NY
Assistant Director, Summer Camp – Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, Cropseyville, NY
Camp Counselors – Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox, MA
Weekend Visitors Services Staff – Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox, MA
Berkshire County state forests to get trail improvements
By Heather Bellow
The Berkshire Edge
July 1, 2016
Springfield — Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) told Kinder Morgan subsidiary Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company Wednesday (June 29) that its application for a water quality certificate was approved for its Connecticut Expansion Project, natural gas storage loop that will cut through a pristine slice of state protected land in Otis State Forest, located in the town of Sandisfield.
In a letter to pipeline project manager James Flynn, MassDEP Wetlands Program Chief David Cameron said the approval was based on “reasonable assurance” that the project would be conducted in a way that would not violate the state’s surface water quality standards and other state laws.
The land was purchased by the Commonwealth about 10 years ago, and is protected by Article 97 of the state constitution. While a Berkshire Superior Court judge ruled that Tennessee Gas has a right to the land under a federal law governing eminent domain easements for pipelines, he also said the company had to make sure it was adhering to state regulations, and that the Legislature had to sort out its position on the issue, since easements on Article 97 land can only be granted with a two-thirds vote.The project, however, is at odds with almost everyone, including Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey’s office, which has been in and out of court trying to stop the company from blazing ahead with plans that involve clearing trees near an old growth forest in Sandisfield, and flushing newly installed pipes with water drawn from Spectacle Pond.
The same Judge ruled this month that the company had to wait until the end of the Legislative session, July 29, before it could begin clearing the land to accommodate what will be a third pipeline on an existing corridor already containing two pipelines.
The certificate has long list of detailed conditions for work to wetlands areas along the 3-mile path of what is a 13-mile total pipeline route. The loop cuts across three states, holding gas intended for Connecticut customers.
Despite the conditions, environmentalists are concerned. Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) Executive Director Jane Winn said she has a call in to MassDEP for clarification about whether the conditions applied by all involved agencies are lining up and do not conflict with each other. Those agencies are the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), MassDEP, the Army Corps of Engineers, and most importantly, Winn said, the Sandisfield Conservation Commission.
Winn said BEAT is going over the certificate with a “fine tooth comb” to find issues that might be “appealable,” since there are 21 days in which to appeal MassDEP’s decision.Commission Secretary Clare English told the Edge in an email that Commission members were unable to comment Thursday, since they had not yet had a chance to review the certificate.
One major concern, she said, is when the pipes are flushed. “We don’t know what chemicals could come off the lining inside the pipes. We’ve been asking for that information since the first Conservation Commission meeting on this. [Tennessee Gas] says it’s epoxy, but it is proprietary information. That’s just one issue.”
While U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said it plans to help the company mitigate harm to endangered species, mostly nesting birds, Winn says those plans are “pretty pathetic.”
State Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli (D-Lenox) said he encourages an appeal to the certificate as leverage to keep Tennessee Gas in line and force them to be “honorable,” and “honor the agreements they’ve made with the town of Sandisfield.”
Kinder Morgan has begun to backpedal on a promise to pay the town about $1 million in compensation for wear and tear or damage to roads and other town infrastructure. The Fortune 500 Corporation also promised the town of 800 residents it would reimburse the town’s $30,000 in legal bills racked up negotiating with Kinder Morgan attorneys. Town Manager Alice Boyd previously told the Edge Kinder Morgan has gone silent.
“Delay, delay, delay,” Pignatelli said. “This may buy us more time. I say exercise every appeal possible. We’ve already been FERC’ed,” he added, using a phrase he coined when FERC chose to allow Tennessee Gas to apply for an easement to state conservation land.
“We can’t reverse that, so now we have protect the town.” He further said an appeal could delay the pipeline construction work by 6 to 9 months in which Tennessee Gas could not so much as lay a finger on the land. “We can’t just roll over,” he said.
Winn told the Edge civil disobedience might be right around the corner.
“I hope we can stop this,” Winn said. “There are people from all across the state who feel very strongly about keeping permanently protected lands permanently protected. I am sure [those people] will be on the site if this goes through.”
She said two protests organized by the Sugar Shack Alliance and Sandisfield Taxpayers Opposed to the Pipeline (STOP), are planned on July 16: one in Great Barrington from 12-1 p.m., and the other at Spectacle Pond in Sandisfield from 2-4 p.m. More detailed information to follow.
At the same time, Winn said, environmentalists will march along Spectra’s Access Northeast (ANE) pipeline path and finish at the statehouse, to protest “fracked gas that we do not need.”
Field Biology volunteers –
Great Gull Island Project ,
Waterford, CT (remote NYS waters)
Posted Jun 03 2016
The Great Gull Island project is a monitoring study of Common and Roseate Terns nesting on Great Gull Island. Recently it has been expanded to include surveys of the South American coast to determine where numbers of both species spend the nonbreeding season. It has been gathering data on these important seabirds since the 1960s.
Great Gull Island is an island of 17 acres at the eastern end of Long Island Sound, NY. The former site of an army fort, its overgrown battlements are now defended by the largest concentration of nesting Common Terns in the world (9,500 pairs). The boulders dumped around the edge of the island to stabilize the shoreline, as well as some of the retaining walls of the fort, offer nesting sites for 1300 pairs of Roseate Terns, the largest nesting concentration of this endangered species in the Western Hemisphere.
Volunteers are needed to aid a variety of biological research tasks. The greatest need is for people to come in July to do daily surveys of the island, to band newly hatched chicks, and some observation work in the blinds.
Room and board are provided, with rustic accommodations in historic fort barracks and battlements. Good cell service and limited electrical service.
Learn more about all that’s been discovered at GGI here:
http://www.greatgullisland.org/Main_Page.html
Boats leave from Waterford, CT, with direct service to the research station located on the island in NY waters.
TO APPLY
To learn more or arrange a volunteer stay on the island this summer, contact lead researcher Helen Hays at hays@amnh.org.
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Research Scientist – SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry – Albany, NY
Category: Research Foundation
Department: EFB
Locations: Albany, NY
Posted: Jun 27, ’16
Type: Full-time
About College of Environmental Science and Forestry: Founded in 1911, the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is the nation’s oldest and most respected school dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies and building a sustainable future. The ESF main campus is in Syracuse, NY and has regional campuses throughout Central New York and the Adirondack Park. ESF consistently earns high rankings in US News and World Report, Forbes, Peterson’s Guide, The Washington Monthly, Princeton Review and other national college guidebooks.
Job Description:
Title: Research Scientist
Department: Environmental and Forest Biology
Salary: $50,000 minimum
Duration: Through March 2018, with likely continuation through March 2023
Location: Albany, NY (New York State DEC Headquarters)
Brief Description of Duties: This position will work closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Bureau of Wildlife (BOW) staff and will function as the BOW’s Data Scientist. This position will assist the Game Management Section with annual monitoring efforts by maintaining current systems in antiquated database software (i.e., Visual FoxPro and Turbo Pascal) while simultaneously working to upgrade the programs in a modern data analysis language (i.e., R or Python) and database platforms (e.g., Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, sqllite, or MS Access). The position will seek opportunities to streamline and automate the workflow and data flow involved in annually recurring surveys conducted by the Game Management and Wildlife Diversity Sections.
The Research Scientist also serves as a consultant to BOW staff throughout the state and research collaborators, providing direct support with statistical analyses, guidance on sampling designs, evaluation of project proposals to ensure statistical validity, assistance with preparation and review of technical reports and manuscripts, and response to data requests from staff and the public.
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Oversee annually recurring deer harvest estimation. This is a major project and involves validation of all input data sources (e.g., harvest reports from hunters, biological data from field checked deer, etc.), statistical analyses (descriptive and inferential), development of summary tables, and appending estimates to several long-term databases and spreadsheets.
Oversee data validation and analysis of annual data collection from a variety of wildlife observation surveys (e.g., bow hunter sighting log, big game hunter survey, grouse and turkey hunter logs, drumming surveys, incidental sightings) to monitor relative abundance of deer, bear, moose, turkey, selected furbearers, and other game and non-game wildlife species statewide. Evaluate and refine as appropriate.
Provide technical guidance on data management systems, maintain and update computer programs used to analyze survey data, and help identify and correct sources of errors that occur in telephone, internet and scannable form reporting systems.
Provide statistical expertise and consultation for design and analysis of wildlife population research, user surveys, and monitoring programs and evaluate those surveys and programs after implementation.
Provide user-friendly reports and data queries from the above surveys as needed for public information or management purposes.
Assist BOW biologists in the preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts and technical reports.
Train and supervise support staff to assist with data quality assurance and validation procedures.
Travel around New York State as needed to meet with and make presentations to regional staff, other professionals, and wildlife management stakeholders.
Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree and two years of professional research experience, OR a Master’s Degree and one year of professional research experience, in biometrics, biostatistics, data sciences, wildlife population ecology or related field.
Expertise MS Access and with one or more statistical programming language such as R, Python, and/or SAS.
Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships and collaborate with diverse personalities on project teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s Degree and two years of professional research experience, OR a PhD, in biometrics, biostatistics, data sciences, wildlife population ecology or related field.
Proficient with a version control system for software development (e.g., Git, Subversion, etc.)
Familiarity with Turbo Pascal and/or MS Visual FoxPro
Proficient at writing custom functions and/or packages in R and/or Python
Strong familiarity with relational databases and proficient using SQL
Experience developing dashboards such as RShiny Flex Dashboards, ArcGIS Dashboard for Operations, Rbokeh, Python bokeh, etc.
Proficiency with likelihood-based and Bayesian inference.
Experience working closely with state or federal wildlife agency staff.
Advanced user of ArcGIS for Desktop.
Additional Information: In accordance with the “Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act” institutions of higher education are required to prepare an annual report containing information on campus security policies and campus statistics. This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by SUNY-ESF; and on property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a printed copy of this report by contacting SUNY-ESF University Police at 315-470-6667 or by accessing the following web site: http://www.esf.edu/univpolice/crimereports/
As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, the Research Foundation will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin and veteran or disability status.
Application Instructions:
Date to Be Filled: August 1, 2016 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Application Deadline: Although the college will accept applications until the position is filled, interested candidates should submit their materials by July 15, 2016 to ensure optimal consideration.
Application Procedure: Employment application must be submitted on-line. Be sure to include contact information for a minimum of 3 references in your resume/CV.
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Camp Counselor – Becket Day Camp –
Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA, Becket
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Seasonal) Reports to: Day Camp Director
General Function: The Day Camp Counselor is responsible for creating, leading and managing group activities daily. The Day Camp Counselor is also responsible for managing individual and group behavior, providing a safe and nurturing environment for all campers.
Required Qualifications & Experience: The Day Camp Counselor must be: Aged 18 or older and able to work with children in the outdoors Able to administer and participate in all typical camp activities, some of which may be physically demanding Able to follow instructions, accept guidance and respond well to supervision Patient with children, peers and leadership staff Available Monday to Friday during regular program hours, including pre-program and post-program duties, and presentation evening. Available for all staff training sessions – both before camp and evening in-services during camp.
Principal Activities: Create and lead structured camp activities for campers aged between 3-5 years old, 6-12 years old or 13-14 years old. Supervise and manage camper behavior effectively, including but not limited to, campers with special needs. Provide opportunities for campers to learn, grow and be challenged in a physically and mentally safe environment. Follow all healthcare policies
Additional Activities: Follow established guidelines for enforcing all safety rules and regulations among campers, peers, parents and guests Supervise all aspects of each camper’s day including bus transportation, arrival and departure, activities, lunch, swimming, hiking, waterfront and free time activities Instruct campers on all swimming policies, supervising in a public place policies and emergency action plans Be an effective lifeguard or lookout at all times (if qualified) Plan activities in advance, getting all supplies and equipment ready in time, commencing activities punctually Submit all required paperwork completely and on time Actively participate in morning circle and closing circle with enthusiasm each day Actively participate and socialize with campers’ parents and families Actively participate in weekly meetings and staff trainings Be on time and prepared for any duty as requested Demonstrate and teach the YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Responsibility and Respect Function as an effective part of the staff team to maintain and improve the program Ensure all equipment is safe and put away after use Participate in routine cleaning of buildings, grounds and the general site Be flexible with schedule changes and team needs Participate in curriculum review and development Be a role model to the Assistant Counselors and aid them in their progression to become good counselors Perform other duties as assigned
Further Responsibilities of Staff who live On-Site: Maintain cleanliness of staff housing and follow resident camp staff policies while present on site Effect on end Results: Each camper will experience a consistent and high quality experience All programs will be conducted in a fun, safe and age appropriate manner Staff morale and retention will be consistently high
APPLY HERE.
Summer 2016 Internship, Eagle Eye Institute,
MountainStar Forest, Peru, MA
This is more than an internship; it is a transformational learning opportunity!
Title: Residential Land Management Intern
Positions Available: 2
Background: Eagle Eye Institute is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization based in
Peru, MA, committed to engaging underserved urban youth with the environment
through hands-on exploratory learning, stewardship, and career bridging
programs. This internship program takes place at MountainStar Forest, a 200+
acre forest training site in Peru, MA, just 30 miles west of Northampton, MA. The
mission of the site is to protect the spirit of this forest and to conserve and
enhance its beauty and health by engaging people of all ages and cultural
backgrounds in its stewardship, so that future generations of all life can flourish.
Description: As an intern, you will live on the land for six weeks and connect
with nature, others, and yourself in an immersive outdoor setting. Housing will be
provided in private Eureka Equinox 6 standup tents, each on its own tent
platform. You will live off the grid without electronic devices, participate in food
preparation (all food is vegan and will be provided), learn about energy and water
conservation while living outdoors, help grow organic vegetables, and deepen
your overall relationship with nature. You will gain hands-on experience in land
management, including but not limited to, tree, shrub, and flower planting,
mowing and weed whacking, trail building and repair, forest management and
firewood production, brush cleanup, vegetable gardening, and traditional and
alternative building construction. You will also have the opportunity to assist with
Eagle Eye Institute overnight programs for youth held at the land over the
summer. This will include camp setup, food prep, and overall logistics. In
addition, you may keep a daily journal of your experiences, share your personal
story, and participate in daily morning meditation and exercise.
Melinda Stockmann, former MountainStar Forest intern, says:
“So, I think what I’ll tell other people is that this is a really good chance to …well,
not to be too clichéd… but to connect with yourself and with others and with
nature… and to just really get back to the basics…Coming out here for six weeks
you get to really just be. And work. And appreciate work. And appreciate play
and appreciate the food you eat. And just think about what you want to be and
what you want to do and what you are doing and what you are being. And that’s
really an opportunity that a lot of folks don’t get…It’s challenging… especially if
you’re used to being in a routine and having constant stimulation in different
ways…You have to be committed to the opportunity for what it is…I think it’s
definitely worth it and it pays off on a lot of different levels…Outdoor living is fun!”
We are looking for the right individuals with the following qualities:
• Hard-working
• Positive attitude
• Willingness to learn with an open mind
• Sense of humor
• Sense of cooperation
• Experience and commitment to working with diverse people, especially
urban youth of color
• Trustworthiness
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Good communicator
• A leader who can take initiative
Qualifications:
• Current college/university student
• Good physical condition
• Knowledge of and interest in the environment
• Camping and outdoor living experience
• Use of basic hand tools: shovel, rake, mower, weedwacker, etc.
• Some carpentry skills
Additional Qualifications:
• Must have own transportation to and from the site.
• We prefer that interns have an additional living situation within
commuting distance, for weekends and days off.
• Flexibility with days and hours.
Timeline: Six weeks, approx. July 6 – August 17, 2016 (exact dates TBD).
Schedule: 40 hours per week, flexible based on weather and work to be
accomplished any given day or week.
Compensation: Room (camping) and board.
How to Apply:
Submit a resume, two character references, and a letter stating why you are
interested, why you are the best person for this internship, what skills you have to
contribute, and what you would like to learn from this experience. How do you
see this internship helping you in your own personal development?
SEEKING DIVERSE APPLICANTS
Contact: Anthony Sanchez, Board President, Eagle Eye Institute
MountainStar Forest Manager
(413) 655-0103
asanchez@eagleeyei.org
Seasonal Outdoor Educator –
Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, Grafton, NY
Experience needed: Experience working with children in the outdoors required. Some experience in outdoor recreation preferred. Education required: Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences or Education.
Job Requirements: Must be able to perform physical work in the outdoors, be able to work some weekends and evenings and possess a valid driver’s license.
To apply: Please send resume and Rensselaer County application (available at www.rensco.com) to: Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, 475 Dyken Pond Road, Cropseyille, New York 12052 or contact Lisa Hoyt at 518 658-2055 ordykenpond@gmail.com. Applications accepted until position is filled.
Visit our website for more information about our summer camp and programs at:http://www.dykenpond.org
Dyken Pond
Environmental Education Center
475 Dyken Pond Road
Cropseyville, New York 12052
518 658-2055
Assistant Director, Summer Camp –
Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, Grafton, NY
Job Description: Assistant Director has on-site responsibility for daily camp operations including basic administrative tasks, teaching environmental education programs to youth ages 6 – 13, and supervising other staff. In addition, the Assistant Director will assist in other environmental education programs before camp starts. This position is assigned a wide variety of tasks and duties that must be performed to insure the efficient operation of the camp program. Experience needed: College degree required in natural history subject area or education. Must be 21 years old and hold a valid NYS drivers license. Experience working with elementary aged children in the outdoors required.
For more information on seasonal positions, please contact Lisa Hoyt at 518 658-2055 or dykenpond@gmail.com. To apply, please download a Renssealer County application from www.rensco.com (click on Employment) and return completed application and resume to: Lisa Hoyt, Dyken Pond Center, 475 Dyken Pond Road, Cropseyville, NY 12052
Greenagers Summer Jobs
Greenagers employs 50 youth each year for work on local trails and farms, through our trail crews (3 in Berkshire County and 2 in Columbia County) and our Farm Apprenticeships. Click here to find out more information and apply online.
Greenagers’ Summer Programs
Starting soon!
Greenagers has some great summertime opportunities for middle and high school students and we still have a few spots open in two of our programs.
For middle-schoolers living in and/or attending SBRSD: Greenagers is hosting a summer environmental program exploring our conservation areas and local farms. Activities will include hikes, canoeing, farm visits, and service projects with our community partners. These partners include The Nature Conservancy, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Sheffield Land Trust, Indian Line Farm, Trustees of Reservations, and many more. Our main goal with this program is to provide engaging, thought provoking activities that promote a deeper connection with our local resources. For more information, please contact Greenagers: 413-644-9090 /office@greenagers.org.
For Berkshire County high schoolers: we currently have two spots available on our community trail crews. These are paid summertime positions. Please contact Elia for more information.
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
Weekend Visitor Services Staff
Responsible for staffing the admissions office, Sundays, 10am – 4pm and some Monday holidays, greeting visitors, answering telephones, selling books, gifts, and bird feeders, processing registrations for programs, events and camp and generally representing Pleasant Valley and Mass Audubon to the public.
If you are looking for a part time position, have a love of nature, and enjoy sharing that enthusiasm with our visitors, this is a great opportunity for you. This is a year round position, however seasonal applicants will also be considered.
Qualifications
- Friendliness, tact, dependability, enthusiasm and a desire to work with people.
- Ability to deal with the varied pace of a public attraction necessary (there can be over 400 visitors on a busy day).
- Experience with handling money, using a cash register and credit card machine.
- Ability to take responsibility for office without additional staff.
- Customer service experience preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn basic computer programs.
- An interest in natural history is helpful, natural history background a plus.
- Must pass a background records check (CORI and SORI).
Compensation and Benefits – Rate of pay $10-$11.00/hr
How to Apply
Please email your resume and cover letter to: