The document discusses pathways to careers in conservation and environmental protection. It outlines the role and responsibilities of municipal conservation commissions in Massachusetts, including protecting natural resources, wetlands, and open space. The document provides two case studies of individuals who started as volunteers and were able to obtain full-time jobs in conservation through pathways like internships, graduate school, and service as conservation commissioners or with organizations like MACC. Resources for conservation career opportunities in Massachusetts are also listed.

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Conservation Commission
Volunteer
Pathway to a Green Career
Michele Girard
Associate Director and Education Coordinator
Massachusetts Association of Conservation
Commissioners
Green Career Conference 2013
Marlborough, MA
To protect Massachusetts natural resources by
supporting Conservation Commissions through
education and advocacy.
 Annual Environmental Conference
 Environmental Handbook
 Erosion & Sediment Control Field Guide
 Specialized education programs
 Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners
 Helpline and Forum
 Advocacy—Comment letters, testimony, amicus briefs, and assist
state agencies and other environmental organizations with
outreach efforts (e.g. DEP, DCR, Mass Rivers Alliance)
MACC Mission

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Education Programs
Available
Later
This
Fall !
MACC Electronic Handbook

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 Intersection of science, law and policy for the protection
and conservation of natural resources in your municipality
 Team—bring your skills to the table, learn new skills—on
the job training
 Opportunity to network, share, learn, advocate
 Meeting facilitation, public speaking, etc
Municipal Conservation Commission
• Conservation Commission Act--1957
• Open Space and Resource Protection Responsibilities
Draft Open Space and Recreation Plans
Acquire Open Space/Protect Natural Resources
Hold & Monitor Conservation Restrictions
Open Space Stewardship-land management
Conservation Commissioner
Job Description, Part 1

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Land Acquisition-Start to Finish
Protect Wildlife Habitat

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Conservation Land Management
Wetlands Protection Act--1972
Wetland Protection Responsibilities
 Implement WPA, regulations and local bylaw/ordinance
 Familiarity with resource areas
 Familiarity with local flora, fauna and soils
 Review development proposals
 Conduct site visits and issue permits
 Appeals and enforcement
Conservation Commissioner Job
Description, Part 2

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Identify Wetland Vegetation
Delineate Wetlands

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Attend Education Programs
Certify Vernal Pools

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Perform Community Outreach

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Start where you are:
 Volunteer—Mass Audubon Sanctuary
 Volunteer--Associate Conservation Commissioner
 Attend Graduate School – Natural Resource Management
 Volunteer--Conservation Commissioner, appointed
 Practicum at MassDEP Wetlands Program
 Part-time job as Conservation Agent
 Full time job as Assistant Conservation Administrator
 Volunteer—MACC Board
 Full time job at MACC
 Volunteer—land trust, NEWFS, SWSC
Volunteer Pathway to
Conservation Career—Case Study
Self-employed in the construction business
Appointed Conservation Commissioner
MACC Internship with specific goal to become
Conservation Administrator
Part-time Conservation Administrator in two towns
Internship Pathway to
Conservation Career—Case Study

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 Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC)
www.maccweb.org
 Massachusetts Society of Municipal Conservation Professionals
(MSMCP)
 Mass LIFT- Americorps http://www.mountgrace.org/masslift-
americorps
 http://www.conservationjobboard.com/Massachusetts/
 www.idealist.org
Additional Resources

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Michele Girard,
Associate Director and Education Coordinator
Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions
10 Juniper Road
Belmont, MA 02478
Ph: 617.489.3930
Fax: 617. 489.3935
www.maccweb.org
Contact Information