COURSE: Biomass to Biofuels at UVM

Biomass to Biofuels course
2013 Fall Semester, University of Vermont- Bio Renewable Energy Program Registration now open 4 Credits, August 26, 2013 to December 4, 2013 (Wednesdays & Fridays 12:00pm to 3:00pm; (No classes during the regular breaks plus days to work with the community partner for the course project);
Location: UVM campus & throughout Vermont for field trips/hands on experience

Full Details at the course WEBSITE: http://go.uvm.edu/7y1rr

CONTACTS: For syllabus related questions contact the Lead Instructor Anju Dahiya at adahiya@uvm.edu (For registering email (http://learn.uvm.edu/contact/ ) or call 800-639-3210 or 802-656-2085 to make a phone or in-person appointment with a Continuing Education Adviser to discuss your options)

INSTRUCTORS: UVM FACULTY MEMBERS and EXPERTS from VT-based Biomass/biofuels businesses (see the list at course website)

DETAILS: Experts in following areas will provide hands-on instruction in various biofuels including: LIQUID BIOFUELS (transportation fuels; biodiesel from oil seeds and waste vegetable oil; bio-ethanol; algae-biofuel); SOLID BIOFUELS (woody biomass; grass energy); BIOGAS & BIO-ELECTRICITY(the farm-based energy); BIO-HEAT (heat capture from compost); BIOFUELS RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL ISSUES; OTHER wide-range of Biofuels related science & technology topics, background & literature. (see the course website http://go.uvm.edu/7y1rr for details).

PARTICIPANTS/STUDENTS
All welcome: Degree and non-degree seeking students from any department, farmers, budding entrepreneurs, teachers (interested in developing curriculum, or projects at school or college levels) and others.

MEANS OF INSTRUCTION
A. ON CAMPUS CLASSES: BY UVM FACULTY MEMBERS and EXPERTS from VT-based biofuels businesses;
B. HANDS ON FIELD WORK & SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS involving tours to Farms/Biofuel facilities & related projects;
C. TALKS by guest-speakers/experts from businesses;
D. BIOFUELS EQUIPMENT DEMONSTRATIONS by professionals;
E. ONLINE BLACKBOARD: supplementary classes/information including video clips and discussions.
F. SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT WITH BIOFUELS COMMUNITY PARTNER

Posted in Courses and Programs, Vermont/New England

JOB: Web Contant Manager for Union of Concerned Scientists

Interesting entry level job for someone with excellent writing skills and has experience developing web content. Union of Concerned Scientists is a reputable non-profit and leading organization in science.

Web Content Manager: Union of Concerned Scientists
Do you think science should be a force for positive change instead of a political football? Are you a web-savvy wordsmith who wants to make a difference? Here’s an opportunity to use your skills to help create a healthy environment and a safer world. Come to work for the Union of Concerned Scientists (or tell your friends to)! We’ve got an exciting position as a web writer in our communications department in Cambridge, MA. We’re looking for a: 
Web Content Manager  (temporary 16 month position with benefits) to plan, write, and implement engaging web content for a general audience for the UCS website. We work on global warming, clean energy, clean vehicles, food & agriculture, global security, nuclear power, and scientific integrity.This position is on-site in our Cambridge, MA office.
Posted in Beyond UVM, Jobs, Post-Grad, Vermont/New England

JOBS: Green Mountain Farm-to-School hiring Education Director, Farm-to-School Coordinator, and Harvest of the Month Coordinator

Green Mountain Farm-to-School, a nonprofit organization in northern Vermont, is hiring for the following positions:

Education Director will to develop, manage, grow, present, and evaluate GMFTS’ education programs and provide general operational and administrative support. GMFTS is looking for a seeks a dynamic, mission-driven educator with strong communication, project management, and strategic organizing skills to join our efforts. Position open until filled.

Harvest of the Month Coordinator (AmeriCorps) will develop, grow, present, and evaluate GMFTS’ Harvest of the Month Program to promote the use of seasonal, local food and educate children about nutrition and sustainable agriculture. Start date: August 19, 2013. 

The Farm-to-School Coordinator (AmeriCorps) will work with school staff to develop, implement, and evaluate Farm to School educational and program activities such as taste tests, farm field trips, school gardens, nutrition education and more. Start date: August 19, 2013. 

 

Complete job descriptions are available at http://greenmountainfarmtoschool.org/employment.php

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@gmfts.org. No phone calls please.

Posted in Jobs, Post-Grad, Vermont/New England

VOLUNTEER: Compost Crew Members needed for June Orientation

Hey Students!

Hanging around Burlington in June?  UVM Recycling is looking for a core team to help with Compost & Recycling during Summer Orientation which happens in June.  Your help is needed at the outdoor meals under the “big tent”  which are served to incoming students and parents.  This is their first introduction to how UVM sorts recycling and composting … so having other students show them how is key. Here are the details:

We need 3-4 students to fill each shift.   You will help set up the recycling, compost and trash barrels at the tent site. You will monitor the trash throughout the meal, talk with new students and parents about how to recycle and compost, and then clean up, empty and remove all bags and roll these to dumpsters on site. You will be working alongside the Orientation Leaders and the UVM Dining Services staff and be part of the orientation “community.”

For each lunch and dinner shift you work, you will get paid for 2 hours. For brunch, you will get paid for 2.5 hours, or you can work a ‘double’ brunch if you are available (5 hrs).  Each shift you will receive a complimentary meal as well.

Please SIGN UP NOW on VolunteerSpot and tell us the specific dates and times you can work.   Please check your calendars (other jobs, classes, travel plans) carefully and only sign up for shifts that you know for sure you are available. 

Please reply by Friday, May 17 so we can begin filling in the June schedule.

Here is the link to sign-up
http://vols.pt/NWF2b3

For more info, contact UVM Recycling at recycle@uvm.edu or phone (802) 656-5731.

Thanks from the UVM Recycling Team

Posted in Vermont/New England, Volunteering

JOB: Recycling and Waste Coordinator, University of Maryland

Posting Details

Title: Coordinator

Functional Title: Coordinator, University Recycling and Solid Waste

Position Number: 102200

Category Status: 33-Exempt Regular

Applicant Search Category: Staff

University Authorized FTE: 1.000

Unit: VPAF-FM-B&LS-Administrative Services

Campus/College Information: Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the flagship institution in the University System of Maryland. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

Facilities Management (FM) supports the University of Maryland in its mission of achieving excellence as the State’s primary center of research and graduate education and the institution of choice for undergraduate students of exceptional ability and promise. We are responsible for the physical campus – its academic, research and administrative spaces, the building infrastructure, and the surrounding landscape. Our workforce of about 800 employees brings a rich diversity of backgrounds, talents and skills to the management of this complex environment. Our six departments serve the campus community twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

Position Summary/Purpose of Position: The Coordinator, University Recycling is responsible for the overall management and development of the recycling and waste management program at the College Park campus. In coordination with other campus agencies, the incumbent will evaluate existing waste recycling related policies, practices and procedures and implement programmatic and operational changes designed specifically to increase campus participation and achieve the campus’ established program objectives and sustainability initiatives. The position will oversee the operation of the campus’ recycling center, recycling group, and solid waste group

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree required.

Experience: A minimum of 8 years experience in the industry is required. Experience managing a medium to large recycling and/or waste management operation is preferable. Experience in program development, communications and public speaking is preferable. Experience in collective bargaining environment desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

 

• Knowledge and experience in facilities management work environment, preferably within a higher education environment. Strong Recycling experience is preferred.

• Outstanding writing skills, as incumbent is required to prepare a wide variety of written materials for public and private distribution.

• Knowledge of business and human resources practices and processes

• Strong oral communication and human relation skills required to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization and with university faculty, staff and administrators.

• Ability to work with a diverse client base and employee population.

• Thorough proficiency in the use of office software packages, particularly word processing and spreadsheets, electronic mail, calendaring systems and internet applications within a windows operating environment.

 

Preferences:

Preferred degree fields include business, environmental management or a related field.

Additional Certifications:

Must possess and maintain a driver’s license (Class C or equivalent) valid in the State of Maryland with fewer than 6 points.

Additional Information:

Recycling and Waste Management collects and hauls the more than 12,000 tons of recyclables and trash generated on campus annually. This unit develops and manages programs and activities for the campus community that promote and expand campus recycling. They also collect and report campus data identifying specific recycling materials on an annual basis (over 62% of the waste stream was recycled in 2010).

Posting Number: E0003996

Posting Date: 04/16/2013

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Yes

Best Consideration Date 05/10/2013

Diversity Statement: The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

 

Posting Specific Questions

 

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

 

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume

2. Cover Letter

3. List of References

Posted in Eastern US, Jobs

JOB: Field Technician with Bat Conservation International, in VT

Field Technician – Bats: Vermont

Agency

Bat Conservation International in collaboration with Texas Tech University

Location

Sheffield, Vermont (05866)

Job Category

Temporary/Seasonal Positions

Salary

$12.00/hour, plus housing and work vehicle provided.

Start Date

05/28/2013

Last Date to Apply

05/05/2013

Description

We are hiring seasonal field technicians to conduct post-construction fatality searches at a wind facility in Vermont as part of a research project assessing the effects of wind energy on bat and avian fatalities. Primary duties will include daily searches of study plots for bat and bird carcasses. Field technicians will assist in collecting data on all found carcasses, including species identification, ageing and sexing of carcasses, and collecting carcass location data. Other job duties will include collecting genetic samples from bat carcasses, mapping vegetation communities, and data entry and management.

The field season is from 28 May through 3 October, 2013. Surveys are conducted daily and begin at sunrise. The work schedule consists of four 10-hour work days with three days off.

To apply, please email the following to colleen.martin@ttu.edu:
1. Letter of interest
2. Resume or CV
3. Contact information for three professional references, including name, address, email, and phone number.

Qualifications

Applicants must be able and willing to work irregular hours and long days, be in good physical condition to work in moderately rugged terrain, and be able to work in extreme field conditions, including heat, humidity, wind, rain, and biting insects. Applicants must have a good work ethic and be able to work well with a team and individually. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license, be able to provide a driver’s record, and pass a background check.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess a Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Experience in North American bat and bird identification is a plus but not required.

Contact Person

Colleen Martin

colleen.martin@ttu.edu

Posted in Beyond UVM, Jobs, Post-Grad, Vermont/New England

EVENT: National and Vermont Bike Challenge – May 1 to September 30

National and Vermont Bike Challenge – May 1 to September 30, 2013

It’s time to gear up for year two of the Vermont Bike Challenge, a partner event of the National Bike Challenge.  Registration opens April 1 at WWW.NATIONALBIKECHALLENGE.ORG for this statewide event, where bike riders of all kinds log their miles, earn points, compete with friends, and enter to win great prizes!

Last year Vermont won the National Bike Challenge and University of Vermont was the top scoring employer in the state, with 83,002 points and 33,860 miles. Let’s get out there and do it again this year!

The Challenge is a great way to take your riding to the next level, get back in to bicycling, or bike for the first time!  Every kind of riding counts, from commuting to work a couple of times a week to doing a rail trail ride on the weekend with your kids to flying down a single track on your mountain bike.

There will be drawings every month for gift certificates from Earl’s Cyclery and Fitness, plus a grand prize of a free bicycling vacation from Sojourn Bicycling and Active Vacations!

The Vermont Bike Challenge is co-presented by Local Motion, the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition, and the Green Mountain Bicycle Club.

More info:

Local Motion, Jason Van Driesche, Jason@localmotion.org

CATMA@UVM.EDU,

802-656-RIDE (-7433),

Posted in Events, Vermont/New England

JOB: Community Garden Coordinator position at University of Maryland

Here’s another exciting opportunity at the University of Maryland!  Please share with potential candidates, including soon-to-be graduates.

The Community Garden Coordinator, with a coalition of community partners, will facilitate the creation of an intergenerational training ground for small-scale, intensive, sustainable agriculture. Working with a dynamic team of project leaders, the VISTA will transform an abandoned parcel of land into a garden bursting with nutritious vegetables grown by refugee families, middle school students, and other neighborhood residents.

The Coordinator will:

1. Collaboratively develop a concept plan for the garden with input and approval from neighborhood residents and partner agencies.

2. Coordinate the building and development of the garden.

3. Fundraise $2,000 for garden materials and coordinate installation with volunteers.

4. Recruit 150 partner agency representatives and neighborhood residents to participate in workdays, educational workshops, and ongoing garden maintenance.

5. Develop a system for measuring impacts of the garden on participants.

For more information, see https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=48981

Mark Stewart
Senior Project Manager

Office of Sustainability
University of Maryland
www.sustainability.umd.edu
301-405-4633 (office)

Posted in Beyond UVM, Eastern US, Jobs, Post-Grad

BEYOND UVM: Essay Contest for Creative Nonfiction magazine’s Human Face of Sustainability issue – $10,000 cash prize

Just a reminder that, for a special “Human Face of Sustainability” issue, the quarterly magazine Creative Nonfiction, in association with Arizona State University’s Global Institute of Sustainability, are looking for essays that illuminate environmental, economic, ethical and/or social challenges related to the state of the planet and our future. A cash prize of $10,000 will be awarded for the best essay, and selected essays will be published in Creative Nonfiction #51 (early 2014), and an expanded book version will be published in Spring 2014.

All submissions received before May 31, 2013, will be considered for both the magazine and the book. The full call for submissions can be found on the Creative Nonfiction website: https://www.creativenonfiction.org/sustainability.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Best regards,

CNF Creative Nonfiction
5501 Walnut Street, Suite 202
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
412.688.0304 -
www.creativenonfiction.org
facebook.com/creativenonfiction
twitter.com/cnfonline

Posted in Beyond UVM, Scholarships

INTERNSHIP: Burlington City Hall Summer Internship

The City Hall Summer Internship Program is Now Taking Applicants!

CEDO is now seeking motivated candidates for the City Hall Internship Summer Program. Internships will provide individuals with educational experience in local government that will help them develop skills and proficiencies through attendance at city meetings, coordinating communications, planning events and initiatives, researching and drafting reports, and more.

Deadline: Monday, May 6

The City Hall Internship Program will provide individuals with an opportunity for learning and growth that exposes them to government and municipal policy, as well as bestowing them with meaningful responsibilities. Prospective interns will be assigned specific areas within the City’s public engagement and community development efforts. Some examples of the types of tasks that could be performed include:

- Policy analysis
- Evaluation and research
- Project and program management
- Public affairs and communications
- Social media
- Event coordination
- External affairs and community outreach

The summer program welcomes applicants of all ages, including high school-age youth. Youth will be partnered with a college-age or adult intern, so applicants over the age of 18 should take note that they will be asked to engage in mentorship and support, and also submit to a background check. To apply, please fill out the application attached here and email it to Kesha Ram at kram@burlingtonvt.gov along with a cover letter, resume, and one-page writing sample by Monday, May 6.

Questions?  Please contact Kesha Ram at kram@burlingtonvt.gov.

Posted in Internships, Vermont/New England