Seeking Environmental Educators for 2022-2023 AmeriCorps Term

Posted on August 11, 2022 by Al Bergstein

From the PT Marine Science Center

Inspire students, visitors, and the whole community to explore, experience, connect with, and take action to protect and steward the unique ecosystems of the Salish Sea.

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC) is seeking three Marine Stewardship Educator AmeriCorps Members to join our team dedicated to conserving the Salish Sea. These are full-time 10 ½ month positions starting October 17, 2022. These stipend-supported positions are sponsored by the Washington Service Corps AmeriCorps program. These positions are contingent upon funding.

PTMSC is a non-profit marine conservation, science and education organization located in Fort Worden State Park and downtown Port Townsend, Washington. Our two park facilities house a small vibrant aquarium featuring life from the nearshore habitats of the Salish Sea, a museum with a fully-articulated orca skeleton and natural history collections, and classrooms. (The new downtown facility is currently being developed.) Our exhibits also explore how human impacts such as climate change stress the fragile ecosystems in the Salish Sea, and what people can do, through their collective actions, to affect positive change. Based in a rural community with limited access to high quality science programming, PTMSC provides valuable, science-based learning opportunities for all ages. We do this through hands-on educational activities, public programs, social media, and citizen science projects. As a long standing part of our community (40+ years) we prioritize and model the positive actions being taken to steward these lands and waters for future generations. 

AmeriCorps members will be recruited and interviewed in August and September, 2022. Primary activities shift seasonally, with an emphasis on school programs in the winter/spring and exhibit interpretation and day camps in the summer. Throughout the term, members help to coordinate and participate in a range of on-site and field-based citizen science projects with staff, volunteers, and our partners. Additionally, team members will learn about and assist with animal collection, animal care, and aquatic life support. And they coordinate volunteers to assist with research and outreach events, and collaborate with staff in developing new programs. There is a lot happening at PTMSC! Visit www.ptmsc.org to learn more.

DUTIES: All AmeriCorps positions will conduct activities within the following focus areas in order to inspire conservation of the Salish Sea:

1) Education (30%): Provide hands-on, inquiry-based K-12 science programs to students in economically disadvantaged schools.

2) Exhibits (40%): Provide meaningful informal science education through the operation, interpretation, and upkeep of our two exhibit halls and engage the public through tours and educational programs.

3) Volunteers/Outreach (15%): Provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds utilizing effective volunteer management strategies, such as training, coordinating, and recognizing volunteers. Provide outreach to the community through programs such as citizen science research, beach cleanups, tabling events, and social media.

4) Research (15%): Assist and coordinate citizen science research projects, collect and enter data both in the field and in the lab for projects that include identifying harmful marine phytoplankton (SoundToxins), surveying intertidal organisms, collecting data on stranded marine mammals, or hosting an iNaturalist BioBlitz.

OPPORTUNITIES:

● Serve with a team of educators developing and delivering state-of-the-art science education, programs, and exhibits

● Support current research through projects in citizen science

● Receive training in natural history, marine biology, ecology, teaching and interpretation techniques, and care of cold water marine animals

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

● College degree or background in marine biology, natural history, environmental education, citizen science, or a related field; or equivalent experience

● Familiarity with concepts and methods of scientific research

● Energetic, self-motivated team player and willing to learn

● Ability and willingness to interact with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills

● Must be over 18 years old

● Must be able to serve a 10 ½ month term of service, and at least 1,700 hours

● Must have a current CPR and First Aid certification

● Must pass required federal background check

● Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National or Permanent Resident Alien of the United States

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands below are representative of those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

● Ability to walk on uneven terrain for up to two miles carrying up to 30 pounds

● Ability to lift 40 pounds from the floor

● Ability to climb and work from ladders and climb stairs

● Ability to reach, use, lift and move 20 pounds from shoulder height

● Ability to work in small and awkward spaces,

● Ability to work outside in inclement weather conditions

● Ability to stand or sit for up to 8 hours with one 30 min break and two 15 min breaks

BENEFITS:

● Monthly stipend of $1,571 per month (pre-tax)

● Medical insurance coverage

● Education award of $6,495 (for college tuition or loans) upon successful completion of service term

● Workers compensation coverage

● Child Care Assistance if income-eligible

● Loan forbearance on qualifying student loans

● Eligible for Washington State Food Assistance program

● Visit the Become A Member page to learn more about WSC program benefits 

TO APPLY: Applications consist of a letter of interest, resume, two letters of recommendation and three references; email submissions are preferred. Recommendations may be sent separately, but incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure your references will be available for contact. Applicants will also need to register on the MyAmeriCorps website to be considered for these service positions.

Submit applications via email to:

americorpsapplication@ptmsc.org

Port Townsend Marine Science Center 532 Battery Way Port Townsend, WA 98368

PRIORITY DEADLINE: Aug. 21, 2022 

FINAL DEADLINE: October 1, 2022
— 

Tracy Thompson
Volunteer Program Coordinator

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Job Opening: Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary

Posted on July 12, 2022 by Al Bergstein

Position Description: Enviro. Education & Stewardship Specialist. The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary AmeriCorps member will support education and outreach for Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, including planning, implementing and evaluating K-12 ocean science education programs based on Ocean Literacy Principles and best practices for NOAA B-WET “meaningful watershed educational experiences”.

AmeriCorps members will also assist sanctuary staff, in partnership with Washington CoastSavers, to plan and coordinate beach cleanups. Additionally, members will conduct public outreach with local service and interest groups and at prioritized community events such as Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival, Beachcombers Fun Fair, Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival and regional career fairs.

The position is based out of Port Angeles, WA, and will take place from Oct 2022 – Aug 2023.

Apply at:

https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=74731&fromSearch=true

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Clallam County Marine Resources Committee offers paid internships!

Posted on May 21, 2022 by Al Bergstein

Due date extended!

Do you enjoy doing citizen science work in our community? Do you want to earn while you learn? This year the Clallam Marine Resources Committee is expanding their internship program by offering two internships for Summer 2022.

The duration of the internships is approximately 80 hours @ $15/hr. with most of the work to be completed between June – August 2022. The interns will work closely with MRC members, Makah, Jamestown Biologists on one or more of these projects:

  • Green Crab Trapping and Removal: The intern will assist the Makah Tribe’s Marine Ecology program with their efforts to trap invasive European green crab in estuaries on the Makah Reservation. The internship will include both fieldwork and office/lab work.
  • Olympia Oyster monitoring: The intern will assist Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s Natural Resource Department with all aspects of Olympia Oyster surveys and monitoring. The internship will include both fieldwork and office/lab work.
  • Other: Pigeon Guillemot colony monitoring, kelp surveys via kayak, shellfish biotoxin sampling,data entry and other duties as assigned.

The interns will present their work at the Intern Celebration August 15, 2022.

If you are interested in being an intern, we recommend you browse the MRC website http://www.clallamcountymrc.org/ for more background, and then submit a letter of intent to the Clallam MRC at rebecca.mahan@co.clallam.wa.us or 223 East 4th St. Suite 5, Port Angeles, WA 98362. The application due date for the two internships is May 27, 2022.

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Arlington electric aircraft maker logs order for 75 planes- Everett Herald

Posted on April 21, 2022 by Al Bergstein

The future is coming whether we accept it or not. On the same day that the Biden Administration announced it is planning to give $6B to support the economically failed world of nuclear power, the next generation planes are being ordered. While many red state politicians want you to continue our massive taxpayer funded subsidies to fossil fuels, it would be great to see continued investment in this technology that will fuel the second half of this century airplanes.

ARLINGTON — Eviation Aircraft, the Arlington company that has built a fully electric commuter airplane, got a hefty boost this week when one of the nation’s largest commuter airlines, Cape Air, signed a letter of intent to buy 75 of the Eviation Alice model.

https://www.heraldnet.com/business/arlington-electric-aircraft-maker-logs-a-hefty-order/

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Salmon Need Trees – Hakai Magazine

Posted on October 21, 2021 by Al Bergstein

As a follow up to the last post, as if we needed a reminder. Another study questioning the wisdom of cutting forests for profit rather than habitat. A clearcut is not a forest. A second growth tree farm is not a forest. It’s a monoculture.

A new study stands as a striking reminder that logging watersheds has an outsized impact on salmon and trout. Led by Kyle Wilson at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, the study looked at the successes and failures of five species of salmonids in the Keogh River (called Giyuxw by the local Kwakiutl First Nation) on northern Vancouver Island. For steelhead trout, the salmonid Wilson and his colleagues had the most data for, the problems the fish faced in the BC river hit the population just as hard as the challenges they faced out at sea. Wilson suspects the same holds true for other species with similar life cycles. Nicola Jones reports. (Hakai Magazine)

Salmon Need Trees

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Lower Elwha restoration project in progress – PDN

Posted on July 20, 2021 by Al Bergstein

More good news on the restoration of the Elwha. Also good news for jobs for local people and the economy. Restoration work is job creating work. It’s good for the economy and for the environment. The long term effects of this work will be visible for generations.


The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe is conducting a beach restoration project at the former Olympic Rowing Club site on Ediz Hook through mid-August. The tribe’s restoration crew will remove existing piers and shoreline armoring such as concrete, creosote beams, riprap and metal, said Tiffany Royal, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission spokesperson. (Peninsula Daily News)

Lower Elwha restoration project in progress

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Partnership puts pressure on DNR for expansion of Dabob Bay Natural Area – PT Leader

Posted on December 11, 2020 by Al Bergstein

Trying to finalize the protection of the Toandos Peninsula. This is currently the largest conservation project in East Jefferson County.

Conservation groups, Tribes, community members and shellfish farmers are banding together to press the state to expand the Dabob Bay Natural Area.

If approved, the expansion of the protected lands on the Toandos Peninsula would be the preserve’s third since 2009.   

In a letter addressed to Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, the consortium — spearheaded by the Northwest Watershed Institute — called for an expansion of the southern boundary of the Dabob Bay Natural Area to include a series of recently-discovered rare forests. 

Partnership puts pressure on DNR for expansion of Dabob Bay Natural Area | Port Townsend Leader (ptleader.com)

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Trump to strip protections from Tongass National Forest, one of the biggest intact temperate rainforests Seattle Times

Posted on October 29, 2020 by Al Bergstein

And so it continues, the rolling back of environmental protection in some of our most critical remaining habitat. Vote Democratic and for Biden to end this madness.

President Donald Trump will open up more than half of Alaska’s Tongass National Forest to logging and other forms of development, according to a notice posted Wednesday, stripping protections that had safeguarded one of the world’s largest intact temperate rainforests for nearly two decades.

Logging in Alaska costs U.S. taxpayers millions each year, because of a long-standing federal mandate that companies profit from any timber sale. This means the Forest Service often covers harvesters’ costs, including road building. According to a Taxpayer for Common Sense analysis of the Forest Service’s accounts, the Tongass timber program has lost roughly $1.7 billion over the last 40 years.

Seattle Times

https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/trump-to-strip-protections-from-tongass-national-forest-among-worlds-biggest-intact-temperate-rainforests/

Filed under: Climate Change, Environmental Protection, forestry, Government, legislation | Tagged: , , | 2 Comments »

JOB Opportunity: Education Program Coordinator

Posted on August 24, 2020 by Al Bergstein

From The North Olympic Salmon Coalition:

We are excited to announce an opportunity for a talented individual to join our team here at the North Olympic Salmon Coalition (NOSC)!  NOSC has a reputation as a leader in salmon habitat restoration, education and volunteer programs on the North Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.  Please share the attached job description and announcement below via your usual avenues and with any qualified individuals who might be interested. 

Position name:      Education Program Coordinator

Position location:This is a remote position that will engage virtually and in person (for filming as needed) with NOSC staff and volunteers located in the Port Angeles and Port Townsend areas of the North Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.

Anticipated start:            Mid- to late September 2020

Application deadline:     All applications are due by email by 12PM PST – Tuesday September 8, 2020

Education Program Coordinator:NOSC is seeking proposals from qualified applicants with experience in online curriculum development and virtual instruction to assist with the adaptation of its Real Learning, Real Work education curriculum to a virtual platform and to execute the online curriculum with students from school districts on the North Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. The Real Learning, Real Work education program teaches middle school students the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills necessary to envision, design, and implement their own salmon habitat restoration projects. Taking on the role of a restoration professional, students learn how to use new tools, take field notes, and practice adaptive management. They also connect with professionals in the fields of science, engineering and natural resource management so they can envision themselves in STEM careers. For more information, visit: https://nosc.org/join-our-team/. Many thanks for helping us get the word out about this exciting opportunity!  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Yours sincerely, Catherine MarzyckMembership & Office AdministratorNorth Olympic Salmon Coalition205 W. Patison St. Suite BPort Hadlock, WA 98339Office: (360) 379-8051Web: www.nosc.org

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Job listing: P/T Program Assistant – Jefferson MRC

Posted on May 23, 2018 by Al Bergstein

 

2018 Program Assistant  – Job Posting – Temporary, Part-time 

APPOINTMENT:   July 1 – Nov. 30, 2018.  Total of 325 hours over 5 months. 

ORGANIZATION/LOCATION:   Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee (MRC), based at the WSU Extension Office, 121 Oak Bay Rd, Port Hadlock, WA  98339  

SALARY:   $20.00/hour, no benefits. Workdays and times will vary.  

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  This person will assist the MRC in bringing stormwater-related educational programs and activities to 3-5 communities or neighborhoods in Jefferson County.   

TASKS:  The Program Assistant will:  

  • Write and submit short articles on stormwater management and rain gardens for community/neighborhood newsletters 
  • Work with each community association’s board or designated committee to plan and implement at least one action-based program 
  • Establish a mechanism for disseminating and managing short-term community incentive programs that would encourage participation and collaboration 
  • Submit press releases to the Peninsula Daily News, Port Townsend Leader newspapers, and other local news outlets 
  • Utilize social media to disseminate announcements, invitations to participate, and project news 
  • Work with volunteers to assemble public outreach table displays and provide staffing for selected community events 
  • Share written materials with 2 other MRCs 

 

SUPERVISED BY:  Bob Simmons (WSU Extension) and Cheryl Lowe (MRC Coordinator) 

 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

The successful applicant will be self-directed and motivated; able to work independently; and have strong organizational skills. S/he must have a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with diverse audiences; be familiar with online technology including website updates and social media tools: and have experience working with volunteers. Some knowledge of stormwater issues and/or experience with environmental education is preferred.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

  • The applicant must be at least 18 years old and have completed at least one year of post-secondary coursework.  
  • Successful completion of a background check.  
  • Possess a valid WA driver’s license and have reliable transportation with current automobile liability insurance. 

APPLICATION & DEADLINE:  

Submit a letter of intent and resume to the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee at Cheryl.lowe@wsu.edu . 

 

Deadline for submitting application is June 7, 2018. 

 

In your letter of intent, please answer the following questions:  

  • Why do you want to be an MRC Program Assistant?  
  • How do you see yourself contributing to the stormwater management effort through this position?  
  • What skills do you have that will be particularly useful for this position?  
  • How does this position fit into your future plans?  
  • How do you think you will benefit from this position?  

A selection committee will review the submitted materials and contact qualified applicants to schedule interviews, tentatively scheduled for June 14-15. Hiring decisions will be made within the following 2 weeks.   

 

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NOSC Accepting applications for Americorps/WA Conservation Corps

Posted on January 23, 2018 by Al Bergstein
The North Olympic Salmon Coalition is currently accepting application for their Americorps/Washington Conservation Corps Individual Placement Position. The job is a 6-month position with the opportunity to be extended into the 2018-2019, 11-month Americorps term.
Here is a link to the job description/application details
Thanks,
Katie McLean
Education and Outreach Associate
North Olympic Salmon Coalition
127 E. First Street, Mezzanine
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 504-5611
 

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Job openings at the PT Marine Science Center

Posted on April 20, 2017 by Al Bergstein

Got notified that there are openings right now. Check them out!

There are three jobs listed:
Summer Camp Assistant
Summer Intern
Marketing and Development Coordinator
and another soon to be announced.

http://ptmsc.org/get-involved/employment

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Job Opening in PT

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Al Bergstein
From Amy Leitman:
I am looking to hire someone to help fill some of my shoes here at Marine Surveys & Assessments. The position that I need to fill here in PT needs to have some experience working with agencies and/or clients and have worked through project conflicts. Biology background  required.  I am mostly looking for someone to pick up some of my responsibilities…
1. project management
2. RFP/RFQ Grant applications
3. Client/Agency interactions
4. Misc critical area site visits
5. Misc ESA and Critical Area report writing
I need someone who will not shirk from conflict and is happy to work in a dynamic and fluid work environment with lots of perks, team work, and interesting ecological puzzles.
Obviously, I would need someone to live near PT and/or at least come in 3 days a week.
Lots more information available. I would ideally like to see:
1. A cover letter
2. A resume
3. A short sample of writing
Call or email for more information as I look for my cinderell/a.
Thanks so much for passing the word around to qualified folks.
Amy Leitman
marine.surveys.inc@gmail.com

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2016 Jefferson County Master Gardener Training is Accepting Applications

Posted on December 30, 2015 by Al Bergstein

Each year, WSU Jefferson County trains new Master Gardeners to be effective community educators in gardening and environmental stewardship. The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program is open to everyone with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community.

 

Trainees will be using an online course provided by WSU, which they do mostly on their own time. WSU will supplement this training with classroom time, field trips, and various group activities.

 

Classes will take place on Thursdays, February 18 through May 5, 2016, 9 am-3 pm, at the Tri-Area Community Center, in Chimacum.

 

The cost for the Master Gardener Training Course is $250, of which $70 goes to WSU for the online training course.

 

For more information or to sign up, please email Jefferson County WSU Master Gardeners at mastergardenerjefferson@gmail.com or call 360 379-5610 ext, 210.

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Earth Economics – A new way of valuing ecosystems

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Al Bergstein

David Batker of Earth Economics

David Batker of Earth Economics presents their analysis of Clallam County ecosystems.

The Quarterly meeting of the Strait Environmental Recovery Network (ERN) met on Friday in Port Angeles. The ERN is chartered by the Puget Sound Partnership to get organizations together to prioritize work on recovery projects along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This month, we had David Batker, chief economist and Executive Director, of Earth Economics report on their work done for Clallam County. EE created a report called “Policy Implications of the Economic Benefits of Feeder Bluffs and 12 other Ecosystems” as part of the SMP. Sound boring? Think again…

EE has formed some new models to help understand the economic benefits of these ecosystems and their recovery. This is really revolutionary analysis. Constantly, opposition to environmental programs  rail about how fixing the environment is “too expensive” and “costs jobs”. This analysis turns that on it’s head. It makes it very hard to argue that it isn’t the *right thing* to fix the environment, from a purely economic perspective.

EE has done work around the world, and this is really ground breaking stuff. You can find more about them at http://www.eartheconomics.org.

The entire talk can be downloaded or listened to at:

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JOB OPPORTUNITY: PT Marine Science Center Volunteer Coordinator

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Al Bergstein

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is seeking an energetic, experienced professional for our full-time paid Volunteer Coordinator position to inspire and manage a corps of 175+ volunteers in serving our mission to Inspire Conservation of the Salish Sea. The position is responsible for volunteer recruitment, training, placement, retention and recognition and will participate in strategic planning including developing a plan to expand the volunteer program. It’s also responsible for administrative oversight of the PTMSC AmeriCorps program and for supervision of volunteer gift shop staff. Email cover letter and resume in PDF format toinfo@ptmsc.org. Job description can be found here. Please submit applications by November 18 at 5pm.

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Restoration Grants Coordinator Job for Nooksack Tribe

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Al Bergstein

Job Title: Restoration Grants Coordinator

Department: Natural Resources

Reports To: Habitat Program Manager

Type: Full Time

Position Opens: 2-22-12 Position Closes: 3-7-12

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for managing the diverse array of grants that support the Tribe’s watershed restoration program. Job duties include: (1) grant proposal writing; (2) grant management, including budget oversight, project management and reporting; (3) preparation of permit applications and working with permitting agencies to secure permits, and (4) preparing and overseeing contracts. This position will work in partnership with the Department’s Watershed Restoration Coordinators to ensure successful and timely implementation of restoration projects.

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIESConfused smile

See job description link below.

For the full job description, including education and experience requirements, please visit http://nooksackindiantribe.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Restoration-Grant-Coordinator1.pdf. 

To apply: Obtain an employment application at http://nooksackindiantribe.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Application-for-Employment.pdf. Mail application, and resume to 5016 Deming Road, Deming, WA 98244 or fax to 360-592- 2125. Application materials must be received in Human Resources no later than 5:00 pm on the closing date to be considered for this position.

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State issues RFP for $5.4 Million for watershed based ecosystem restoration

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Al Bergstein

Ecology and Commerce today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for projects that will protect or restore freshwater ecosystems in the watersheds of Puget Sound. The RFP and related documents are available at: www.ecy.wa.gov/puget_sound/grants_fed.html.

They will provide a maximum of $5.4 million to fund projects under two tracks:

· Protecting and Restoring Watersheds and

· Managing Land Use.

Both tracks are based in using a watershed approach. The first track is intended to focus on directly managing ecosystem processes, whereas the second track focuses more on managing development patterns within a watershed context.

Eligible Applicants

For the first track, eligible applicants include state, local and tribal governments, special purpose districts, public institutions and non-profit organizations. The second track is limited to local and tribal governments and special purpose districts. The geographic extent of this RFP includes only those watersheds that drain to Puget Sound.

Two-step Proposal Process

They anticipate there will be a strong interest in these funds and want to encourage all interested applicants to submit their proposals. Their first step will be initially requesting pre-proposals to determine the range of potential proposals, and to simplify the application and evaluation processes. They will evaluate the pre-proposals to determine which will be invited to submit final proposal applications. Pre-proposals are due September 19, 2011. Applicants should use the pre-proposal form available at the website shown above.

Encourage Collaborative Proposals

They  want to encourage regional collaboration and groups working in partnership on proposals. They are especially interested in soliciting applications from groups implementing local agendas with the Puget Sound Partnership as well as other regional consortia in the greater Puget Sound basin.

Sign-up on PSP Website to Receive Other NEP Grant Information

Sign up to receive e-mails about this and other funding opportunities under the National Estuary Program grants at www.psp.wa.gov/EPA_funding_FY10.php.

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Senate OKs bill to help sound and promote jobs

Posted on February 25, 2011 by Al Bergstein

2/24 Tacoma News Tribune
KATIE SCHMIDT; Staff writer

The state Senate took a step closer to setting up a new Puget Sound Corps Wednesday, a move supporters say would create jobs, reward veterans and attract federal funding.

In a 40-8 vote, the Senate passed a bill to add about 150 jobs to the Washington Conservation Corps, with many lawmakers calling it a great idea but others saying it was little more than a token gesture toward restoring the Puget Sound watershed.

“This bill is about streamlining government, about efficiency in government and about creating jobs in Washington State,” said Kevin Ranker, a Democrat from San Juan Island and the bill’s primary sponsor.

More at
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/02/24/1557409/senate-oks-bill-to-help-sound.html

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Dr. Tom Bancroft to direct People For Puget Sound

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Al Bergstein

The board of directors of People For Puget Sound is happy to announce the hiring of Tom Bancroft as the organization’s next executive director.

Bancroft, who holds a PhD in ecology, has had a distinguished career as an environmentalist and leader. Most recently he was Chief Scientist and Vice President of the National Audubon Society. Prior to that he was Vice President of The Wilderness Society. While he will be new to the Puget Sound region, he is well-acquainted with our challenges. Just last year, he headed up National Audubon’s scientific evaluations of the massive BP oil spill in the Gulf. He has worked for many years on restoration and management of the Everglades, and he is familiar with Puget Sound and its watersheds from his work with The Wilderness Society.

He will be relocating to Puget Sound from the Washington, DC area, and will be introduced at People For Puget Sound’s April 6 “New Day for Puget Sound” luncheon in Seattle, featuring speaker Sylvia Earle.

“It’s great to have an internationally-known scientist lead our organization and to carry on speaking the truth based on the best available science,” said Board President Bill Derry. “I am confident that he will take us to new levels, grow the organization and make us even more successful at protecting Puget Sound.”

“I am excited to be joining the People For Puget Sound team,” said Bancroft. “I am looking forward to working on the conservation of Puget Sound, a world-renowned estuary system. It’s a great time to be part of this effort.”

“I had the pleasure of meeting Tom during the selection process, and I am delighted that he will be the new leader of People For Puget Sound,” said Martha Kongsgaard, chair of the Puget Sound Partnership’s Leadership Council. “People For Puget Sound is one of our key partners in the effort to restore the Sound’s health, and I look forward to working with Tom as he moves into this new role.”

Tom will be succeeding founder and Executive Director Kathy Fletcher who will be retiring at the end of June 2011.

“I am thrilled and confident about People For Puget Sound’s future under Tom Bancroft’s leadership,” said Fletcher. “He has the outstanding background and personal qualities we were looking for.

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