American Aquatic Testing

A friend of mine on the NJWEA Lab Committee is looking for someone with aquatic toxicology knowledge/experience to fill a recently vacated position at American Aquatic Testing, Inc. (www.AmericanAquatic.net) in Allentown, PA.  Of what I know, this person would be performing bioassays and potentially picking up samples from various sites in the area.  Interested parties should contact Chris Nally at chrisnally@americanaquatic.net. 

Using NASA Satellites for Study of Environment Health and Air Quality Applications

Program:         Using NASA Satellites for Study of Environment Health and Air Quality Applications

Date / Time:    Friday, September 20, 2013   Noon – 3:00 pm

Location:         Rutgers University Institute of Coastal and Marine Sciences, Alampi Auditorium

                        Directions - http://marine.rutgers.edu/main/Directions-to-IMCS.html#maps.

Parking:           Lot 98A – parking permits available to non-Rutgers attendees

Fee:                 Free for students; $10 for A&WMA members; $15 for non-members

(includes light lunch)

 

Registration Requested by September 18 – RSVP to Paul Eisen at peisen@rouxinc.com

Payment by cash or check will be accepted at the door, but please RSVP with your intention to attend. Credit cards cannot be accepted at the door.

study abroad opportunity

Dear Faculty,

Are your students looking to apply their Environmental Science knowledge in a real world setting? Would they like to add a little adventure in their education? The Institute of Sustainable International Studies, ISIS, is offering courses this winter that will allow students to do both. Students have the chance to explore inland jungles and rivers, elaborate cave systems, grasses and mangroves surrounding the Belize Barrier Reef and discover traditional methods of environmental conservation. If they are ready to leave their comfort zone and further their education through practical application, then ISIS is ready for them. For full details on the Environmental Science courses offered and the syllabus for each course, please click on the links below.

• Tropical Marine Conservation Biology
• Indigenous Knowledge in the 21^st Century

·         Wildlife Medicine, Biology and Conservation

·         Tropical Ecology: People and Their Landscapes

One student summarized his experience by saying:

“The field trips were the best in the Marine Ecology class. Nothing like getting outside and experiencing first hand and being able to converse with the locals!  I learned a lot about the environments and problems in Belize and its culture and customs.  Take this course – I had a great experience!”~J.T.

Our two week winter session runs from December 26, 2013 to January 7, 2014, including travel days.  The cost, $2,995, includes one course, accommodations, transportation to and from the airport, field trips and excursions, breakfasts and one transcript for transferring credit.  Airfare is not included.  Students receive three (3) credits from Sacred Heart College.  The application deadline for winter is October 15^th, 2013. Application forms are available on the ISIS website.

Cynthia Reece, creece@isisbelize.com, the Program Manager for ISIS, can respond to questions related to housing, logistics, course costs, and other details.  

Sincerely,

Nancy
Nancy L. Adamson, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Institute for Sustainable International Studies
San Ignacio, Cayo,
Belize, Central America

NCNJ-A&WMA 2013 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

NCNJ-A&WMA 2013 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 

FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE/ENGINEERING 

http://www.mass-awma.net/NCNJ.html

 Two $1000  

Scholarships Available

plus free membership

Benefits:

§  Unrestricted Money – spend on whatever you need

§  Award and Honor you can list on your resume

§  Networking with professionals in the environmental field

§  Easy application to complete

The Northern and Central New Jersey Chapter of the Air & Waste Management Association (NCNJ-A&WMA) announces its Scholarship Program for the 2013 school year.  The purpose of the program is to encourage qualified students to enter careers in environmental science.

I.  ELIGIBILITY  

The program is open to full-time (i.e. 9 credits or more) college undergraduate students pursuing courses of study leading to a career (or post-graduate study) in the environmental sciences/engineering or environmental management or related fields.  Eligible applicants must either:

- be a resident of New Jersey within the chapter area (Northern and Central New Jersey) or

- be attending a college or university within the chapter area. 

II.  APPLICATION

Application must be delivered no later than November 5, 2013.

Application should include:

1.  Application form (attached) or student's resume

2.  Student's college transcript (unofficial photocopy is acceptable – at time of award committee may request an official copy)

3.  Letter of recommendation from an academic advisor, faculty member or other person familiar with the applicant’s career interests.

4.  One page essay describing the student's experience and interest in environmental issues  (coursework, extracurricular activities, etc.), motivation and desire to contribute to the environmental field, and plans for a future career or study in the environmental field. 

III.  MAILING INSTRUCTIONS

Application must be delivered no later than November 5, 2013.

Application should include all four items detailed in Section II above.  Send materials to:

Mr. Jerry Z. Marcus, QEP

Stonehenge Associates, LLC

304 Highland Avenue

Upper Montclair, NJ 07043

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be reviewed by members of the NCNJ-A&WMA Education Committee.  Scholarship winners will be announced by December 10. 2013. 

2013 NCNJ-A&WMA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Name:      

Address:       

Telephone #:       

E-mail address:       

University or College:      

Expected Date of Graduation:      

Number of course credits completed: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­     

Note:  In-lieu of this application form, you may submit a resume instead.  Please be sure if you submit a resume that it has your current contact information.

Applications must be received no later than November 5, 2013.

Scholarship winners will be announced by December 10, 2013.

** You will receive confirmation shortly after the deadline that your application was received.  If you do not get confirmation, please contact Jerry Marcus to determine your application’s status.

Questions or comments:  Contact Mr. Marcus at jaziem@aol.com or call at (973)746-2372.

Continuing education

Many of you took 375:434 Principles of Industrial Hygiene here at Rutgers.  That course gave you your 40-HAZWOPER certification.  Well, the Office of Continuing Professional Education is offering the refresher 8-hour course, along with the full 40-hour version and a lot of other continuing education for environmental professionals this fall.  the 8-hour refresher is November 1 and costs $295.  The 40-hour version takes place October 29-November 1 and costs $995, so you can be happy if you took 375:434, which was much cheaper!

Taking some of these continuing education classes is necessary to keep your certification for things like LSRP (licensed site remediation professional).  But it is also a great idea if you are looking for a job and want to add some useful training to your resume.  It is not very expensive:  The "Case Study Training for LSRPs" class is just $275. 

For more info and to register, go to www.cpe.rutgers.edu

German Chancellor Fellowships Deadline Sept 15

Program details

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation's German Chancellor Fellowship Program is for university graduates from the United States, the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, Brazil and India with an interest in international issues and demonstrated leadership potential. The program is targeted at accomplished young professionals who are likely to become decision-makers, thought leaders, and influential voices in their respective fields. Fellows will be recruited from a broad range of areas such as politics and public policy, law, media, business, the non-governmental sector, and the arts. The program provides fellows the opportunity to spend one year in Germany, where they will network with other prospective leaders from abroad and explore new solutions to the global issues of our times. This prestigious program builds on Germany's established and growing reputation as a favored destination for problem-focused international dialogue and a meeting place for tomorrow's international leaders.

During their time in Germany, Federal Chancellor Fellows conduct independent projects at their host institutions. The project should involve original exploration of a topic or issue, or research in the fellow's respective field of interest. The fellows are mentored by hosts in Germany, whom the fellows have chosen on the basis of their expertise in their respective areas. Projects should be of relevance to modern societies, have a long-term and visible impact, and help to advance fellows' careers and professional development. Through their experience in Germany, fellows will acquire greater knowledge of their fields, gain new international experience, and strengthen their intercultural competence - all essential qualities for future professional leaders.

Eligibility:

• Bachelor's or comparable academic degree, completed less than twelve years prior to the starting date of the fellowship (October 1 of the year following application)
• Citizenship of the United States, the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, Brazil or India 
• Candidates from all professions and disciplines are eligible to apply
• Demonstrated leadership potential; applicants whose background is largely academic should also have gained some leadership experience beyond their own research activities
• Either English or German language skills

Application:

• A project plan (approx. 3 pages)  
• A detailed host's statement, including a confirmation of support
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to comment on the candidate's professional, personal, and/or academic background
• New application deadline: September 15 
• Apply online: www.humboldt-foundation.de  

It is considered a prestigious fellowship and the alumni of the program typically have gone on to very successful careers. View past fellows by subject on the American Friends website: www.americanfriends-of-avh.org. Additional program information, frequently asked questions, and a brochure on recent AvH German Chancellor Fellows can be found on the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation's website.

Questions? Contact the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation or the American Friends office.

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Jean-Paul-Str. 12 53173 Bonn, GERMANY T: (+49) 0228-833-0 F: (+49) 0228-833-199 E: info@avh.de www.humboldt-foundation.de

American Friends of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation 

1101 17th Street NW, Suite 603
Washington, DC 20036
T: +1 (202) 783-1907
info@americanfriends-of-avh.org
www.americanfriends-of-avh.org
*This e-mail was distributed by AFAvH. The American Friends of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is the professional partner of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in the United States.

AMERICORPS WATERSHED AMBASSADORS

IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

July 19, 2013

Contact: Lawrence Ragonese  (609) 292-2994

                Bob Considine           (609) 984-1795

                Chloe Gogo               (609) 984-1795

                       

CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION SEEKS 2014 AMERICORPS WATERSHED AMBASSADORS

Future New Jersey Environmental Leaders Cultivated in this Program 

(13/P75) TRENTON -- New Jersey is looking for its next generation of environmental leaders, young people with a hands-on desire to improve their state and the quality of life for all of our residents. Some of those future leaders are likely to be found in the Department of Environmental Protection’s AmeriCorps New Jersey Watershed Ambassadors Program, which is now seeking recruits for its 2014 class.

“What makes this program so excellent is that it develops environmental stewardship in our young people, who are the leaders of tomorrow,’’ said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. “They’re the ones who will be entrusted with the task of protecting New Jersey’s environment, its air and water and natural and historic resources, long after we are gone. It is really heartening so know such talented young people will be in charge of our future.’’

Coordinators are currently accepting applications for the next group of AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors through August 30th. There are 20 potential watershed management areas across the state where an ambassador can be placed. Ambassadors work with all sectors of society to improve the quality of New Jersey’s waterways, nurturing community-based environmental activities, and empowering State residents to make responsible and informed decisions regarding their watersheds.

“Individuals who are selected for the Watershed Ambassadors program go through a rigorous training program that prepares them to work in the environmental field, particularly in the area of water resources,” said Jill Lipoti, DEP’s Division of Water Monitoring and Standards Director. “Ambassadors have proven to be extremely valuable resources in assisting the State with its new focus on Green Infrastructure.  They outdid themselves this past year by completing 9 rain barrel workshops at which 164 rain barrels were constructed. ”

Members of the current class of 2013 recently completed their year of service, graduating on July 12 at a ceremony held at the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area in Robbinsville. In addition to gaining valuable knowledge and experience, they have grown to be integral parts of the communities where they were assigned.

"The New Jersey Watershed Ambassador Program has been an incredible learning experience.” said recent graduate Blaire Langston, who served with the Musconetcong Watershed Association.  “It is rewarding to give back to the community you grew up in and have the chance to work with professionals who share your enthusiasm for environmental protection. Meeting and serving alongside these hard workers has motivated me to do great things in my career." 

Prior to joining to the program, Langston studied Marine Science at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

“The AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador program has completely exceeded my expectations,” said recent graduate Melanie Jackson, who was stationed with the Hackensack Riverkeeper.  “This program has made me a well-rounded person and has given me a sense of fulfillment that I have never experienced before.”

Prior to the entering the program, Jackson studied Marine Science and Biology at the University of Miami.

The graduation ceremony featured a tribute to Akili Lynn Gordon, who was the program manager for five years until her sudden passing in December 2012.  Akili was instrumental in guiding the Ambassadors through the program and would have been very proud to see the 2013 class graduate.  A tree has been planted in Akili’s memory at the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area, and a commemorative stone, as well as water from all 20 watershed management areas (representing each Ambassador), were placed there as well.

The DEP began hosting this federal AmeriCorps program in 2000. AmeriCorps is a national service initiative that began in 1993 and is also known as the domestic Peace Corps. The organization recently announced grants for programs, nationwide. New Jersey’s Watershed Ambassadors Program was a recipient and received $260,000 in federal funding for 2014.

Ambassadors are expected to complete 1,700 hours of service in a 10 to 11 month period. In return, they receive a living stipend of up to $12,100 over the course of the term; eligibility for health benefits during this period; and training prior to and throughout their term of service. Once they complete the program, they receive an education award of $5,550.  Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a bachelor's degree, and must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to get to and from field sites.

In 2013, 20 individuals served as the DEP’s AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors. Current accomplishments to date include:

·                     1,671 educational watershed demonstrations performed reaching 42,549 people;

·                     Nearly 1,000 visual and biological assessments completed;

·                     Implementation of the Lake Watch protocol for assessment of over 100 lakes;

·                     2,000 volunteers trained in the DEP’s visual and biological assessment protocols;

·                     Engaged in 90 community watershed projects generating about 14,000 stewardship hours;

·                     Installed 2 rain gardens which are featured on DEP’s new Green Infrastructure Web Page;

·                     Served as captains for Governor Christie’s Barnegat Bay Blitz initiative;

·                     Served as captains for Delaware River and Bay – Dash for the Trash and Raritan River Rubbish Roundup Cleanups to commemorate National AmeriCorps Week

Interested applicants for the 2013-2014 Program should apply by August 30 online at http://www.nj.gov/dep/wms/bear/recruit.htm to download the application and reference forms.  Interested applicants should submit their application, resume and cover letter to NJWAP@dep.state.nj.us.

For additional information, please contact Kimberly Cenno or Jennifer Noblejas, Co-Program Managers, at (609) 633-1441.

NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program

Division of Water Monitoring and Standards Bureau of Environmental Analysis and Restoration

Mail Code: 401-04I

401 E. State Street, PO Box 420

Trenton, NJ 08625-0420

Phone: 609-633-1441 Fax: 609-984-6505

NJWAP@dep.state.nj.us 

For more information on the NJDEP’s AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program, visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/wms/bear/americorps.htm  

For more information on the AmeriCorps National Service Initiative, visit: www.americorps.gov