ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER
March 13, 2006

In this issue:
** Upcoming ES Events: Wednesday's Colloquium: "Fordism in Nature:  The Public Health and Environmental Costs of Recreational Machines in Postwar America."
** Campus Sustainability: THE RECYCLONE: GET SUCKED IN!
** Beyond Colby:  Two upcoming conferences: Maine Land Conservation Conference 2006 and Environmental Health Lobby Day - this Wednesday!!
** Grad School: Graduate Assistantship in Parks and Protected Areas Management
** Jobs and Internships: Americorps positions, Morris Farm in Maine is hiring, PAID INTERNSHIP: National Council for Science and the Environment
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 ** Upcoming ES Events: 
Wednesday, March 15
12:00 in the Fairchild Room in Dana, join us at 11:30 for lunch with Paul.
"Fordism in Nature:  The Public Health and Environmental Costs of Recreational Machines in Postwar America."
Paul Josephson, Associate Professor of History
 
From beginnings in tinkerers' garages to assembly line manufacture, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and personal watercraft (aka "jet skis") have spread through the nation inexorably.  There are now millions of these machines, most of them noisy and highly polluting.  These machines have a social history -- their importance to Americans who increasingly join clubs to experience nature on the back of 100 horsepower machines.  They also have significant and poorly recognized public health and environmental costs.  In this talk, based on a forthcoming book, Paul Josephson asks you to be vicariously one with nature with him on the back of your favorite ATV.   Don't forget to dismount quickly uphill when the vehicle starts to roll over downhill.
 
Paul Josephson teaches in the history department, and chairs the International Studies and Science, Technology and Society programs.   His research and writing have moved increasingly into environmental history.  He has never broken a bone or suffered any other trauma on a jet ski.

** Campus Sustainability: this upcoming week is THE RECYCLONE: GET SUCKED IN!
Check out Cotter Union all week for info about recycling -- sponsored by the Green House.

** Beyond Colby:  Two great upcoming conferences:

The ES Program would like to sponsor a group a this conference. Please contact Beth (beth.kopp) if you are interested in attending.
Maine Land Conservation Conference 2006
Saturday, May 6th, 2006 -- Brunswick High School, Brunswick
Pre-Conference Field Trips, Seminar & Reception: Friday, May 5th, 2006 -- Pineland Farms, New Gloucester (Internship at the Farm also listed below!)
Brought to you by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust in support of its Maine Land Trust Network program

Plan ahead to attend the 2006 Maine Land Conservation Conference.  Events on Friday, May 5th include a participatory workshop focusing on sustainable land conservation, an evening reception featuring a presentation on Governor Baxter's vision for Baxter State Park, and afternoon field trips. On Saturday, May 6th over 30 topical workshops ranging from fundraising to easement stewardship will be offered.  James Levitt, Director of the Program on Conservation Innovation at The Harvard Forest, Harvard University and author of "From Walden to Wall Street; Frontiers in Conservation Finance" will give a keynote presentation providing the historical context critical for innovations of today. Exhibits and topical lunchtime discussions will also be available to conference participants.
www.mltn.org

Environmental Health Lobby Day
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Maine State Capitol
Because Democracy is a tool that works best when used by many hands.
 
Protect Children’s Health from Unnecessary Dangerous Chemicals
Chemicals are especially dangerous to our children when they break down slowly, build up in our food chain and are so pervasive that we come into contact with them daily.   The unfortunate truth is that these persistent toxic chemicals are in a wide variety of household products and are in the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe.
 
The Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine campaigns to phase out these unnecessary dangerous chemicals and replace them with safer alternatives. Public health, labor, community, and environmental organizations work together to prevent harm before it happens.  PLEASE JOIN US to make your voice heard!
 
Come join us for a day at the Statehouse and add your voice to a growing chorus of Mainers that want a healthy environment where we live, work and play. Your legislators will be making critical decisions impacting the health of our families and our environment­we need to make our voices heard.

No prior statehouse experience is needed; organizers will brief you on issues and lobbying techniques. 
 
Wednesday, March 15
8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Maine State Capitol
Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly!
To RSVP or find out more information contact:
Will Everitt 871-1810, will@toxicsaction.org

** Grad School:
Graduate Assistantship in Parks and Protected Areas Management
Department of Forestry
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

The Department of Forestry at Virginia Tech is seeking a qualified student
to work on research projects in parks and protected areas management.
Preference will be given to Ph.D. candidates, however, M.S. candidates
will also be considered.  Research topics may include the following:

Understanding and managing rock climbing experiences in national parks.
Visitor attitudes concerning management of recreation-related resource
impacts in national parks.
The effects of natural sound on visitor experiences in national parks.
Integrating alternative transportation planning and carrying capacity
management in national parks.
These projects will be conducted primarily in

At the Ph.D. level, the assistantship will pay a minimum stipend of $18,276/year for 3 years.  At the M.S. level, the assistantship will pay a minimum stipend of $17,244/year for 2 years.  At either the Ph.D. or M.S.  level, the assistantship will also pay 70% of the student's medical policy (health insurance) and provide a waiver of tuition.  The position is available beginning as early as Summer, 2006, however, candidates will be considered for Fall, 2006 and Spring, 2007 as well.  The ideal candidate will have a strong academic record, previous experience and/or a strong interest in social science research, and a degree with an emphasis in natural resource based recreation or natural resources management.
Interested candidates should contact:
Dr. Steven R. Lawson
Department of Forestry, Virginia Tech
307A Cheatham Hall (0324)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
http://www.forestry.vt.edu/faculty/Lawson.html
Voice:  540-231-8303
E-mail:  lawsons@vt.edu

** Jobs and Internships:
Education Internships
Pineland Farms is seeking motivated college students to work and learn at our site in New Gloucester, Maine. Assist education staff and work with the Director to design and implement curricula regarding agriculture and ecology in Maine. Students will become experienced in group facilitation, behavior management, and public speaking. Pineland Farms also serves many groups of people with disabilities and can offer the opportunity of designing and implementing universal curricula to meet needs of diverse learners. Interns may choose to learn and participate in farm related activities such the dairy, sheep and chickens. Internships are available in the summer and during the school year. Hours can be flexible although typically a day begins at 8:00 a.m. If applying for summer camp, interns must commit at least three weeks of full-time work. Training and compensation are provided. Resumes accepted on a rolling basis. Please send a letter of interest and resume to:
Sarah Hunt
Director of Education
110 Valley Farm Rd.
New Gloucester, Maine 04260

SUMMER RESEARCH POSITIONS IN ALASKA FOR UNDERGRADUATES AND RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATES
We are seeking enthusiastic undergraduates and recent college graduates who are interested in summer field research in Alaska.  The overall objective of our research program is to understand the ecosystem and global consequences of potential future changes in arctic vegetation.  Successful applicants will be expected to assist with fieldwork in our tussock tundra site and laboratory work consisting of tasks such as plant sorting and data entry. In addition, successful applicants will attend weekly seminars on the research at the station, will develop their own small, individual research projects on a topic related to the program and their own interests, and will present their work at an informal symposium at Toolik Field Station.
The focus of this experiment is to understand the mechanisms by which winter processes affect the summer growth of vegetation, and the consequences of shrub expansion under a warming climate for biogeochemical cycling of C and N. We have set up snowfences in tussock tundra, low shrub tundra, and taller shrub tundra, in order to assess how increased winter snow affects mineralization of N overwinter and growth and recovery from snow-loading of shrubs and other vegetation in the following summer.  We will measure
vegetation characteristics, decomposition, and mineralization behind the fences, and will apply a 15N tracer at the end of the summer. We will also assess shrub growth and biogeochemical cycling of C and N in areas where natural shrub expansion has occurred over the last 50 years.  This project should improve our understanding of land surface changes currently occurring in the Arctic, and their potential impacts on climate.  Successful applicants will be based at Toolik Field Station, north of the Brooks Range in arctic Alaska (http://www.uaf.edu/toolik/), which is a focus site for research by nearly 100 scientists who work on a variety of terrestrial and
aquatic ecology projects.
For more information, contact Dr. Syndonia Bret-Harte (ffmsb@uaf.edu), who is the supervisor for these positions.

There are 2 positions, each of which pays a stipend of $387 per week (before taxes).  These positions are open only to US citizens who are undergraduates or who have graduated since Dec. 2005.  One position will start in late May, and end in mid-August.  The other position will begin in late June and end in mid-September.
Travel from your university to and from the field site will be covered.Class background in plant ecology, botany, ecosystem ecology, statistics,and computer science would be an advantage.  Experience in field or laboratory, experience with data analysis, and experience working in aremote field site is preferred.  You should have skills with plant identification, data collecting and recording, data manipulation in Excel, and data analysis.  Applicants must be willing to work long hours in the field, occasionally under adverse weather conditions.  Competent, careful, emotionally mature, and enthusiastic people desired!  We want the work to be both fun and challenging.  We encourage applications from women and minorities.  A valid U.S. Driver's license is required, and successful
applicants must provide a copy of their social security cards at the time of employment.

 You must apply for these jobs on-line.  To apply, go to https://www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=54299.  A complete job description can be downloaded from the web site at http://www.uakjobs.com. You will need to submit a cover letter that explains why you are interested in the program and how it fits into your long-term education and career goals.  Also, describe your background and include anything that you think would convince us that you are the most appropriate person for this position.  You must also submit a C.V. or Resume and the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. If you need assistance, please contact UAF Human Resources at 907-474-7700.
Applications will be reviewed beginning March 17, 2006.

PAID INTERNSHIP: National Council for Science and the Environment
IMMEDIATE OPENINGS: APPLY NOW
The National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) offers internships for students and recent graduates during the summer and the academic year. Descriptions of the duties and responsibilities as well as general requirements and rewards follow below. Please find application instructions at the bottom of the page. We look forward to hearing from you.
All interns will gain a diverse experience during their tenure at NCSE, primarily engaging in a variety of substantive activities, while also contributing to general office tasks. Interns will find many opportunities to attend briefings, seminars and conferences, as well as to make important contacts.
General Requirements:
Excellent communication and writing skills
Education or experience in environmental science or policy
Well-organized
Self-motivated and able to work independently
Basic computer skills
Curious mind and a desire to learn
Flexible
Sense of humor
Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have the unique opportunity to be involved in a number of programs and projects at NCSE including the University Affiliates and the Council of Environmental Deans and Directors (CEDD) ( www.CEDD.org ), the online Earth Portal/Encyclopedia of Earth ( www.EathPortal.Net ), and the annual National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment ( www.NCSEonline.org/conference ).   We are also particularly interested in strong candidates interested in working on fundraising and development issues.  Additionally, interns may work a limited amount on web and database management.  Interns are encouraged to attend events and meetings in DC and on Capitol Hill.
Rewards:
Hands on learning about political process, science and the environment.
Participation in significant national initiative.
Washington, DC experience.
Connections with environmental scientists and decision-makers.
Stipend ($1,300 per month).
Duration:
Internships usually last for 3 months. Opportunities for extension and promotion often occur.
40 hours per week; Monday – Friday.
To apply:
Review " About NCSE."
1.      Send resume, include service and volunteer activities;
2.      cover letter, include dates of availability, and what interests you most about the internship;
3.      a writing sample relevant to the environment or policy; and
4.      the names, email addresses, and phone numbers for two references.
All applications should be submitted to:
Ms. Jessica Berry
jberry@NCSEonline.org (e-mail applications preferred)
National Council for Science and the Environment
1707 H Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006

Pemaquid Watershed Association Environmental Educator
Help educate tomorrow’s conservation leaders as an Environmental Educator at Nature Day Camp for children ages 8-12 held at the Pemaquid Watershed Association’s Doyle Preserve, in Damariscotta. Ability to supervise campers, present lessons and teach educational games is required. Must have experience working with children, leadership skills, be energetic yet patient, and willing to work in a fast-paced outdoor environment. Prior camp counselor or teaching experience is helpful. CPR certification highly desirable. This is a temporary, two-week unpaid internship. An environmental educator is needed July 10-14 and July 17-21, 8:00-5:00 each day, with 2-3 days of training the week before camp. Interested applicants may send a resume and three references by April 1st to: Ashley Atwood, Camp Director, Pemaquid Watershed Association, P.O. Box 552, Damariscotta, ME 04543. If you have any questions, feel free to call 207-563-2196 or e-mail pwalearn@midcoast.com.

Maine Audubon Database Assistant
Position requires a strong track record of donor database management, coordination of solicitation mailings, gift processing and acknowledgments. Will also provide general administrative support. Preference given to candidates with Raiser’s Edge, Excel, and Access software experience. The ideal candidate must possess good organizational and administrative skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team setting. Send cover letter, resume and three references to Development Search (specify position), Maine Audubon, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed
Program Director, “Slow-the-Flow” (6 month AmeriCorps position)
The successful candidate will lead our efforts against one of the major threats to the 217 square-mile Cobbossee Watershed – Non-Point Source (NPS) pollution. As Program Director, you will be responsible for managing shoreline stabilization and erosion-control projects throughout the Cobbossee Watershed – identifying, prioritizing and scheduling sites, contacting property owners, supervising work crews of high school students and AmeriCorps NCCC, ordering materials, securing proper permits and permissions and involved with other related initiatives of the organization. To apply: e-mail cover letter and resume to Stephen Niles: steve.niles@trcme.com and Bob Moore: mail@watershedfriends.com . FMI on the Friends, visit our web site at www.watershedfriends.com or contact Bob Moore, Executive Director at (207) 621-4100. For more information on compensation and benefits, contact Steve Niles, AmeriCorps Programs Manager at (207) 775-5891 x 428.

Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed
Program Director, “Mil-Foiler” (6 month AmeriCorps position)
The successful candidate will lead our efforts against a major (and immediate!) threat against one of the major threats to the 217 square-mile Cobbossee Watershed – Invasive Aquatic Plants (IAP). As Program Director, you will be responsible for expanding our volunteer Courtesy Boat Inspection program, establishing a volunteer Invasive Plant Patrol (IPP), coordinating a plant removal project, conducting related training to area residents and involved with other related initiatives. To apply: e-mail cover letter and resume to Stephen Niles: steve.niles@trcme.com and Bob Moore: mail@watershedfriends.com . FMI on the Friends, visit our web site at www.watershedfriends.com or contact Bob Moore, Executive Director at (207) 621-4100. For more information on compensation and benefits, contact Steve Niles, AmeriCorps Programs Manager at (207) 775-5891 x 428.

The Morris Farm Trust
Office Manager
The Morris Farm Trust located in Wiscasset, Maine has an immediate opening for an office manager. This is a regular, part-time position. The incumbent manages the daily functions of the farm office and assists the Executive Director with projects related to staffing, financials and board of trustees support. The position requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, dependability, the ability to work within a team as well as independently, budget building and expense monitoring skills, database management, project organizational skills, delegation to volunteers, and intermediate-advanced skill level with Word, Excel, QuickBooks and FileMaker Pro database. Interested applicants should provide a cover letter and resume’ to the attention of the farm’s Executive Director at their earliest convenience. This position will be filled on a rolling basis, meaning that it will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found and hired. Any questions may be directed to Roxanne Young, Executive Director, at the farm office by phoning 882-4080.