Your Very Next Step newsletter for November 2010

Your Very Next Step newsletter for November 2010

www.yourverynextstep.com

“When you have completed 95 percent of your journey, you are only halfway there.”

– Japanese Proverb

“The road to success is always under construction”

Lily Tomlin

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

– Lao Tzu

“Your Very Next Step” newsletter, published by Ned Lundquist, is a cooperative community, and everyone is invited, no…encouraged, no…urged to participate.

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*** In this issue:

*** November is festival time:

*** YVNS Sport Ned Has Never Heard Of: Competitive stacking

*** 2010 WSSA STACK UP! Thursday November 18th 2010

*** Don’t be tic-ked off

*** What does Leif Ericson and “the most heavily canoed stretch of water on earth” have in common

*** Rail Trail of the Month – Utah's Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park

*** Trail and Outdoors Volunteer opportunities:

Rocky Top Crew in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy

Keystone Trail Association, Pennsylvania

*** Travel, Outdoor and Adventure Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities

1.) Sporting goods retail, Maine guide, NORTHWOODS OUTFITTERS, Greenville, ME

2.) Outdoor programs Director, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

3.) TV8 Commercial Producer/Editor, Vail Mountain, Vail Resorts Management Company, Vail, CO

4.) Waitstaff, Jordan Pond House, Acadia National Park, Acadia Corporation, Bar Harbor, Maine

5.) Snow Shovelers, Togwotee Mountain Lodge, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Moran, Wyoming

6.) Snowboard Supervisor, Smuggler's Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, VT

7.) Social Media Strategist, Sierra Club, San Francisco, California

7.) Osprey Information Assistants, RSPB, Nethybridge, Inverness-shire, Scotland

8.) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OPPORTUNITY, PEOPLE FOR PUGET SOUND, SEATTLE, WA

9.) Executive Director, Smithsonian-Mason Global Conservation Studies Program, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI), George Mason University, Front Royal, Va.

10.) Assistant or Associate Professor, Department of Communication and the School of Journalism in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Michigan State University (MSU), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

11.) Howard E. Cosgrove Chair in Environment, Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN, Initiative for the Planet, University of Delaware, Newark, DE

12.) Vice President of Programs, The International Fund for Animal Welfare, Yarmouth, Massachusetts

13.) Associate Vice President – Land, Water & Wildlife, Environmental Defense Fund, San Francisco, CA

14.) Climate Change and Wildlife Science Fellow, Defenders of Wildlife, Washington, D.C.

15.) Marine Biologist, CPE, Boca Raton, FL

16.) FISHERIES SCIENTIST (BIOECONOMIC MODELLER), Director-General, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Noumea, New Caledonia

17.) Social Scientist, Fisheries Social Science Branch, National Marine Fisheries Service, St. Petersburg, FL

18.) Scientific Program Director, Marine Mammal Commission, BETHESDA, MD

19.) JIMAR PIFSC MT BIOLOGICAL STRANDING ASSOCIATE – ID# 10659, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), Honolulu, Hawaii

20.) Environmental Social Scientist and Community Decisionmaking Specialist, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, U.S. EPA Great Lakes National Program Office, Chicago, IL

21.) Environmental Scientist, NOAA Assessment & Restoration Division, I.M. Systems Group, Inc. (IMSG), Silver Spring, Baton Rouge or St. Petersburg

22.) Regional Resource Coordinator, NOAA Assessment & Restoration Division, I.M. Systems Group, Inc. (IMSG), Silver Spring, Baton Rouge or St. Petersburg

23.) FISHERIES BIOLOGIST, SkeenaWild Conservation Trust, British Columbia

24.) Program Associate, Teaming with Wildlife, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Washington, DC

25.) Field Station Manager, Galley/Housekeeping Manager, Assistant Cook/Housekeeper, Chief of Marine Operations, Mechanic/Boat Captain, Maintenance Technician The Nature Conservancy, Palmyra Atoll

26.) Jobs & Volunteer Opportunities, Sal island, Cape Verde, Africa

27.) Research Assistant, Florida Gulf Coast University, Department of Biological Sciences, Ada Foah, Ghana

28.) Adventure Education Specialist‏, Eagle Valley Center, SAGA, Juneau, AK

29.) Marine Mammal Technician, Makah Tribe, Neah Bay, WA

30.) Education Position, Dolphin Research Center, FL Keys

31.) Sea Turtle Conservation / Hospital Internship, Sea Turtle, Inc., South Padre Island, Texas

32.) Chapter Field Organizer – Resilient Habitats CA COAST Campaign, Sierra Club California, Sacramento, CA

…and much more…and it’s all FREE!!!

*** Do you have a travel adventure to share?

Send me your stories and I’ll post in the “Your Very Next Step” and on the YVNS website (http://www.yourverynextstep.com/).

*** Here’s the YVNS Travel News for November:

*** Spain Says Adios to Smoking in Bars and Cafés

Spain set the stage yesterday for a tough new anti-smoking law that will rid the country of its dubious status as one of Western Europe's easiest places to light up. The bill, passed by parliamentary commission, calls for making all bars and restaurants no-smoking zones, bringing Spain in line with the European Union's strictest anti-smoking nations and many U.S. states that bar smoking in enclosed public places. The measure is expected to pass the Spanish senate and become law on Jan. 2.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20101020/ap_tr_ge/eu_travel_brief_spain_smoking_ban;_ylt=AlWFCJSNXEV_UjKH7vuuoi88sM0F

*** JetBlue starts Reagan Airport flights, says it's now top D.C.-Boston carrier

By Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

JetBlue began service today to Washington's Reagan National Airport. JetBlue now flies seven times daily from National Airport to Boston Logan and once daily to both Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.

The Boston Herald notes “the service begins as American Eagle cancels its six flights per day from Boston to Reagan, according to Massachusetts Port Authority officials.”

As for JetBlue, it now serves all three D.C.-area airports (Dulles and Baltimore/Washington are the others) and claims in a press release that its National Airport schedule makes it “largest carrier for flights between Boston and the Baltimore-Washington region, with 18 conveniently-timed departures each business day.”

The airline also claims in a release that “since JetBlue announced plans to serve the Boston-Ronald Reagan National market lowest fare walk-up have dropped 60%.”

http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2010/11/jetblue-starts-reagan-airport-flights-says-its-now-top-dc-boston-carrier/129531/1

*** More trains for this Thanksgiving season.

Thanksgiving is almost here, which means everyone is going. Because our trains fill up quick, we're adding a few more to our Amtrak Cascades and Northeast Regional routes to accommodate the busy holiday travel schedule.

http://www.amtrak.com/

*** First Class is Full:

U.S. airlines have asked the Transportation Security Administration's Federal Air Marshals Service to put fewer of its agents in the more expensive first class cabin, Air Safety Week report. By law, U.S. airlines must provide seats to marshals at no cost in any cabin requested.

*** Get Better Tweet-ment from Airlines

Link to video on The News Hub:

http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/yho/%7BAB4E8CD7%2DB83B%2D4E94%2D9FAD%2DA3CCF54078E8%7D?siteid=yhoo

*** Best trails

National Geographic offers 30 of the finest walks on the continent, all on the trails less traveled. From an afternoon tramp in Portland, Oregon’s urban Forest Park to a five-day trek in the Bitterroots of Idaho, these are the best hikes you’ve never heard of. http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/trips/best-trails/

*** 2010 November Festivals:

aarhus filmfestvial, 12.-14. november

Denmark

http://www.aarhusfilmfestival.dk/

16th Annual Alaska Bald Eagle Festival, Haines, Alaska

Celebrating the largest gathering of Bald Eagles in the World!

http://baldeaglefestival.org/

Cambodia Water Festival, Phnom Penh

http://goseasia.about.com/od/eventsfestivals/a/waterfest.htm

The Caribbean Rum & Beer Festival to be held in Barbados on the 19th & 20th November 2010

Homepage

D.B.Cooper Party, Aerial, WA, USA

Let's set the stage. D. B. Cooper is famous for one, single act – he hijacked a jet in 1971 and parachuted into the Washington night with $200,000 of ransom money tied to his waist. He disappeared forever, leaving behind a legacy as the country's only unsolved hijacking. On the edge of Lake Merwin is the tiny (pop.700) town of Ariel that became, for a time, headquarters for the search team.

Since 1974 the town has held a D.B.Cooper Party at the Aerial Store to honor their only claim to fame. Two hundred and fifty fans show up each year, with one once coming from as far away as Australia. In the five-year milestone years, that number doubles. Always the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the party only lasts a day, starting around 1 PM and ending, usually, by midnight. If the guests are feeling creative, they'll start a story-telling contest, giving a prize for the best story of what might have happened to old D.B. They always have a look-alike contest, with D.B. Cooper fans showing up dressed as the hijacker was-in a suit with a backpack, a parachute, goggles, and no shoes. Otherwise they just hang around, listening to music, and keeping the story alive.

The above is an excerpt from Jan Friedman's wonderful, Eccentric America. Read more from Eccentric America at Jan's website at www.eccentricamerica.com or take a look at Jan's latest offering, Eccentric California at www.eccentriccalifornia.net.

http://www.2camels.com/d-b-cooper-party.php

Conga Caliente festival, created and produced by Coda Sound Live will take place on November 7 2010 at Al Lopez park, Tampa, Florida. Celebrates its 7th anniversary. Conga Caliente is a premiere family festival

celebrating Hispanic Arts and Culture. Performing live Danny Losada, Ommy Cardona, Pedro Jesus, Johnny

Rivera and Carolina La O. www.codasoundusa.com

*** A hands-on workshop to learn all about insects will be hosted by the Friends of Dyke Marsh at the Huntley Meadows Park Visitor Center at 3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria, Virginia, November 17, at 7:30 p.m. Georgetown University Professor Dr. Edd Barrows will give a talk and conduct a hands-on arthropod workshop using preserved specimens from the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, as well as specimens found in other areas. Dr. Barrows says that there could be 18,000 species in the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, from bacteria to beavers, and of these total species, 4,000 could be arthropods.

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/outdoor-report/2010/10/27/#wild-events-you-dont-want-to-miss

*** Be Wild, Virginia!

Make a Difference

Clean air, clean water and a place to live… it doesn't get any simpler! Wildlife and their habitats play an important role in the lives of Virginians. We marvel at the thousands of birds that migrate along the Eastern Shore, and the deer and turkey that have rebounded from near extinction, all the while enjoying our natural “sanctuaries” — a quiet trout stream, magnificent forests, even our own backyards. Check out this award winning video featuring Adrienne Young's song, “Hills and Hollers.”

Think you can't make a difference? You can!

Be Wild:

Be a role model by setting a good environmental example. You may know more about Virginia's Wildlife Action Plan than many in your community, so tell your neighbors.

Live Wild:

Recycle. Turn off lights when not in use and water lawns only when necessary. Limit fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides that are unfriendly to the earth. Use native plants in your yard; they require less water and fewer chemicals.

Grow Wild:

Insist upon smart growth and responsible, planned development in your community that limits loss of wildlife habitat to a minimum. Support open space initiatives.

Think wild:

Get to know Virginia's Wildlife Action Plan, especially for your eco-region. Keep these objectives in mind and evaluate how the things you do affect wildlife.

Vote wild:

Support clean air and water programs. Attend meetings of your Board of Supervisors, planning and zoning boards, etc., and ask to see wildlife conservation plans and agendas. Let your local and state-wide elected officials know that this is an important concern to you.

Lead wild:

As a decision-maker, elected or appointed official, support wildlife-friendly initiatives.

Buy wild:

Buy recycled and environmentally-friendly products. Reduce the use of packaging and plastics.

Go wild:

Beginning in your own eco-region, visit a different state park, forest or wildlife management area each month. Travel the Virginia Wildlife and Birding Trail in the next year.

(http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wmas/)

(http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/)

Travel wild:

Attend Virginia Department of Transportation meetings and ask to see wildlife considerations in their plans. When driving, watch for wildlife or slow down for animals on or near the road.

Teach wild:

Ask for Project Wild or Project Learning Tree in your school. Children who learn to appreciate wildlife are more likely to protect our wildlife heritage as adults.

(http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/education/project-wild/)

Join wild:

Become a member of our team and let your voice be heard. Support increased funding for wildlife conservation.

http://www.bewildvirginia.org/join/

Virginia Wildlife Action Plan

(http://www.bewildvirginia.org/wildlifeplan/)

Species of Greatest Conservation Need

(http://www.bewildvirginia.org/species/)

*** The November sport Ned has never heard of: Competitive Stacking

About The World Sport Stacking Association

WSSA Mission Statement

The World Sport Stacking Association (WSSA) promotes the standardization and advancement of sport stacking worldwide. This association serves as the governing body for sport stacking rules and regulations and provides a uniform framework for sport stacking events; sanctions sport stacking competitions and records.

WSSA History in Brief

The World Sport Stacking Association (WSSA) was formed in 2001 for the purpose of promoting and governing sport stacking around the world. The association was originally titled World Cup Stacking Association (WCSA). In 2005, the name was changed to its current WSSA in response to growing awareness that stacking is considered a sport.

What does the WSSA do?

The WSSA is your official resource for tournaments, rules, standards and guidelines on how to put on a successful stacking event and to provide a consistent framework for stacking tournaments and events.

What does a WSSA event look like?

The pinnacle sport stacking event – the World Sport Stacking Championships held each spring in Denver, Colorado – is hosted by the WSSA. This event draws competitors from across the globe (2008 saw 8 countries and 34 states send teams and individuals) to attempt to set verified World Records in their age groups/divisions and be declared world-class in sport stacking.

http://www.worldsportstackingassociation.org/wssa/

The WSSA STACK UP!

The WSSA's yearly attempt at breaking the Guiness World Record for “Most People Sport Stacking at Multiple Locations in One Day.”

1.COMMIT: to 30 minutes of Sport Stacking for each stacker who participates from your school or organization. (Stacking can take place anytime during the day or night on the date of the STACK UP! no matter where in the world or what time zone.The WSSA will provide suggested Sport Stacking activities, or you can create a unique event all your own!)

2.REGISTER: Easy Online Registration

3.SPORT STACK: on the day of the STACK UP! then VERIFY the exact number of participants by completing the official Guinness World Records Verification Form (hard copy) and returning it to the WSSA.

Now's the time to register to help set a new Guinness World Record™

To help break last year's STACK UP! Guinness World Record:

1.Fill out the STACK UP! Registration Form

2.Have every participant stack for 30 minutes

3.Verify your results

This Year's 2010 WSSA STACK UP!

Thursday November 18th 2010

http://www.worldsportstackingassociation.org/stackup/

*** Preventing Tick Bites

The best way to avoid long-term consequences of Lyme and tick-borne illnesses is to prevent tick bites altogether. Use the following tips to minimize your exposure to disease-carrying ticks:

1.Avoid tick-infested areas when possible. Stay in the center of trails, avoiding contact with overhanging grass and brush, while walking in the woods. Trails are less attractive areas for ticks to live than dense underbrush.

2.Wear light colored clothing, long sleeves and pants, and tuck pants into socks. Wear a hat and tie back long hair to make it harder for ticks to attach to your scalp.

3.When walking or working in the woods for an extended period, use duct tape wrapped inside out around the ankles to trap ticks attempting to crawl up your legs.

4.Wear EPA-approved repellants appropriate for adult skin or children. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application carefully; some repellants are designed for application to clothes and equipment only.

5.When coming in from outside activities where ticks may exist, put clothes in the dryer set on high heat for at least an hour. Ticks cannot survive the dry heat. They can survive exposure to hot water, so skip the washing machine and expose the clothing to the high heat of the dryer first.

6.After spending time outdoors where you might have been exposed to ticks, make sure you get undressed in a dry bathtub so you can spot ticks that fall off clothing. Immediately shower using a washcloth to knock off any unattached ticks and DO A ROUTINE TICK CHECK on yourself and children. Check dark, moist areas, hair and scalp, behind ears and knees, elbows, underarms, skin folds and the groin area. Though it may take time to institute tick checks into your family routine, over time it can become as simple as daily tooth brushing.

Remember

1.Daily full-body tick checks of all family members are your first and most important prevention against Lyme and tick-borne diseases.

2.If you are diligent about checking for ticks, there is no need to limit or abandon your usual outdoor activities.

3.Other possible tick-borne co-infections found in our area include bartonella, babesiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis, and tularemia. Please see our “Co-infections” section for more information about these diseases, including pictures of relevant rashes.

4.Young children have a higher incidence of Lyme disease than adults due to more outdoor activities.

5.If you have ever had Lyme disease, you are not immune and may contract the disease again upon re-exposure.

For more information about preventing tick bites, please see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/Prevention/ld_Prevention_Avoid.htm

© Copyright 2008 National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association. This article may be reproduced or linked with attribution and without modification.

*** Oooops. Missed this one. Did the Vikings land in your neighborhood?

Presidential Proclamation–Leif Erikson Day

Over 1,000 years ago, the lure of discovery led Leif Erikson — a son of Iceland and grandson of Norway — and his crew on an ambitious exploration of present-day Greenland and Canada. Centuries later, after a months-long ocean voyage, a group of Norwegians landed in New York City on October 9, 1825, the first large group of immigrants to arrive in the United States from Norway. To commemorate that event and pay tribute to our rich Nordic-American heritage, we celebrate Leif Erikson Day in honor of the first European known to set foot on North American soil more than a millennium ago.

Countless immigrants who crossed the Atlantic on voyages to the New World looked to Leif Erikson as a symbol of fortitude and a hero who did not turn back in the face of danger and uncertainty. Leif Erikson's bold courage echoes in the daring and intrepid spirit of the pioneers who built and shaped our young country, and in the determination, self-reliance, and innovation of the Nordic settlers who made enduring contributions to the American character. Today, Nordic Americans immeasurably enrich our national life as neighbors and leaders in communities across America.

Guided by the strength and resolve of Leif Erikson and the countless Nordic immigrants who came in his wake, let us steadfastly reach for the promise of tomorrow. It is their spirit of exploration and progress that helped forge our great country, and that will continue to guide us as we strive for a better and brighter future.

To honor Leif Erikson and celebrate our Nordic-American heritage, the Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-566) approved on September 2, 1964, has authorized the President to proclaim October 9 of each year as “Leif Erikson Day.”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2010, as Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to honor our rich Nordic-American heritage.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

Instead of getting one day off for Columbus Day, we should get a week off for all those Vikings that came and settled in the new world.

*** The Viking Tower – Weston, Mass.

A tribute built in 1889 to the Bay State's fearsome Norse forebears.

Address: Norumbega Rd, Weston, MA

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/6129

*** VIKINGS on the CHARLES

http://greisnet.com/needhist.nsf/VikingsontheCharles

*** Norumbega Park (across from the Viking Tower) and the “ most heavily canoed stretch of water on earth.”

http://www.defunctparks.com/parks/MA/norumbega/norumbegapark.htm

*** Did the Vikings come to cape Cod?

*** Vikings at Dennis?

Was it at Dennis that “Vinland” of the Norse sagas was located? Over 50 years ago, under the supervision of the Massachusetts Archeological Society and the Cape Cod chamber of commerce, nearly fifty persons began to make a careful study of the land around Follins Pond, at Dennis, to see what they could find out about this.

http://www.capelinks.com/cape-cod/main/entry/vikings-at-dennis/

*** Viking New England

http://www.skyweb.net/~channy/Viking.html

*** Trail volunteer opportunities:

*** The Maine Appalachian Trail Club volunteer opportunities

Mt. Abraham Register Box Monitor / Register Data Entry

There are MANY opportunities for volunteers to help the MATC preserve and protect the Appalachian Trail in Maine, and have FUN to boot.

Volunteers with a variety of skills are needed ranging from light & heavy trail work to clerical to carpentry to computer database entry (register card data tabulation).

Help is always needed for work trips that could involve relocating trails, constructing lean-to's, building bog bridges, building stone steps, painting blazes, general spring trail clean-up and working with the Maine Trail Crew.

After several years of doing an excellent job for the MATC, Sara Donovan has decided to step down as both the register box monitor and data entry volunteer for the register box located on Mt. Abraham. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you very much to Sara for her hard work over the past several years.

Sara's stepping aside creates an excellent volunteer opportunity for the right person(s). While Sara was gracious enough to do both the monitoring of the register box and enter the data from the register box cards, this can be easily split into two tasks.

First is a register box monitor: this register box is located (according to my database) on the Mount Abram side trail about one quarter mile from the AT and the task involves keeping the box filled with blank register box cards and picking up the cards that have been filled out by hikers and mailing them to the data entry volunteer. And that is the second volunteer needed: the data entry volunteer. This person receives the cards from the monitor and then enters the information from those cards into a computer spreadsheet.

If you are interested or want more information in either of these tasks, please contact Don Stack via e-mail at donstack@sacoriver.net or by phone at 207-749-0370

http://www.matc.org/Volunteering.htm

*** HELP EXPAND, REPAIR OR MAINTAIN COUNTY PARKS TRAILS…

St. Louis County Parks needs your help! If you love the outdoors and want to improve the parks that you enjoy, come join us for one of the outdoor workdays! Meet new friends and enjoy the outdoors, while helping us to improve our trails. Come out for one day or several times a season. Everyone’s help is needed!

No experience needed, as volunteers will learn what is needed from experienced staff and Volunteer Crew Leaders. Share in a morning of improving St. Louis County Park trails by removing limbs and debris, tree trimming and general trail maintenance. We will supply instructions, tools and water.

SATURDAYS – 9AM to 1PM

Saturday, November 6 Greensfelder Park, Eureka

Saturday, November 20 Al Foster Trail, Rock Hollow extension, Glencoe

Print and fill out Volunteer Application and mail, fax or email to:

Sue Bell, Coordinator of Volunteer Services

9801 Mackenzie Road

St. Louis, MO 63123

314.615.8865

Fax: 314.615.8821

sbell@stlouisco.com

http://www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks/volunteer/trail-crew-1.html

*** Environmental Reclamation Team

Join the High Sierra Volunteer Trail Crew in cleaning up former illegal grow sites in our National Forests. After law enforcement has cleared the sites, we remove drip irrigation line, trash, fertilizer, etc., from those sites and then perform site restoration by filling in planting holes and covering the hillsides with small branches and duff to help prevent erosion. Participation in our Environmental Reclamation Team is subject to approval by the management staff due to the sometimes extreme conditions encountered. If you are interested, please Contact Us and express your interest in our Environmental Reclamation Team.

Trail Crew Contacts

Shane Krogen (shane@trailcrew.org)

Founder / Executive Director

1424 Los Altos Ave #102

Clovis, CA 93611

High Sierra Volunteer Trail Crew

*** National Rail-Trail of the month:

Trail of the Month: November 2010

Utah's Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park

Northern Utah is known for its voluminous snowfall and winter sports culture, but the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park gives tourists ample reasons to visit the area in all seasons, even when the fresh powder has all but vanished.

The 28-mile rail-trail runs from the charming streets of Park City, Utah, and through the smaller communities of Wanship and Coalville before arriving at Echo Reservoir. From a starting elevation of approximately 6,800 feet in Park City, users can cruise down the gentle two-percent grade of the trail as it follows Silver Creek for 14 miles through a narrow volcanic canyon. As the scenery transitions to wetlands and farms near Wanship and Silver Creek Canyon, a menagerie of wildlife—including fox, bald eagles, herons, moose, deer and beaver—often appears near the trail.

After passing through the outskirts of Coalville, visitors will emerge at the bottom of Echo Reservoir, a Summit County water source and hotspot for recreational boating and fishing. Not only does the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park showcase the environmental diversity of this area, it helps celebrate the region's rich history.

The rail-trail follows the route of a historical railroad line that transported coal and silver ore during the region's mining heyday in the 1860s. To help commemorate this heritage, Summit County's Restaurant Tax Grant Committee provided the Mountain Trails Foundation with funds to place 16 plaques along the trail. These markers highlight the early Mormon settlers and ill-fated Donner family wagon train, the trail's intersection with the once-influential Lincoln Highway and the excavation site of Ice Age mammoths, among other historical sites and events.

Constructing the rail-trail would not have been possible without the help of local activist and current Summit County Commissioner Sally Elliott. She says the pathway, opened to the public in 1992, has been a catalyst of increased summer tourism and an integral part of the recreational identity of the Park City area.

“The rail-trail was the absolute lynchpin in our trails product,” she says. “It's the spine of our entire trail system, [and] we have seen an enormous increase in non-winter tourism, much of which is due to our rail-trail.”

The pathway may be relatively new, yet recreation has been the name of the game in Park City for decades. As a haven for skiers since the 1980s, the three ski resorts in town draw more than a million visitors per year. The number of summer tourists has risen to a comparable amount in the last few years, as well, largely due to the plentiful recreational activities, very much including the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail. It serves as a connector to several hundred miles of technical mountain bike trails—single-track paths requiring more skill that zigzag throughout the area.

“I think it is definitely a draw to have [the rail-trail] here along with the more technical trails,” says Rick Fournier, field manager/rail-trail administrator for the Mountain Trails Foundation. “You've got something for everybody here.”

The summer weather doesn't hurt, either. While temperatures can easily reach 100 degrees in Salt Lake City (only 30 miles away), the higher elevation of Park City and its proximity to the Wasatch Mountains keeps the trail around 15 to 20 degrees cooler in the summer. Temperatures rarely leave the 80s, says Fournier, and riding the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park is often a refreshing experience.

“The sun shines here almost every day in the summer, and we get very little rain because of the high desert environment,” he says.

Fournier has been grooming and maintaining the trail for about five years, as the Mountain Trails Foundation has a contract from Utah State Parks to manage the corridor. He has witnessed the rail-trail become a central part of the Park City community lifestyle.

“[Park City] is a very outdoor-minded recreation town,” he says. “People are always out on their bikes or jogging, and the trail is a huge part of that. It ties the community together.”

John Knudson, trails coordinator for Utah State Parks and a resident of Wanship, agrees. His home overlooks the path, and he has watched trail use surge and diversify firsthand.

“We had a lot of community support in Park City getting this thing established,” Knudson says. “Now it has been operating so long that I have seen hundreds and hundreds of people come down. There are people from 80 to 85 [years old] walking up and down the trail, and you always see people pushing their kids in strollers.”

Elliott managed the original construction efforts of the Mountain Trails Foundation and witnessed the collective efforts of the National Guard, a team of inmates from a local prison, the Park City Rotary Club and other community organizations bring the rail-trail to fruition.

“It was truly a local project,” she says. “[The rail-trail] is a place where the entire population meets and mixes and one of the few places where we all appreciate exercising together.”

Much used and much loved, the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park has grown into a pipeline of activity in Park City and surrounding communities. Whether you visit during the snows of winter or the sunshine of summer, you'll find out right away why local residents are so proud of this trail, which has just been named to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Rail-Trail Hall of Fame.

For more trail information, maps, photos and user reviews, or to post your own comments, please visit TrailLink.com.

http://www.railstotrails.org/news/recurringFeatures/trailMonth/index.html

*** Travel/Adventure/Outdoors/Conservation employment opportunities:

1.) Sporting goods retail, Maine guide, NORTHWOODS OUTFITTERS, Greenville, ME

Northwoods Outfitters is hiring a Full time Retail Associate/ Maine Guide in our retail store in Greenville, Me. This position is a critical link to our customers. The position requires a team oriented, flexible, good natured experienced outdoorsperson capable and willing to take on a variety of responsibilities. This is an exciting opportunity for all outdoor enthusiasts. Please e-mail your resume to Mike@maineoutfitter.com. No calls please.

Contact Mike Boutin

NORTHWOODS OUTFITTERS, INC.

Box 160

Greenville, OT – 04441

Email: info@maineoutfitter.com

Web: http://www.maineoutfitter.com

http://www.jobsinmaine.com/job_profile.asp?id=71001&cat=23&kw=&submit1=Search+Maine+Jobs

2.) Outdoor programs Director, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

http://www.outdoored.com/Jobs/oe/DetailsID.aspx?JobID=4118

3.) TV8 Commercial Producer/Editor, Vail Mountain, Vail Resorts Management Company, Vail, CO

https://vailresorts.taleo.net/careersection/external/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=125601&src=JB-10180

4.) Waitstaff, Jordan Pond House, Acadia National Park, Acadia Corporation, Bar Harbor, Maine

Includes waiting on tables, dining room cleaning and set-up, and bussing of tables and kitchen preparation of service items. Waiters take turns at other dining room jobs such as setting and bussing on a rotating basis. Requires good physical conditioning, including lifting and carrying of more than 25 lbs. up to 100 times/day. Previous experience helpful, but not required. $3.75/hr plus tips (typical tip range $14.00 to $20.00/hour).

http://www.coolworks.com/acadia/jobs2.htm

5.) Snow Shovelers, Togwotee Mountain Lodge, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Moran, Wyoming

Contact:

Rebecca Horton, HR Manager

Aramark Parks and Destinations

27655 Highway 26 & 287, Moran, Wyoming 83013

307-543-0415

FAX: 307-543-0443

jobs@togwoteelodge.com

*** From Mark Sofman:

6.) Snowboard Supervisor, Smuggler's Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, VT

http://www.jobsinvt.com/seek/resultdetail.aspx?jobnum=578094

7.) Social Media Strategist, Sierra Club, San Francisco, California

The Sierra Club seeks a full-time Social Media Strategist to bolster the organization's leadership in using new communications technologies to protect the planet. The winning candidate will be someone who drifts to sleep each night reading Mashable on an iPad; someone who awakes in the morning itching to experiment with new web-based tools that just might drive even more traffic to Sierra Club sites. The Social Media Strategist enjoys breaking for a pleasant lunch with intriguing colleagues at which they discuss music, art, or rock climbing — and then goes back to work fired with enthusiasm for motivating people to action. This position will drive the growth of our social media endeavors to assure that grizzlies can roam free, wild rivers remain unimpeded and that the earth doesn't spontaneously combust as a result of humankind's short-sighted refusal to give up filthy fossil fuels for the clean, renewable energy sources that will create good jobs and make the earth a better place for social media strategists and others.

Knowledge and Skills:

— Bachelors degree in Communications, Media Sciences, Environmental Studies, Information Sciences, Computer Science or a closely related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

— Proficient with current online marketing industry practices and issues.

— 3 years' experience cultivating and managing online social networks.

— Proficient in the use of computerized spreadsheet programs and word processing programs.

— Proficient in and has an understanding of the capabilities of HTML and Photoshop.

— Excellent written and oral communication skills.

— Ability to work independently and initiate and complete required projects within established deadlines.

— Prior work experience with large list management using a customer relationship management (CRM) system.

— Familiarity with current online marketing industry practices and issues.

— Experience with segmentation and analysis.

For full job description, please visit: http://www.sierraclub.org/careers/communications/Social-Media-Strategist.aspx. To apply, please send cover letter and resume to resumes@sierraclub.org. Please specify job code “Social Media Strategist – MAHQ #1020-10” in the subject line.

The Sierra Club is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce.

We would appreciate your participation in a brief survey about the position you are applying for and about yourself. Your responses will be completely anonymous and will be held completely confidential. Take our short survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/4thqtr2010survey

Please email resumes to: resumes@sierraclub.org

http://www.talentzoo.com/index.php/Social-Media-Strategist/?action=view_job&jobID=102763

7.) Osprey Information Assistants, RSPB, Nethybridge, Inverness-shire, Scotland

To ensure the enjoyment of visitors to the Osprey Centre is maximised. To warmly meet & greet visitors, to show, inform, inspire and enthuse them about ospreys, other birds & wildlife, answer questions ensuring visitors have an enjoyable, informative visit, and in so doing, show-casing the work of RSPB, portraying the Society as a passionate, creditable organisation worthy of support through membership.We require confident people, with good communications/public engagement skills, with “people-stamina” – ability to work in a busy visitor centre, engaging with 35,000 people throughout the season, audiences of all ages, levels of knowledge and appreciation of birds. Ability to work as part of a team. Educated as minimum to A ' level. Previous experience of people engagement desirable.

Salary

£13,500 – £15,000 pa

Hours & contract information

Hours: Full time

Contract: 6 months – Seasonal Contract

Replacement post: No

Closing date: 13 December 2010

Interview date: 17 January 2010

How to apply

For complete details of this post (including an application form) please download an application pack. When you return the application form, ensure that you include reference number 2141101 on any correspondence.

PDF version (265Kb, requires Adobe Reader)

Word version (144Kb, requires Microsoft Word)

Send application forms to Jayne Stevenson (jayne.stevenson@rspb.org.uk)

The RSPB, Abernethy, Forest Lodge, Nethybridge, Inverness-shire, PH25 3EF, Scotland 01479 821891

http://www.rspb.org.uk/vacancies/details/263571-osprey-information-assistants-x-4-rspb-scotland

*** From Jack Duggan:

Over the transom. Good stuff for The Very Next Step. Thanks for keeping me on your list.

Walk in Peace – Jack

8.) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OPPORTUNITY, PEOPLE FOR PUGET SOUND, SEATTLE, WA

People For Puget Sound seeks a dynamic executive director to drive our organization’s vision of a healthy Puget Sound, advance our role as a leader in protection and restoration and shape the collective future of our region. With our founding director of 20 years moving on, we are looking for a compelling leader to grow our base of support by collaborating with our communities and to take a strong and vibrant organization into its next two decades of saving Puget Sound and the Northwest Straits.

PEOPLE FOR PUGET SOUND, SEATTLE, WA

People For Puget Sound seeks a dynamic executive director to drive our organization’s vision of a healthy Puget Sound, advance our role as a leader in protection and restoration and shape the collective future of our region. With our founding director of 20 years moving on, we are looking for a compelling leader to grow our base of support by collaborating with our communities and to take a strong and vibrant organization into its next two decades of saving Puget Sound and the Northwest Straits.

PEOPLE FOR PUGET SOUND, SEATTLE, WA

People For Puget Sound seeks a dynamic executive director to drive our organization’s vision of a healthy Puget Sound, advance our role as a leader in protection and restoration and shape the collective future of our region. With our founding director of 20 years moving on, we are looking for a compelling leader to grow our base of support by collaborating with our communities and to take a strong and vibrant organization into its next two decades of saving Puget Sound and the Northwest Straits.

People For Puget Sound is the largest membership based organization dedicated exclusively to the conservation of the marine waters and estuaries of the Salish Sea. Our mission is to protect and restore Puget Sound and the Northwest Straits – our living waters, the land and our common

future.

The Executive Director serves as the top executive and directs the organization’s strategic planning and program delivery. Supported by a staff of 40 and reporting to the board of directors, this position is responsible for fundraising, financial and people management, external relations, building cooperative relationships with partners, funders, and policy makers and upholding People For Puget Sound’s leadership role in the community.

Successful candidates will present a track record demonstrating the following qualifications:

• Passion for the environment

• Strategic and results‐driven

• Knowledge of environmental policy, science and education

• Ability to engage and inspire action from others

• Experience achieving results through partners

• Business and financial acumen

• Leadership and management expertise

• Established fundraiser with successful long‐term relationships

• Advanced degree and 10 or more years of experience leading a comparable organization involving

environmental matters, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

For more information or to apply, contact Molli Barnes mbarnes@pugetsound.org (206) 382‐7007, 111

9.) Executive Director, Smithsonian-Mason Global Conservation Studies Program, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI), George Mason University, Front Royal, Va.

The George Mason University, Office of the Provost seeks an outstanding individual to lead development and implementation of internationally recognized programs in conservation, strategically located at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, Va.

SCBI–sited at a 3200-acre facility located on the Blue Ridge–is one of the premier conservation research facilities in the world, housing innovative research on some of the rarest species on earth, and on the habitats that support global diversity. The joint program between the Smithsonian Institution and George Mason University offers unique residential educational opportunities that will serve a broad international community at undergraduate, graduate and professional levels.

The Program Executive Director will provide academic and operational leadership for all program activities, and represent the Smithsonian-Mason Global Conservation Studies Program to outside parties.

The Program Executive Director will hold a Ph.D. in conservation biology, ecology, or a related field; and have substantial experience in the conservation field. In addition, a background is expected in academic curriculum development and administration, faculty and staff hiring and management, budget oversight, development and external relations.

Information about the Smithsonian-Mason Global Conservation Studies Program and the Mason Center for Conservation Studies, may be obtained at: or by contacting Dr. Chris Jones at rcjones@gmu.edu. Review of applications will start on December 15, 2010, and continue until the position is filled.

For full consideration, applicants must apply online at for position number FA63Az; complete the faculty application; and upload a CV, names and addresses of five references, and a letter of application summarizing specific aspects of your record that qualify you for this position. EOEhttp://jobs.gmu.eduhttp://mccs.gmu.edu

10.) Assistant or Associate Professor, Department of Communication and the School of Journalism in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Michigan State University (MSU), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

The Department of Communication and the School of Journalism in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Michigan State University (MSU) seek a tenure track Assistant or Associate Professor of Health and Environmental Risk Communication or Journalism. CAS was the first communication college in the country, and MSU is the only university in the country with two top 10 doctoral programs in the National Research Council’s rankings of the field of Communication.

The successful candidate will conduct research about risk communication processes and/or environmental health journalism. Candidates could have expertise in such areas as: environmental risk communication; social influence; message analysis; health communication; health, science and environmental journalism; international and intercultural communication of risks; public participation and advocacy; risk decision-making; crisis communication; networks; or policy and risks. The successful candidate would work with interdisciplinary teams to seek research funding from federal agencies such as CDC, NIH, EPA, US Department of Energy USDA as well as state and local agencies and private foundations.

This position is jointly appointed between Journalism and Communication and housed in the School of Journalism. The split of duties will depend on the expertise of the person hired, but the person will be expected to teach courses in both units. The candidate would be expected to work with faculty in the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism, the CAS Health & Risk Communication Center and other units at MSU. Examples of risk research may include media coverage of health and environmental risk issues, message strategies, public relations implications of risk or crisis incidents, public perceptions of risks and decision-making around those risks, analysis of information systems, and intercultural communication of risk issues. The candidate should have a Ph.D. in Journalism, Communication, Mass Communication, or related field. A history of funded research is desirable.

Send letters of application or nomination by email to the attention of Professor Jim Detjen, Search Committee Chair, School of Journalism; via Barb Miller (mille384@msu.edu); phone: (517) 353-9479. Candidates should submit a statement highlighting their experience and qualifications pertinent to the position, a curriculum vitae, and names of three references. Applications are due by December 15, 2010. The search committee will begin its evaluation of applicants immediately, and will continue until an exceptional candidate is selected.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.

11.) Howard E. Cosgrove Chair in Environment, Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN, Initiative for the Planet, University of Delaware, Newark, DE

One of the oldest institutions of higher education in this country, the University of Delaware today combines tradition and innovation, offering students a rich heritage along with the latest in instructional and research technology. The University of Delaware is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution with its main campus in Newark, DE, located halfway between Washington, DC and New York City.

As part of its Path to Prominence Strategic Plan, the University of Delaware has launched its Initiative for the Planet. The goals of this initiative are to promote sustainable practices and to support multidisciplinary efforts in research and education needed to develop solutions to significant, time-critical issues in energy, the environment, and resource sustainability. Our overarching objective is to make the University of Delaware a national and international resource for environmental research, technology, education, and policy – today and into the future. To attain this goal, we seek 6-8 outstanding faculty at all academic ranks in environmental science, engineering, and policy. Faculty can have appointments in multiple departments and colleges.

To complement these hires we are conducting a search for the Howard E. Cosgrove Chair in Environment. This internationally renowned scholar will further enhance the prominence of the University's environmental interdepartmental teaching and research programs, and assist in building the Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN) to a position of national and international prominence.

The University of Delaware provides an outstanding environmental research base through existing strengths in a number of areas including biogeochemistry, soil and environmental chemistry, environmental engineering, environmental microbiology, environmental genomics and bioinformatics, geomicrobiology, land/coastal dynamics, land use, nutrient management, environmental modeling, hydrology, environmental forecasting and restoration, ecosystem health and sustainability, and environmental policy, economics and education. These activities are carried out across the University's seven colleges and in a number of well-regarded institutes and research centers.

1.

The desire to better utilize the strengths in the colleges, institutes, and centers, and to foster collaboration and enhance competitiveness in attracting outstanding faculty and students, led to the creation of the Delaware Environmental Institute in 2009. DENIN's goals are to initiate interdisciplinary research projects, support interdisciplinary academic programs, and forge partnerships among government agencies, nonprofits, industry, policymakers, and the public to address environmental challenges and coordinate and sponsor University-based interdisciplinary initiatives.

http://www.environmentalportal.udel.edu/http://www.udel.edu

Other recent actions which reflect the University's commitment to the environment and sustainability include an aggressive Climate Action Plan and the creation of new undergraduate majors in Environmental Studies and Energy and Environmental Policy. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to help shape and grow these new majors.

Candidates for the faculty positions are expected to hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in their area of expertise and have a demonstrated record of excellence in environmental scholarship commensurate with appointment to a faculty position in one or more departments of the University. Nominations and applications should be submitted electronically to Environmental Cluster Search Committee Chair at environmental-hire@udel.edu. Application materials should include a statement of interest, curriculum vitae, description of research and teaching interests and accomplishments, and the names and contact information of at least four references. Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2010 and will continue until the positions are filled.

The UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members and Women.

http://www.udel.edu/udjobs/current/index.html

12.) Vice President of Programs, The International Fund for Animal Welfare, Yarmouth, Massachusetts

Purpose

Provide strategic leadership and guidance to ensure the creation, implementation and integration of IFAW’s priority campaigns and programs. Reporting to the COO, work collaboratively with members of the Leadership Team to advance IFAW’s priorities. Serve as a compelling advocate for program initiatives and the overall mission of IFAW.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities

In conjunction with the COO, direct the program work of IFAW, ensuring alignment with the organizations’ mission and strategy. Ensure ongoing programmatic excellence and documented successes.

Ensure that key project outcomes and/or policy, advocacy and legislation are evaluated and leveraged for maximum community and organizational impact.

Develop, budget and implement cohesive and integrated program and strategic action plans for the success of the programs. Identify critical priorities and key strategies. Assure the communication of the plan and priorities to IFAW staff and consultants worldwide.

Work closely with the EVP on implementation strategies through the country and regional offices.

Coordinate and lead integrated worldwide campaign and program teams; provide guidance and direction to team leaders and staff and assure that teams and groups are appropriately staffed and developed with required levels of skill and expertise to achieve results by aligning individual goals and objectives with campaigns and projects.

Work collaboratively with the Executive Staff, Program Directors and Country Directors to measure and manage program goals and objectives.

Provide leadership and guidance to the effective use of scientific expertise and research in activities designed to achieve program goals. Assure the development of valid and powerful scientific arguments in support of IFAW legislative, regulatory and international trade strategies and in the development of a body of knowledge that promotes the understanding of the relationship between consumptive use and species-survival.

Provide management direction to incorporate legal expertise and counsel into program and campaign activity, working to ensure that international treaties, trade agreements and international and national regulations ensure maximum protection of wild animals and habitat and that illegal trade practices are identified and curtailed, where possible.

Lead the achievements of IFAW’s program goals through the identification of opportunities for funding external bodies and individuals to leverage scarce resources to address the current threats of increasing commercial exploitation, international trade and habitat protection. Fundraising is an important task for senior management at IFAW.

Work closely with the VPs of Communications and Philanthropy to integrate communications and fundraising activities in support of campaign initiatives worldwide, assuring that messaging is timely, proactive and is best positioned to achieve IFAW’s program objectives.

Manage relationships with partner NGO organizations.

Serve as a member of the IFAW’s Leadership Team; participate in the strategic and operational planning for the organization.

Job Requirements

Advanced level degree preferable with focus in wildlife policy, science, economics or the environment.

Proven track record in political advocacy with experience in conservation or animal welfare issues

Experience in and knowledge of international and national politics and political processes.

Good working knowledge of other NGOs in conservation or animal welfare community.

Proven senior-level managerial and leadership skills with minimum 10 years high-level management experience in an international organization; a management style that promotes delegation of authority.

Superior organizational capabilities; ability to effectively set priorities and manage a demanding and complex workload.

Ability to supervise and co-ordinate on-going projects and to collaborate with other researchers and organizations.

Experience with budget processes and setting budget priorities.

Superior written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate and work effectively and appropriately with political leaders and staff from various cultures.

Fluency in English and a second language preferred.

How to Apply

Applicants are encouraged to submit qualifications prior to November 19, 2010. Please submit resume and cover letter to: Jill Solomon at Global Recruitment Specialists

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Supervises/Manages: Programmatic Directors and staff

Location: ()www.IFAW.org

Email: jsolomon@globalrecruitment.net

Fax: 973-379-7325

13.) Associate Vice President – Land, Water & Wildlife, Environmental Defense Fund, San Francisco, CA

About the Organization

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, founded in 1967, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships, and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents, and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life. With programs from Boston to Beijing, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is the only environmental group to receive an “A” rating from Wired magazine.

EDF aspires to transform society's stewardship of whole ecosystems – not just patches of them. Our approach has been two fold. First, advocate for public policy initiatives that restore habitats and river ecosystems. Second, work in partnership with stakeholders to demonstrate practices and policies that reward landowners and water right holders for: (a) producing environmental benefits (wildlife, water flows in rivers, habitat, pollutant reduction, carbon sequestration) along with food, timber, energy and other vital commercial outputs and (b) maximizing efficient use of inputs (water, chemicals, nutrients), thereby reducing their impact on the environment.

Associate Vice President – Land, Water & Wildlife

The Associate Vice President (AVP) will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Land, Water & Wildlife (LWW) program, managing a 40-person team and a $10 million budget. The AVP will also work closely with the Vice President to develop and implement the program's vision and strategy. This role requires expert leadership, communication, and management skills, and the ability to develop meaningful relationships with EDF's staff, board, funders, and external partners. This is an outstanding opportunity for a politically savvy leader with fundraising experience and knowledge of water and land stewardship. The AVP will report directly to the Vice President.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The AVP will perform the following duties as assigned:

Leadership and Staff Development

* Facilitate consistent and effective communications between the VP and staff at all levels.

* Promote an organizational culture and structure that fosters cooperation, communication, collaboration, teamwork, and trust.

* Provide leadership, direction, and support for all staff and directly supervise senior program staff, including conducting performance evaluations and providing guidance on career development opportunities.

* Create a forward-looking feedback system to ensure EDF is always anticipating new challenges.

* Actively engage peers to create stronger collaboration across programs.

* Provide for professional development activities that upgrade staff skills, support learning, motivate performance, and promote staff retention.

Program Operations

* Encourage a consistent reporting structure within the LWW team

* Oversee implementation and execution of projects that support programmatic objectives.

* Oversee the development and execution of the LWW budget, working closely with the Business Manager and senior program staff.

* Hire, train, and supervise staff and independent contractors.

* Assist in the development of work plans to support programmatic goals.

Program Vision and Strategy

Partner with the Vice President, LWW to:

* Create a focused, entrepreneurial, and sustainable approach to the LWW program; define program vision and goals, and create strategies for achieving these goals.

* Formulate objectives and priorities, and implement plans consistent with the organization's long-term interests; capitalize on opportunities and manage risks.

* Collaborate with senior program staff to manage delivery of outcomes as defined by the program vision.

Program Growth/Revenue

* Achieve overall revenue targets for the LWW Program by aligning fundraising strategy with program vision to create excitement and buy-in from funder community.

* Work with senior development staff to craft and target outreach opportunities to maximize support.

* Work with senior development staff to create new and exciting ways for the funder/donor community to contribute.

* Revitalize existing revenue streams to encourage additional support.

External Relationships

* Build relationships with the media, elected officials, and government representatives.

* Continually stay abreast of other organizations' work and emerging issues in water and land stewardship.

* Identify and implement partnerships with other members of the environmental community to achieve key programmatic goals.

* Build and cultivate relationships with board members; communicate program achievements to stakeholders at board meetings, donor events, etc.

* Leverage public speaking and other external opportunities to enhance EDF's image.

* Create and nurture relationships with new advocates for the program, and persuade new advocates to become more fully invested in LWW programs.

* Demonstrate strong political skills with a track record of building nonpartisan alliances and a strong understanding of public policy.

Qualifications

The successful applicant will have the following minimum qualifications:

* 5+ years in a senior management role at a major national or international organization, ideally one with multiple regional offices

* Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to effectively plan and problem-solve

* Strategic ability and big-picture problem solving capacity; experience with strategies that involve economic and market-based solutions to environmental challenges

* Knowledge of issues related to water and land stewardship issues, current policy, and proposed solutions

* A collaborative leadership style, with proven ability to empower and inspire staff and encourage staff development

* Demonstrated experience developing and implementing a strategic vision

* Demonstrated experience building and maintaining effective relationships with relevant external stakeholders, including media, elected officials, and academic institutions

* A strong understanding of public policy with a proven track record of building alliances and working with policymakers

* Proven ability in fundraising and nurturing donor relationships

Compensation and Benefits

The position will be located in San Francisco, CA. Environmental Defense Fund offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. The position will remain open until filled.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, interested candidates must follow the link below to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements:

http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=48276http://www.ceaconsulting.com/what/position_details.aspx?client=CEA&jobId=114

14.) Climate Change and Wildlife Science Fellow, Defenders of Wildlife, Washington, D.C.

Supervisor: Vice President, Climate Change and Natural Resources Adaptation

Position Description

Defenders of Wildlife is committed to understanding how climate change threatens native species and their habitats, then acting to reduce these vulnerabilities through adaptive, practical responses. The Climate Change and Wildlife Science Fellowship offers a post-doctoral opportunity for professional development and publication opportunities

in the emerging field of climate change adaptation policy and natural resources management.

The Climate Change and Wildlife Science Fellow will assist the organization in understanding the impacts of climate change on wildlife and its habitat, developing adaptation strategies, guidance or tools to mitigate the impacts over the next century, and communicating these impacts and strategies to policymakers, media, government agencies and the public. The Fellow is encouraged to engage in entrepreneurial synthetic research and creative outreach in support of adaptive policy and management solutions to climate change. The Fellow will shape an innovative vision for addressing climate change impacts and responses in the context of other major threats to biodiversity (e.g., habitat destruction, invasive species, and human development patterns). He/she will link technical scientific findings to conservation action and will offer technical assistance and play a leading role in “mainstreaming” climate adaptation into Defenders? conservation programs and into government agency programs.

Located in Washington, D.C., the Climate Change and Wildlife Science Fellow will have the opportunity to learn the intricacies of federal policymaking and interact with decision makers in Congress, federal and state agencies, and non-governmental organizations. The two-year fellowship provides an annual stipend of $50,000, competitive benefits, and a travel and operational budget.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

? Conduct and/or apply synthetic research that is relevant to adaptation of natural systems to climate change.

? Conduct and/or apply research into sociological and institutional barriers to adopting adaptation approaches for biodiversity conservation.

? Assist in the development of legislative and administrative policy.

? Communicate awareness of climate change impacts and adaptation, and disseminate new, emerging findings to Defenders? staff as well as to key decision makers, the media, Defenders? membership, and the general public

? Represent Defenders in public meetings, hearings, press events, conferences, and elsewhere

? Perform all other related duties as assigned.

*Qualifications*

? *Education:* Ph.D. in conservation biology, ecology, climate change, conservation planning, social ecology, or a related discipline in the natural resources disciplines.

? *Experience:* Diverse experience with climate change science, preferably involving connections to important themes in climate change, conservation biology and conservation policy.

? An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

? *Other:*

o Demonstrated ability to work independently to initiate, implement, apply, and/or publish scientific research and to communicate such research to both professional and lay audiences.

o Familiarity with some of the major climate research organizations, such as the U.S. Global Change Research Program and/or the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

o Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain scientifically productive interdisciplinary collaborations.

o Strong research, writing, organizational, and verbal communications skills.

o Strong desire to publish policy-relevant reports and peer-reviewed papers and able to balance writing workload with other coalition, collaboration and communication work described herein.

? *Comments:* This position requires occasional domestic travel.

*How To Apply*

Interested applicants please reference *Climate Change and Wildlife Science Fellow* in your subject line and submit a letter of interest, along with your resume and salary history (must be included to be considered) to us via e-mail at: HR@defenders.org

It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, in all personnel actions.

15.) Marine Biologist, CPE, Boca Raton, FL

Applicants are being considered for the full-time position of Marine Biologist in CPE's main Boca Raton office. The ideal candidate has experience conducting marine benthic surveys and is familiar with the reef organisms of south Florida. Strong written communication skills are also desired.

The following minimum qualifications are required:

a. Bachelor of Science degree in the marine sciences (Master of Science preferred)

b. Demonstrated SCUBA diving experience (dive log), with Nitrox and Rescue Diver certifications; preference will be given to AAUS Scientific Divers or those currently in an AAUS program (Diver-In-Training)

c. Familiarity with the nearshore hardbottom and coral reef environments of south Florida

d. Willingness to travel for up to two weeks at a time for field work

e. Willingness to work in sometimes harsh environmental conditions, including cold water temperatures, rough seas and poor underwater visibility

f. The ability to work on multiple assignments efficiently with limited supervision

This position requires willingness to spend extensive time in the field and ability to travel. Work will also include data entry and analysis, as well as report preparation. Familiarity with the permitting process (JCP and ERP) and NEPA documentation considered a plus. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Coastal Planning & Engineering, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

If interested, please submit the following to the contact below (email preferred):

1. Resume and cover letter

2. Writing sample

3. Three references

Contact:

Jessica Craft

Director, Marine Science & Biological Research

Coastal Planning & Engineering, Inc.

2481 NW Boca Raton Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33431

jcraft@coastalplanning.net

16.) FISHERIES SCIENTIST (BIOECONOMIC MODELLER), Director-General, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Noumea, New Caledonia

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is an international organisation that provides technical and policy advice and assistance, training and research services to its Pacific Island members. SPC works in a wide range of sectors with the aim of achieving three development outcomes – sustainable economic development, sustainable natural resource management and development, and sustainable human and social development.

SPC’s headquarters are in Noumea, New Caledonia. It has regional offices in Suva, Fiji Islands, and Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and a country office in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Additional information on SPC can be found on its website:www.spc.int.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Fisheries Scientist (Bioeconomic Modeller) will develop and apply bioeconomic models of regional tuna fisheries to estimate the economic impacts of changing economic, environmental and management conditions in the fishery on Pacific members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP), as part of the Scientific Support for the Management of Coastal and Oceanic Fisheries in the Pacific Islands Region (SciCOFish, oceanic component).

The position encompasses the following major functions or key result areas:

1. Model development

• In collaboration with the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), develop regional bioeconomic models for use in estimating the economic impact of changing economic, environmental and management conditions in the fishery on Pacific ACP countries. It is envisaged that at least two approaches – both of which are based on existing population dynamics models – will be evaluated:

– the stock assessment modeling framework MULTIFAN-CL, incorporating a relatively coarse spatial structure; and

– the high-spatial-resolution SEAPODYM model.

Any other appropriate models will also be evaluated.

• Develop a model component that predicts changes in the spatial and seasonal distribution of fishing effort in response to tuna stock conditions, economic and industry conditions, and management controls.

2. Provision of policy advice

• In collaboration with FFA, use the model to explore the effects of a range of management, economic and environmental scenarios on economic performance of the regional tuna fishery.

• Estimate the distribution of economic benefits/losses among Pacific ACP countries resulting under such scenarios.

• Report the results of the work to provide policy advice to Pacific ACP countries via written reports and oral presentations at appropriate regional or subregional meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

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