ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER
March 7, 2006

In this issue:
** Upcoming ES Events:  ES and Goldfarb present, Dr. Anil Gupta “Nature as a Metaphor for Designing Technologies, Institutions, and Social Networks”, meet Dr. Gupta at the Green House
** Campus Sustainability:  Colby signs Governor's Carbon Challenge
** Beyond Colby:  Student State Climate Summit
** Jobs and Internships: Marine education in coastal maine, non profit opporunities in Boston, the PIRGS are hiring and more...
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** Upcoming ES Events:  ES Colloquia -- Tuesday evening
Tuesday, March 7
7:00 pm in Olin 1
“Nature as a Metaphor for Designing Technologies, Institutions, and Social Networks”
Dr. Anil Gupta
Professor, Indian Institute of Management – Ahmedabad
Event sponsored by the ES Program and the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement

Dr. Anil Gupta is teaching as a professor at the Indian Institute of Management - Ahmedabad. He has distinguished himself through his teaching and research, but he has become known worldwide for his activism in discovering, encouraging, and supporting grassroots inventors, as a means of alleviating the huge economic problems of the poverty-struck Indian countryside. His initiatives have been extremely successful in India and have transcended its borders, finding positive results all over the world.

Thursday, March 9
The Greenhouse will be hosting an appetizer conversation with Anil Gupta on Thursday, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. Feel free to come and participate in an open discussion with Dr. Gupta where students will have the chance to learn more from this amazing speaker. We will have an assortment of organic chips, salsas and dips for your grazing pleasure. All are welcome to this event! Please stop by!

 
** Campus Sustainability:
In 2001, the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers signed an agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2010 and to 10% below 1990 levels by 2020, with the goal of an overall 75% to 80% decrease from 2003 levels. DEP has developed the Governor's Carbon Challenge, Maine's voluntary program dedicated to reach these goals. 
Colby was among the first 50 institutions to sign on for the challenge and has set a target goal of 9% overall reduction of carbon emissions. 
For more information: http://www.maine.gov/dep/oc/carbon.htm
 

** Beyond Colby:  Notes from the State Climate Summit
Bryan Brown '09 attended the State Summit at Bowdoin in February. A summary of the summit is below. If you would like to be more involved with the Climate Campaign, contact Bryan -- bjbrown.
Many speakers from various positions and backgrounds provided information in their fields with regards to what campuses can do.

• Greg Goldsmith, from the Institute of Arctic Biology, emphasized the importance of utilizing scientific data as a tool for effective activism. He demonstrated that the arctic is warming faster than lower latitudes-causing melting of permafrost(releasing CO2 and other gases) and creating a shrub rather than grass dominated landscape.
• Beth Nagusky, the Governor's Advisor on Energy Independence, spoke of various action that Gov. Baldacci has taken to reduce CO2 emissions(such as the Governor's Carbon Challenge).
• Ron Diver, Director of Office of Innovation & Assistance Maine DEP, emphasized the importance for action regarding climate change to have co-benefits(meaning good for environment and saves money).
• Matt Davis, Advocate for Environment Maine, stressed that any new power plants should be renewable and clean. He also stated that with the focus on fossil fuel burning power plants, nuclear has pushed itself as the clean alternative-this is not the case, nuclear is quite harmful to the environment.
• Members of the Maine Green Campus Consortium presented strategies for increased participation in campus sustainability action. Action included creating work study positions for dedicated students to look for ways their campus could become more green, large scale recycling action, and extensive work to educate students about things they can do to help the environment.
• Rev. Fred Small, Religious Witness for the Earth, demonstrated the effectiveness of youth in the Civil Rights movement and related it to the importance of youth in the present environmental movement.
• Students presented their success at the UN Negotiations on Climate Change, COP/MOP in Montreal.
• Katherine Creswell, Bowdoin College Organic Garden, spoke on how campuses can adopt sustainable agriculture.
• Mark Orlowski, Executive Director of the Sustainable Endowments Institute, showed how colleges may not be investing in companies that represent the beliefs of the college but if their is over $2000 invested for at least a year in those companies, students may have some say as to the workings of that company. We as shareholders of a company can write a proposal (under 500 words) that states how we think that the company could be run better(more efficient, greener). This proposal is a legal document that is then voted on by the shareholders and if enough support your proposal, it will probably be heeded. Before this can happen, it must be approved by the Board of Trustees or Financing Committee of the college.
• Representatives from Campus Clean Energy talked about the use of Green Energy at campuses. Solar, low-impact hydropower, geothermal, and biodiesel are being  utilized by campuses across the nation.

** Jobs and Internships:  
MERI is currently seeking highly motivated and responsible individuals to fill several employment, internship, and volunteer positions this spring and summer.  Please see descriptions below.
Marine Education Internships  
Responsibilities: This position will involve working closely with senior Education Staff in key components of the MERI education program, including leading island ecology trips for children and adults, assisting with the day-to-day operation of the MERI Center for Marine Studies, planning and implementing educational science materials for adult and child community programs, and managing MERI library and information clearinghouse files. Interns are also expected to complete an individual education project over the term and to produce, at minimum, a Summary Report on their topic.
Qualifications: Applicants should possess a BA or BS degree (Juniors and Seniors may also apply) in environmental education, marine sciences, biology, environmental sciences or a similar major. Applicants should also have teaching experience both in the classroom and in the field with multiple age levels, and should be able to work well independently and as part of a team.  
Time Requirements: June 12 - September 2 (12 weeks); Full-time (min. 40 hours/week); additional hours to be agreed upon by employee and Director.
Compensation:
Housing in Blue Hill and a stipend are provided. Interns are responsible for all travel expenses and food.  
Deadline:
April 15, 2006

Boat Captain
Responsibilities/Qualifications: This position requires a mature and responsible individual licensed to operate a 50-ton vessel or larger to captain summer Eco-Cruises in Blue Hill Bay.  
Time Commitment & Requirements: Four to five days a week, June to Labor Day weekend.
Deadline:
May 15, 2006  
 
Pinniped Field Volunteers
MERI is seeking four field volunteers to assist researchers with the live-capture of harbor seals in Blue Hill and Penobscot Bays during May/June 2006.
Responsibilities & Qualifications:  Volunteers will assist in the capture and handling of harbor seal pups, photography and data collection.  Animal handling and small boat experience is preferred.  Must be in good physical condition (able to lift at least 50 lbs) and be comfortable working on sandy and rocky beaches.  Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Time Commitment & Requirements:  Capture times will vary and will be weather dependent over a one month period beginning the last week of May.  Daily excursions may begin as early as 5:30 a.m. over 2-3 consecutive weekdays.  Must have flexible work hours and be able to work long hours in a variety of environmental conditions.  Must be able to provide own transportation to Blue Hill.  Housing is available.
Deadline:
May 1, 2006

PUDDLESTOMPERS Nature Exploration Teacher/Naturalist

Do you love young children (ages 2-7) and have a passion for nature? Are you creative, energetic, engaging and genuinely interested in connecting young children (and their parents and caregivers) to the natural world? PUDDLESTOMPERS Nature Exploration is looking for an outstanding candidate to teach and manage our classes in the Boston area.
PUDDLESTOMPERS’ mission is to connect the youngest naturalists, ages 2 to 7 years (and their parents and caregivers), to the natural world. By providing children and families with seeds of interest and tools of exploration, PUDDLESTOMPERS seeks to help build the foundation for a lifelong enjoyment and love of the outdoors.
Teaching Responsibilities
Lead children and parents or teachers in outdoor exploration using hands-on activities, songs, games, stories and projects. Number of classes per week may vary depending on season. Competitive pay/class commensurate with experience.
Qualifications
• Prior teaching experience (preschool or lower elementary level a plus)
• Experience in outdoor education and/or degree in the natural sciences a plus
• Dependable, responsible and organized
• Fun-loving, creative and engaging
• College graduate
• Must have a car
• Immediate start date

Program Officer Position – Urban Program -- Merck Family Fund
The Merck Family Fund (MFF) was established in 1954 as a private family foundation. Now with the third and fourth generation acting as Trustees and with assets of approximately $60 million, the Fund has a vision to: maintain, restore, and protect the natural environment and sustain a healthy planet for future generations; and revitalize the social fabric and the physical landscape of the urban community.

The Urban Program currently focuses on two issues in three cities. The first issue is Green and Open Space, whose goal is to empower communities through organizing and advocacy for parks and other open spaces. The second is Youth Organizing, which is aimed at supporting civic activism of young people in their communities. The three target cities are New York City, Providence and Boston.

The Program Officer position is a four-day a week job. The person reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for managing the Urban Program, including approximately $1 million in grantmaking to about 50 organizations per year. The person hired will be expected to:

• Identify, evaluate and recommend programs and organizations to the Executive Director and Trustees;
• Conduct site visits on a regular basis in all three cities;
• Prepare semi-annual dockets for review by Trustees;
• Prepare background papers and other research;
• Refine MFF's urban grant-making strategies as necessary;
• Participate in funding associations working on youth organizing and open space;
• Host educational forums on issues related to youth organizing and open space;
• Collaborate with other foundations;
• Attend conferences and participate in local conference planning as appropriate;
• Self manage and laugh at him/herself;
• Staff a Trustee committee that is working on next generation issues.
Our friendly, casual office consists of three staff and a seasonal intern. It is located on the third floor of a school (no elevator) in the quiet suburb of Milton about ten miles south of Boston, accessible by the MBTA.
Qualifications required:
• College degree;
• Minimum of five years work experience;
• Familiarity with issues (open space and youth organizing);
• Flexibility to travel;
• Excellent writing and communication skills;
• A lively personality and sense of humor will be warmly appreciated.

Compensation and benefits are competitive. Start date is targeted for April 3rd, 2006. Deadline for resumes is March 8th, 2006.

To apply, please send or email a resume and writing sample to:
Jenny Russell, Executive Director, Merck Family Fund, 303 Adams Street, Milton, MA 02186
Email: jrussell@merckff.org
No calls please. Check our website for more about the Fund: www.merckff.org.

Grant Writer/Program Supporter
Earthworks is a small but growing environmental stewardship and education non-profit in Boston. We manage urban orchards, restore degraded landscapes, support environmental education in schools, and provide service learning programs and projects for teens and adults. The position would require half time grant proposal writing and half time program support. Strong preference will be given for those who have experience writing proposals and/or know the Boston non-profit funding community.
How to Apply:
If you share our passion for the natural environment of Boston, send a resume, writing sample (grant proposal if available) and three references to Earthworks, 34 Linwood Dr., Roxbury, MA 02119 or email Roger@EarthworksBoston.org with Grant Writer in the subject line. .

State PIRG's are Hiring Recent Graduates
As a graduating senior you are no doubt trying to decide what you will do next year, or even for the next 5 years. I want to let you know more about opportunities in the public interest and social change field. Please visit: www.pirg.org/jobs

The state Public Interest Research Groups (the state PIRGs) are a nation-wide network of state-based public interest advocacy groups. This year we are hiring 150 graduating college students to determine where this country is going: to solve our energy problems; to protect our national forests; to reform the campaign finance system; to clean up our air; to safeguard individuals from identity theft; and make an impact on many other public interest issues.

Internship Program Coordinator - Summer Position
The mission of the Casey Trees Endowment Fund is to restore, enhance, and protect the tree canopy of the Nation’s Capital.
The Casey Trees Endowment Fund seeks to hire an Internship Program Coordinator to organize the activities of our Urban Conservation Youth Leadership Program.
Responsibilities:
• Work with Casey Trees staff to develop the orientation and training of high school interns
• Coordinate the schedule of our high school internship with needs of our summer maintenance and inventory projects, working closely with the inventory Coordinator and high school intern supervisors
• Administer and manage paperwork for all interns, including weekly timesheet collection
• Plan and implement Career Development Explorations, arranging visits with professionals in urban forestry and related fields; supervise high school interns on these excursions
• Run workshops on goal setting, resume writing, applying to college, and job search and interview skills
• Work with Casey Trees staff to conduct performance evaluations of the high school interns, including addressing any attendance and discipline issues
Qualifications:
• Leadership experience and a desire to work with youth
• College graduate or graduate student, with academic or professional experience in youth development as well as an environmental field
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work with a diverse group of people
• Superior organizational skills: ability to multitask and set priorities
• Professional demeanor with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Creativity, flexibility, and a positive spirit
This position will involve mainly office work with some fieldwork required.
Applicants must be able and willing to endure full days of work outdoors in rain or high heat. Applicants must possess a valid US driver’s license, be 21 years of age or older, and be comfortable driving a pick-up truck or van.
Length of Employment: June 5 – August 11, full-time, (Mon-Fri)
Stipend:$600 per week
Deadline for Application: March 20, 2006
To Apply: Send Letter of Intent, Resume (including relevant coursework), 2-3 page writing sample and three references to Amy Thorn by mail at the address below or email athorn@caseytrees.org. In your letter, please indicate what skills and experience you will bring to Casey Trees and the DC community as well as how this experience will help further you in your career or academic studies.

Inventory Coordinator - Summer Position
The mission of the Casey Trees Endowment Fund is to restore, enhance, and protect the tree canopy of the Nation’s Capital.
The Casey Trees Endowment Fund seeks to hire an Inventory Coordinator to coordinate the data collection and outreach for Casey Trees’ Summer 2006 inventories. The Inventory Coordinator will supervise 4 college interns and work with Casey Trees staff to organize the training of summer interns, the data collection schedule and procedures, equipment and technology needs, media and outreach materials, and final inventory documentation.
Responsibilities:
• Work with Casey Trees staff to develop the orientation and training for summer interns, organize training materials, and facilitate the training sessions
• Coordinate and supervise the daily activities of 4 Inventory Team Leaders (college interns)
• Work with Casey Trees staff to coordinate the summer inventory schedule and the scheduling of Team Leaders, volunteers, and High School Interns for data collection
• Work with Casey Trees staff to develop media and outreach materials, which will be used to provide information on the inventory goals and progress
• Coordinate Team Leader performance evaluations at the mid-point and end of the internship
• Work with Team Leaders and staff to produce final reports for the inventories
Qualifications:
• College graduate or graduate student in an environmental field
• Experience supervising adults
• Field data collection experience
• Excellent multi-tasking and organizational abilities
• Excellent communication skills
• Strategic and systems thinker with strong analytical capabilities
• Knowledge of urban forestry is highly desirable
GIS and database experience is highly desirable
This position will involve mainly office work with some fieldwork required.
Applicants must possess a valid US driver’s license and be 21 years of age or older.
Length of Employment: May 15 – August 11, full-time, (Tues-Sat)
Stipend: $600 per week
Deadline for Application: March 20, 2006
To Apply: Send Letter of Intent, Resume (including relevant coursework), 2-3 page writing sample and three references to Amy Thorn by mail at the address below or email athorn@caseytrees.org. In your letter, please indicate what skills and experience you will bring to Casey Trees and the DC community as well as how this experience will help further you in your career or academic studies. PLEASE DO NOT TELEPHONE.

Research Experience for Undergraduates Ecology and Environmental Science
Location: Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
Description: Miami University is pleased to be accepting applications for our Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site, funded by the National Science Foundation and Miami University. The REU site will provide support for 12 undergraduate students in summer 2006 to conduct research in ecology and environmental science.
The site focuses on collaborative research on/ Ecology in Human-Dominated Landscapes. Thus, students will be immersed in research projects that relate to society's impact on ecosystems, and each student will conduct an individual research project within a team of other students and faculty.
The program is based at Miami University's Ecology Research Center, located in the small college town of Oxford, Ohio, and within an hour's drive from downtown Cincinnati. Many habitats are available for research, including old-growth and second-growth forest, old fields, agro-ecosystems, urban areas, lakes, ponds and streams.
Each student will receive a competitive stipend, free housing, and funds to cover travel and research costs. In addition, each student will earn 12 credits, tuition-free, which are transferable to their home institution. Students will conduct field research during a 10-week summer program, and analyze their data and participate in web-based research presentations during the following academic year. Students will have financial support to attend and present their research at a national scientific conference.
Undergraduates with interests in ecology and environmental science from any institution are eligible for this program; prior course work in ecology and/or the environmental sciences is recommended. Miami University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed starting February 1, 2006. For more information visit http://www.muohio.edu/ecoreu; email: ecoreu@muohio.edu; call 513-529-3100; or write Ecology REU, Department of Zoology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056.

Unique Recycling Position Available At Non-Profit Recycler
Earthworm, Inc. of Somerville, MA is a non-profit recycling organization that promotes recycling through the collection of paper and scrap electronics from hundreds of Boston area businesses, and serves as an educational resource to the public. We have a small staff and friendly office atmosphere. Employees share the responsibility of recycling collection and office work. Earthworm’s office is located in the Somerville/East Cambridge area and is accessible by the Green Line and multiple bus routes.
Seeking a unique person to fill a unique opportunity. The successful candidate will possess the interest and ability to accomplish varied job responsibilities that highlight the day to day operations of Earthworm’s recycling business. The 40 hour work week will consist of three days of recycling collection, and two days of office duties. This is a great opportunity to work for a “hands-on” environmental organization.
Duties include the collection of paper and electronics from small to large businesses within the Route 128 area. The candidate (driver) will collect from numerous locations during the work day in a standard-shift 22’ Mack box truck. The driver must be able to lift 60-80 lbs. and push heavy wheeled containers of paper. The driver will deal directly with customers at the time of the pick up which necessitates excellent customer service. Truck driving experience is advantageous, but not mandatory. A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) is not required. Office Duties are varied and include computer work, administrative tasks, customer service, and the organization/management of a small warehouse. The successful candidate will have computer proficiency, organizational skills, the ability to provide exemplary customer service, and the capacity to be a part of a dynamic organization.

For an application please email us at recyclingjob@verizon.net with “send application” in the subject field. Do not attach your resume to your email. Please provide your postal address where the application can be mailed.

Want to spend your summer working on campaigns to stop the Bush administration’s attacks on our environmental laws?
The Campaign to Save the Environment is hiring for offices across the country this summer to build support for progressive groups like the Sierra Club and the State PIRGs.
Last summer, we worked to stop the Bush administration from opening up the America’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling ­ and we won! The Campaign to Save the Environment is hiring students for summer positions in over 50 cities nationwide to win on important state and national campaigns.
We will be holding interviews on the Colby campus on Monday, March 6 and Tuesday March 7 in 10am, 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm in the Cotter Union in the fishbowl.
- Earn $3000-$5000 working for something you believe in.
- To find out more, call 1-800-75-EARTH, or visit www.JobsForTheEnvironment.org.