MEE 101 - Energy and the Environment

Openlands Lakeshore Preserve Volunteer Opportunities

Openlands, is a Metropolitan conservation organization with the mission to protect the natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region to ensure cleaner air and water, protect natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and enrich our lives. Currently, Openlands is looking for volunteers to teach our Birds in my Neighborhood (BIMN) 2019 spring session. 

Birds in my Neighborhood encourages environmental stewardship in urban areas through forging  a critical connection with nature as it exists in their own communities. Volunteers will be teaching 2-5th grade CPS students about common birds in their garden, neighborhood, and city through in-class lessons and field trips on their free time. To promote inclusivity, birding knowledge isn’t require, all we ask is for prospective volunteers to possess a genuine interest in birds, teaching, and children. Feel free to check out our 2018-2019 BIMN Flyer for trip dates!

Student Insurance Forum

REU - Central Caribbean Marine Institute

REEF RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

CCMI is recruiting undergraduate and graduate students for an exciting two-week programme centered around underwater field research methods in coral reef ecology and locally based research projects.
APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 1 NOVEMBER 2018
Programme Dates: 31st December 2018  ? 14th January 2019

Experience and Certifications to be Gained Include:
?         Minimum of 15+ research method dives (weather permitting)
?         Workshops on Caribbean coral, algae, and fish identification
?         Hands-on field training in coral reef ecology and underwater field research methods such as: roving diver surveys, running transects, point-line intercept surveys, underwater quadrats, CoralWatch coral bleaching surveys, AGRRA benthic surveys, AGRRA fish surveys, RVC fish surveys, and BRUV surveys
?         Experience working with EDGE coral species (specifically Acropora cervicornis and Acropora palmata) in a nursery setting through multiple growth methods
?         Analysis of images using the most up to date software systems (CPCe, CORALNET, and AgiSoft)
?         DAN Emergency Oxygen Provider course
?         DAN Basic Life Support course
?         DAN First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries course
?         DAN Neurological Assessment course

CCMI will issue a Certificate of Completion of 80 hours in Underwater Field Research Methods upon the completion of the course (University credits can be petitioned)

Candidate Requirements:

We seek to fill 16 spaces for a 14-day period during the winter of 2019. Requirements include:
?         18+ years of age
?         Open Water Diver with at least 20 logged dives (Advanced certification or higher preferred)
?         Insured through DAN
?         Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program with a passion for marine science, biology, environmental science or related field (or a recent graduate)
?         Must be physically fit to work long field days in the sun and on the water

Course Fee:
A course fee of $2,800 USD includes:
?         On site accommodations for 14-nights
?         Three meals per day
?         Roundtrip airport transportation
?         All research dives and snorkels
?         All scuba gear rental (you will need to provide your own mask, fins, and snorkel)
?         All necessary field equipment
?         The use of CCMI bicycles
?         DAN Basic Life Support course
?         DAN Emergency Oxygen Provider course
?         DAN First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries course
?         DAN Neurological Assessment course
?         All offered course work (cumulating in 80 hours of work in underwater field research methods)

This fee does not cover flight costs and DAN dive accident insurance.

Background and Rationale:
Whole economies and stable societies are rooted in healthy marine environments. For the Cayman Islands, coral reefs are one of the nation?s greatest treasures that brings economic value and positive public relations to the country. Additionally, on a global scale, coral reefs are at a heightened level of stress due to climate change, ocean acidification, and direct anthropogenic impacts. Average coral cover in the Caribbean has dropped to 14% and continues to decline globally. However, reefs in Little Cayman show an average coral cover of >20% and have recovered from four recognized bleaching events over the past decade. Specifically, during the 2015 temperature-induced bleaching event, corals were moderately to severely impacted, however by 2016, these corals had recovered to what appeared to be 100% health. This recovery demonstrates the potentially resilient capabilities of corals around the reefs of Little Cayman. This local ecological history makes Little Cayman an ideal place for growth in research, education, and conservation efforts. 

Application Process:
Please send the following to education@reefresearch.org (no later than 1 November 2018):
?         A letter of interest (maximum 500 words)
?         Resume
?         Contact details for two persons of reference

Once accepted into the Reef Research Experience, a $500 USD deposit will be necessary to secure your spot. This will come directly out of the overall programme cost of $2,800 USD.

Internship Opportunity - Greenhouse Assistants

Grower/Greenhouse Assistant - Walnut Grove Vocational Farm Program

Walnut Grove Vocational Farm Program:

Location: 33600 Pearl Street, Kirkland IL. Approximately 70 miles west of Chicago, and 19 miles from Rockford.

Walnut Grove Vocational Farm (WGVF) is a program of DeKalb County Community Gardens (DCCG) a nonprofit organization. The purpose of WGVF is to provide agriculture and horticulture based training for individuals with special needs in a comfortable and supportive integrated environment, so they will be prepared for meaningful employment and involvement in the community. The farm has two 30’ x 100’ greenhouses, a one acre vegetable garden, a small orchard, and a 10 acre restored prairie. The greenhouse produces bedding flowers, vegetable, and herb plants in the spring, and mums in the fall. The one acre vegetable garden provides vegetables for CSA boxes and donation to local food pantries.  

Grower/Greenhouse Assistant Job Description and Qualifications

Grower/Greenhouse Assistant responsibilities will include:

·        Assisting with the day-to-day operation of the farm.

·        Assisting with planting and care of greenhouse crops.

·        All facets of the garden including planning, planting, care, harvesting and distribution.

·        Assisting and working in cooperation with the program director.

·        Working cooperatively with the Walnut Grove Vocational Farm program director and high school transition program coordinators, individuals, and other agencies to schedule and oversee the on farm training program for individuals with special needs.

·        Working with other professionals to customize training curriculum for individuals with special needs.

·        Working an average of 30 to 40 hours per week. However, during certain parts of the growing season this individual may work 50 or more hours a week. Must be willing and able to work some weekends. The person in this position will also operate a cash register, be able to greet and serve retail shoppers in the greenhouse, and handle cash transactions.

Qualifications

·        Good oral and written communication skills.

·        Friendly and capable of good customer relations skills.

·        Knowledge of Word and Excel

·        Ability to work well with others.

·        Comfortable and capable of working with individuals with special needs.

·        Demonstrated experience in horticulture and agriculture.

·        Capable of doing physical labor, including ability to lift at least 50 pounds.

·        Ability to be self-directed and interested in growing into organizational leadership opportunities.  

·        Must be able to work weekends.

·        Ability to work a varied seasonal schedule. During the growing season some weeks will require more than 50 hours of work; during the winter fewer hours will be required. Average of 30 to 40 a week over the course of the year. 

Compensation

·        Salary of $25,000-30,000 per year

·        6 personal or sick days with pay

·        one week of vacation with pay

·        $500 per year toward continuing education

For questions and more information contact Dan Kenney, executive director, at dkenney53@hotmail.com or call 815-793-0950.

Interested applicants should mail cover letter and resume with references included to:

 DeKalb County Community Gardens

PO Box 348

DeKalb IL 60115

Chemist position

Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability is hiring a chemist in their air quality monitoring section for data analysis and quality assurance.  More information is available at the link, and applications are taken online.

Please help us reach qualified candidates. If we have not reached the appropriate person at your institution, feel free to forward.   Thank you!

https://cookcountyil.taleo.net/careersection/100/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

Sustainability Coordinator Position with University of Florida's Office of Sustainability

The University of Florida’s Office of Sustainability is currently seeking a Sustainability Coordinator to support the development and deployment of sustainability best practices targeting institutional and individual actions with a focus on climate change and associated action areas such as climate, energy, transportation, and the built environment.

This position will:

 

• Collaborate to manage strategic implementation of sustainability into campus operations, and help integrate academic and operational sustainability programs. 
• Develop and engage the campus community with behavioral best practices that result in measurable and/or foundational improvements in campus sustainability metrics, especially related to greenhouse gas emission reduction
• Work with staff, faculty, students and relevant campus units to develop, implement, assess, and report on programs that will motivate and engage individuals and offices to incorporate sustainability best practices in support of campus-wide sustainability goals and commitments
• Serve as liaison with other departments and units concerning services and functions provided by business and financial/auxiliary services related to sustainability
• Co-coordinate regular facilitation and revision of the UF Climate Action Plan (CAP)
• Collaboratively coordinate the implementation of actions in the CAP
• Collaboratively coordinate data collection and reporting for the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments (ACUPCC), AASHE Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS), and other nationally recognized programs and needs of the university
• With campus partners, maintain campus sustainability metrics, perform analyses, provide clear reports, and recommended courses of action as required
• Creatively communicate to the campus and community about progress toward campus- and community-wide sustainability goals (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, buildings, water, transportation, climate justice, and equity)
• Assist with evaluating effectiveness of programs and projects in support of strategic sustainability goals
• Coordinate and manage office-led and collaborative sustainability related programs for campus and community audiences
• Assist with general project and event implementation and logistics
• Represent the office at campus events, conferences, and speaking engagements
• Represent the director/office on University, system-wide, state, or national committees

 

Job details and application information: http://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/cw/en-us/job/508897/sustainability-coordinator

Summer 2019 Field Biology Program - University of Notre Dame Environmental Resource Center

The programs are open to undergraduates who are enrolled in a 4-year program in any area of environmental biology and are interested in pursuing a career in environmental biology.  These programs focus on field-oriented studies and research, and provide opportunities to conduct independent research at exceptional natural areas: Notre Dame’s nationally recognized facilities in the Michigan Upper Peninsula (UNDERC-East) and an intermountain valley in Montana (UNDERC-West).

 

The invitation to apply for these programs is extended to students who are sophomores or higher for UNDERC-East. Admission to UNDERC-West requires first attending UNDERC-East.  Because this program can only accommodate up to 28 students at UNDERC-East, and 8 at UNDERC-West, admittance is highly competitive based on past academic performance and the student’s desire to undertake a career in environmental biology.

Lectures About Sustainability with Dr. Yoder on October 23, 2018

On October 23 Dr. Laura Yoder will be visiting NIU for a Graduate Colloquium with the Department of Anthropology.  Please join us for one or more of the following events.

 

Public Lecture: “Scale of Notice: How Up-Close Studies Teach Important Lessons on Sustainability”

11:00 am - DuSable 322
Drawing on two decades of experience teaching social research methods and environmental field courses worldwide, Dr. Yoder will discuss how ethnographic practices can prompt transferable insights that help anthropologists and others address persistent environmental challenges. Dr. Yoder’s research in the Oecusse enclave of Timor-Leste began in a post-conflict period, continued through a long period of government neglect, and for the past 5 years (2013-18) has witnessed a mega-development project to establish a Special Economic Zone. 

Graduate Seminar: “Research and Rapid Social Change: Learning From Long-Term Fieldwork in the Oecusse Enclave, Timor-Leste”

2:00 pm - Cole 100
This seminar will focus on the continuities, differences, and modifications of ethnographic fieldwork in this rapidly changing context. 

 

There are also limited spots available to join a lunch with Dr. Yoder. Please contact Dr. McKee if you are interested in joining the lunch (ekmckee@niu.edu).

Huskie Alternative Breaks - Environmental Skills Development Opportunity

These trips would take place during Spring Break 2019, March 10-17.

During their time in Golden Pond, KY they will be completing a full week of immersive service experiences including trail maintenance, tree planing, litter clean-up, painting, etc. The students will able to network, reflect, and engage with the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation staff. (https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/)
All of the trips are Business Passport approved, Honors Engaged, and EngagePLUS qualified.

To apply, and for more information, visit: go.niu.edu/HAB

Lab Research Assistants Wanted (Paid Opportunity!)

Nonprofit Advocacy and Data Analyst Internship - 350 Kishwaukee

Volunteer Opportunities with Global Environmental Health Lab

For more information, visit: https://gehlab.org/internships-%2F-practicums

Build your CV, network, hone your skills and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals!

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have access to computer, internet, and digital tools to carry out duties
• Should have a desire to contribute to Global Health and Development and the Sustainable Development Goals
  
• All positions require responsible individuals with good communication skills and attention to detail

Location(s)

• Anywhere in the world as long as you can access to high speed internet

Hours/Duration

•  Flexible hours   
• One semester (4 months) or longer  

Compensation

• ​Unpaid​​​
  
• Academic credit available (e.g. field experience, capstone, and internship)

Internship with MorganMyers

 

Are you looking for an internship with a dynamic integrated communications firm where you can get real-world agency experience? At MorganMyers, our interns get to interact with clients from day one, assist with creative planning, participate in project and event execution, and much more. MorganMyers is a strategic communications firm with offices in Waukesha, Wis. (a suburb of Milwaukee) and Waterloo, Iowa. We specialize in the agricultural, food and beverage, and business-to-business industries with a client roster featuring Fortune 500 companies and big brand names.  If you want to get an edge above the competition in today's tough job market, we want you to apply for our summer 2019 internship program. We offer competitive wages, a monthly housing/living stipend, assistance in finding housing (if needed) and your own office (with four walls, windows and a door!). We are seeking a full-time student who is: •    Pursuing a degree in communications, public relations, advertising, journalism, marketing or related field •    Passionate and knowledgeable about agriculture and food •    An excellent writer and skilled communicator •    Detail-oriented •    Able to see opportunity within each challenge If you are or know a student who meets these criteria, please refer to our careers page for a copy of our brochure and online application, www.morganmyers.com/careers/.  Application must be submitted by 12:00AM on Saturday, November 3rd, for consideration, and will include the online application, a cover letter and resume with three references. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at careers@morganmyers.com, or the Careers page on our website, www.morganmyers.com/careers/.

STEM Cafe - Frankenstein's Legacy - October 23, 2018

We are celebrating the 200^th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein at Fatty’s on October 23, 6:30-8:30 PM.  We will have a lively discussion about dead bodies and body parts.  Every BODY is welcome.  Join us if you DARE for Frankenstein’s Legacy: The Past, Present, and Future of Anatomy and Synthetic Biology.