Spring Break Short Course
Wednesday, March 18 – Sunday, March 22, 2015
Bermuda is a world leader in marine conservation and the perfect place to experience the wonder of coral reefs.
Let Columbia University’s Earth Institute Center for Environmental Sustainability (EICES) and the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) be your guides to the world of corals through lectures, labs, and fieldwork.
Join fellow students in Bermuda this March where you’ll participate in snorkel tours and trips to Whalebone Bay and Nonsuch Island.

Topics Covered:
– biology of corals
– ecology of coral communities
– anthropogenic factors that impact coral reefs
– coral reef restoration and sustainability

Course Syllabus (PDF) and Course Schedule (PDF)

Accommodations are provided by BIOS, an internationally renowned nonprofit marine research and educational institution in St. George’s, Bermuda.

Cost: $1,550* ($800 tuition + $750 room and board)
* flights are not included.

Anyone may apply.  Limited space is available.
Interested in learning more?  Contact:
Desmond Beirne, Program Manager
E-mail:  djb2104@columbia.edu
Phone:  212-854-0149

Coral Reef Ecology: Bermuda is part of the Earth Institute Certificate Program in Conservation and Environmental Sustainability.

USGBC Massachusetts is seeking an Intern for the Winter Semester:

USGBC MA Communications Intern

Position Summary

The USGBC MA Chapter seeks a green building/sustainability enthusiast to help us get our message out, grow our network and meet our mission to enable every person to live, work, learn and play in green buildings within a generation. We are a small organization of two full-time staff and many passionate volunteers that need an individual focused on tightening up and implementing our communications systems, freshening up our materials, and tracking our outreach and assessing its impact.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Sharing our events and programs via social media consistently and systematically
Updating our events calendar
Soliciting content from volunteers and partners to share on our network
Reaching out to volunteers and partners to share our events with their networks
Updating our Communications Manual
Developing on-line and print marketing materials
Supporting our volunteer Communications and Membership Committees
Maintaining and updating the Chapter email distribution lists
Assisting with website maintenance, monthly newsletters, and media outreach.

Skills:

Highly organized and a good communicator
Ability to do both creative and routine work
Detail-oriented
Proficiency in excel, constant contact and photoshop
Experience with CiviCRM, Drupal, and/or javascript a definite advantage
Graphic Design experience a plus

The Communications Intern will report and work closely with the USGBC MA, Executive Director. The Communications Intern is expected to work from the USGBC MA Chapter office in downtown Boston at least half their time. The Communications Intern will need to attend two meetings a month from 6-8PM as our volunteer Committees meet after normal work hours.

Students and recent graduates with a degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field are encouraged to apply. This is a $10/hour, three month commitment of 20 hours a week, with the potential to be extended or evolved into a more significant position.

Start Date: Early January 2015

Apply Online

Position Summary

We are seeking a full time Program Coordinator for our Conservation Vision Program. Through this program, The Trust for Public Land helps agencies and communities define open space and recreation priorities, identify lands to be protected, and plan networks of parks and other conserved lands that meet public need. The position is responsible for supporting the Director of Planning, based in San Francisco with research, writing and a variety of other Conservation Vision programmatic activities.

Essential Functions

Supports Conservation Vision program in research and writing on the following types of programs and initiatives: park, trail and open space planning; park and park system evaluations; green infrastructure; ecosystem services; and land and water connections.
Conducts research and writes reports related to communities with whom we are working. Besides doing internet research, this often includes collecting information via telephone interviews.
Manages community survey and park evaluation projects.
Supports teams in completing project work plans, including scheduling calls, site visits, and internet-based meetings.
Oversees the maintenance of databases and other information retrieval systems to help track program work. This includes conducting an annual evaluation of TPL’s 50+ completed conservation planning projects.
Assists in developing outreach materials, including factsheets, presentations, exhibit materials, and reports.
Assists in preparing grant proposals and reports; assists in meeting reporting deadlines.
Perform other relevant duties, including some administrative tasks, as necessary.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required with minimum 4 years related work experience or graduate degree in related field with some related professional work experience.
Course work in environmental studies/science, statistics, urban planning, public policy, or economics.
Superior written and oral communications skills.
Strong academic research and analytic skills. Experience summarizing data, policy papers and research.
Experience conducting evaluations, preferably park evaluations.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Proficient with software tools for surveying, data analysis, and report design, such as Survey Monkey, Excel, R, and Adobe Creative Suite.
Ability to work under pressure, juggle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently or as a team member as appropriate.
Demonstrated commitment to parks, open space and land preservation.
Ability to use good judgment, take initiative, and problem solve.
Available for regular travel.

How to Apply:

Please apply online.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council seeks candidates for the position of Regional Land Use Planner who will serve the Land Use Department. This individual will work on a variety of projects, including, but not limited to, undertaking local visioning and land use planning, assisting in housing and economic development planning, open space planning and/or writing bylaws or ordinances. The primary goal of this work will be to encourage sustainable patterns of development and preservation consistent with MetroFuture, most frequently by working with municipalities to modernize land use
regulations and policies.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council is a regional planning agency serving the people who live and work in Metropolitan Boston. Our mission is to promote smart growth and regional collaboration, which includes protecting the environment, encouraging sustainable land use, improving mobility, advancing public health and safety, advancing equity and opportunity among people of all backgrounds, and fostering collaboration among municipalities.

Our work is guided by our regional vision, “MetroFuture: Making a Greater Boston Region.”(See http://www.MetroFuture.com.) Our Council members and staff work to advance this plan through technical assistance to cities and towns, data analysis and mapping, research, collective purchasing, public engagement, and advocacy for public policies that advance our mission. We welcome to our staff team intelligent, thoughtful and entrepreneurial professionals who are committed to improving the quality of life in Metro Boston.
Examples of Duties:

The responsibilities of the Planner will include activities such as: assisting municipalities to develop and implement plans and strategies; researching and preparing reports, studies, testimony, and presentations; advising various levels of government on policies and best practices; organizing workshops and educational events for the public; making public presentations and facilitating public discussions; remaining informed about current planning issues, resources, and programs; reviewing legislation and regulatory changes at the state and federal levels; drafting plans and policies, including zoning bylaws; advocating for public policies and actions; and interacting with environmental, economic development, transportation, housing and community development organizations, state agencies, and the public.
Typical Qualifications:

Candidate should have expertise in one or more of the following: federal, state and local land use policy issues, laws, and regulations; current best planning practices related to master planning; land use, economic development, open space and housing planning; and familiarity with state programs such as Expedited Permitting, Smart Growth Zoning, Compact Neighborhoods, etc.;experience in bylaw/ordinance preparation to promote smart growth, including land use, as well open space; experience in undertaking or preparing of master plans, housing/economic development analyses or land use plans at the local and regional level; and engineering and/or urban design skills are a plus;

In addition, the candidate should possess all of the following strong research, writing, and communication skills, including ability to utilize data and GIS effectively; strong organizational skills and ability to work effectively with community groups and government officials; and strong public process and facilitation skills, flexibility, and
collaboration skills.

Supplemental Information:

Successful candidate will possess either a Bachelor’s Degree in urban/regional planning, public policy/management, urban design/architecture or closely related field and at least four years relevant job experience, or a Masters’ Degree in a relevant field with at least two years relevant professional experience. Masters Degree, AICP Certification and additional job experience preferred. Responsibilities will include meetings with elected officials and boards, often requiring local travel and occurring in the evening; a valid Massachusetts driver’s license is required and/or the ability to arrange transportation to different parts of the region. Legal authorization (citizenship or visa) to work in the USA is also required. Excellent state employee benefits package. Salary dependent upon qualifications (anticipated starting salary range $55,000 – $65,000 per year). Position open until filled. Review of applications to begin immediately.  MAPC is an EOE/ AA employer. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce and encourage applications from minority group members, women, persons with disabilities, veterans, and others who may contribute to the agency’s diversity. This position is exempt from the provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Apply Online

Organizational Setting

The Forest Assessment, Management and Conservation Division provides services to member countries on matters relating to the
forest assessment, development, management, conservation, restoration and protection of forests, trees, water, mountains,
biodiversity, wildlife and related natural resources as well as for providing a neutral forum for the discussion of such topics. Other
topics of interest for the Division are agroforestry, urban forestry, and forests and climate change, including Reducing Emissions from
Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).

This position is located in the Forest Assessment, Management and Conservation Division (FOM) in the Forestry Department.

Reporting Lines

The Forestry Officer reports to the Senior Forestry Officer/Team Leader, Forest Resources Management Team

Technical Focus

Planning, developing, implementing and technically supporting programmes and activities in the field of conservation and sustainable
management of wildlife, and protected area management.

Key Results

Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of Departmental/Division
programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with Departmental/Division objectives and FAO Strategic Objectives

Apply Online

Background
The Health and Environmental Funders Network (HEFN) is a network of grantmakers investing to promote healthy people, communities, and environments.  HEFN and its members aim to maximize the impact of philanthropy on environmental health and environmental justice issues.
HEFN does outreach to expand investment in environmental health and justice, provides funders with learning opportunities, and supports its members to connect and collaborate.
Position Summary         
The Health and Environmental Funders Network (HEFN) is looking for an experienced program professional with a passion for environmental health and environmental justice issues. This position will support HEFN’s learning community, including by developing program content for quarterly webinars, an annual meeting, working groups, and co-sponsored events. The position will also support HEFN outreach and communications with members and in philanthropy.

Responsibilities:

Lead planning, design, execution, and evaluation of programs including webinars, briefings, and other co-sponsored events.
Lead planning of HEFN’s annual meeting, including planning committee management, content management, and meeting communications and logistics in coordination with HEFN staff.
Cultivate and maintain excellent relationships with affinity group colleagues, regional associations, and other philanthropic groups.
Serve as a resource to the broader philanthropic community and facilitate collaborative programming and initiatives.
Develop and disseminate learning resources for members and other funders, like issue briefs, funder stories, and blogs.
Support HEFN communications work.  Manage website content and social media related to your work.
Help track local, regional, and national trends in environmental health and justice and philanthropy.
Support other programs, initiatives, and working groups as needed.

Experience

Minimum of five years of experience working in philanthropy or on environmental health or environmental justice issues.
Experience developing and executing smart and strategic programs.
Proven experience developing and maintaining strong, professional, and collaborative relationships.
Event organizing experience preferred.
Experience writing reports and newsletters preferred.
Experience with social media and blogging preferred.

Skills and Attributes
The ideal candidate will thrive in a small team environment.  Reliability, integrity, flexibility, a quick mind, and a sense of humor strongly valued.  Additional skills and attributes:

Understanding of the connections between environmental conditions and health, including the roles of race, place, and class.
Competence in a range of tasks from strategy development to webinar planning to meeting logistics to relationship management.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, and strong editorial skills.
Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office, database, publishing, and website software.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and on a highly collaborative team.
Ability to travel.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is commensurate with experience.
Very generous benefits including healthcare, retirement, professional development, and paid vacation.

This position could be located anywhere in the country, with a very strong preference for someone who could work in HEFN’s Silver Spring, MD office.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to recruiting@hefn.org, with your email subject line reading: “Program Director.” We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community to apply. No phone calls please.

Geographic Focus:

National
Maryland

Apply Online

Due to a scheduled upgrade the majority of our electronic resources will not be available from off-campus on Sunday, November 30 from 6am-9am.  Please plan your research accordingly.

The first of our extended hours for the 2014 winter exam season will be this Sunday, November 30th, and the Hirsh Library Service Desk will be open 10 am to 10 pm. So you can come start studying as soon as you […]

Too far?

Unexpected election effects.

“unpaved the parking lot and put up a play paradise”

Make way for duck

Daylight savings time in a museum full of clocks

Museum on the move

Documentary […]

Leo is back with his friend Theo, who has some advice regarding reserve items.

Ask Leo Episode Five: Renewing Reserves from Tufts HHSL on Vimeo.

Watch an interview hosted by the team of Let’s Talk Tea (23 Nov 2014) featuring our latest research on tea and climate

Watch a video clip of our research on national television featured on The Weather Channel’s America Morning Headquarters: Tea Tastes Worse When it Rains Too Much

Questions? Please contact the corresponding author on this study, Dr. Selena Ahmed: selena.ahmed@montana.edu