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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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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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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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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