Under the direction of the Energy and Sustainability Manager, the Utility and Sustainability Coordinator will conduct professional work at the District action level. The Utility and Sustainability Coordinator identifies, assesses and implements improvements to utility (gas, electric, water, waste) and sustainability programs for the community college district; monitors and performs analytics and programming as needed for all utilities to include the energy and building management systems for optimization and development of energy conservation measures; coordinates all sustainability, utility, energy efficiency and renewable initiatives; coordinates facilities and capital program activities with other departments and performs other related work as required. Public contact is extensive, primarily involving department and outside staff, vendors, and contractors for the purpose of exchanging information pertaining to project assessment, procedures, materials, and timelines. A high degree of independent judgment and creativity is required to conduct appropriate troubleshooting, basic commissioning, complete given assignments, and to resolve conflicts and challenges that arise. Consequences of errors in judgment can be costly in materials, public relations, and in employee time. The Utility and Sustainability Coordinator can direct the work of student assistants and other staff as assigned.
Month: July 2020 (Page 5 of 6)
Written by Colette Smith
After a few months of social distancing at home, many are yearning to soak in the summer weather and explore the outdoors. One great way to get outside is to visit some of your local greenspaces. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, greenspace includes “any open piece of land that is undeveloped (has no buildings or other built structures) and is accessible to the public… [and] is partially or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation.” Specific examples of greenspaces include areas such as public parks, community gardens, walking, biking, or hiking trails, and even cemeteries. Greenspaces have a range of benefits, from individual and community health benefits to environmental sustainability. Below, we break down some great greenspace options near Tufts, the benefits of greenspace, and some tips for staying safe outdoors.
Although Boston ranks low among large cities for greenspace density, with only 168 feet per resident, there are still plenty of options to get outside and absorb the summer air for those of you still around Tufts. The Tufts campus itself has a lot of greenspaces, such as the President’s Lawn or the academic quad, where you can lay out in the sun and enjoy the warm weather. One of my favorite things to do in the nice weather is grab lunch from Hodge and sit out on the President’s Lawn with my friends.
Another greenspace that is only 2 miles from campus is Middlesex Fells. Professor Ninian Stein took my Introduction to Environmental Studies class here for a field trip last semester. I was astonished at how close it was to the somewhat urban environment near Tufts. It offers a wide variety of activities like hiking, renting a boat, riding a bike on one of the bike trails, or visiting the dog park.
Another local option is Nathan Tufts Park, located just across from Tufts at Powderhouse circle. This park features the seventeenth-century Old Powder House, which was built as a windmill but has served many purposes throughout the years. Today, you can walk-through, picnic, or be active on this historical greenspace.
If you would like to get off campus to explore the greater Boston area instead, there are some really great places you can go. One gorgeous option is the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The Greenway features a 1.5 mile long path through central downtown and the waterfront. Walking along you will see outdoor artworks and performances.
Another iconic Boston greenspace is the Boston Common. This area of land used to be a cow pasture, but it has been an important place for the city throughout the years serving as a site for a wide variety of occasions. Founded in 1634, the Boston Common is a great place to go for a stroll or to sit and have a picnic.
The next option, located at 695 Hillside St. in Milton, the Blue Hills Reservation is a great place to go for a hike since it has great options for all hiking experience levels. It includes 125 miles of stunning, scenic trails that will take you through a variety of landscapes from marshes to meadows. There are many different route options so make sure to pick up a map!
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, greenspaces have been reported to improve both mental health/well-being as well as physical health, since they provide opportunities for urban dwellers to get active. From an environmental perspective, the benefits of greenspaces include air quality improvements, natural ecosystems, reduction of noise, and better storm drainage. A final advantage of having greenspaces is that they have been shown to foster increased social interaction as people visit these sites and get to meet other people in their community face to face.
Finally: don’t forget to stay vigilant! Greenspaces are a great opportunity to get outdoors amidst the COVID quarantine and are relatively safe thanks to the open air. Still, you must social distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands frequently. Also, don’t forget sunscreen and bug repellant!
Are you passionate about clean energy, a great writer with critical thinking skills, and looking to get started working in international development? Winrock International is seeking an intern who can work part-time or full-time for at least 6 months. Winrock International works on off-grid solar applications for rural smallholders, including solar water pumps and solar chillers; and access to energy in developing countries, including solar home/business/school systems, and solar mini-grids. The Clean Energy Intern will help with everything from proposal research and writing to implementing current projects.
The Clean Energy internship offers experience going through a complete proposal cycle from capture to submittal, including budgeting and technical design; experience managing field projects from the US, including research to support project strategy and communications with local business and NGO partners; and the opportunity to learn from thought leaders on energy and environment issues facing the developing world. Focus countries include Nepal, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zambia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Winrock International has a great track record of hiring their interns for staff positions – for example, roles now occupied by previous interns include Senior Program Officer, based in the US; and Operations Director, based overseas.
Application Deadline: August 14, 2020
Looking to inspire a love of the outdoors and our world’s natural resources in the next generation? In this position, you will work at Delaware Aquatic Resources Education Center’s new facility to lead
educational programs in a beautiful tidal salt marsh. In this position, you will be an integral part of delivering State of Delaware curriculum to diverse 5th grade classes from all over the state through the “Eco-Explorers” program, and you will help present youth fishing events through the “Take a Kid Fishing” program.
“Eco-Explorers” is a salt marsh ecology field trip program for groups of students that runs from late March until the end of May. Field trips occur Tuesday through Friday, between 9 AM and 1:30 PM at the
ARE Center. Youth Fishing Education at the ARE Center is provided through the “Take a Kid Fishing!” program. In this position, you will help other AREC staff and volunteers instruct groups of children and
families during the spring and summer of 2020, and will help with maintaining equipment and other programmatic tasks. Fishing events occur on weekends and some weekdays at the ARE Center and fishing ponds throughout the state. Training for both the “Eco-Explorers” and “Take a Kid Fishing” programs is provided by experienced environmental education staff.
The Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) seeks a passionate, self-motivated, highly organized individual with a keen interest in reducing waste and pollution to join our team of dedicated collaborative environmental stewards. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from experts working in a fast-paced organization that has been at the forefront of the product stewardship movement in the U.S. for the past to decades.
Application Due Date: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply ASAP.
Time Commitment: 16 to 24 hours per week. Rolling start for winter, spring, and summer
Compensation: $14 per hour. Internships under Praxis funding or for course credit welcome.
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