Photos by Ellie Goldberg
PRESS RELEASE
September 15, 2015
7th Massachusetts Green Careers Conference
Thursday, October 1, 8am-4pm, Marlborough Holiday Inn
Your Future in Clean Energy and Sustainability
The 7th Massachusetts Green Careers Conference will be held on October 1 at the Marlborough Holiday Inn. The conference connects stakeholders from government, academia, business, and nonprofits; green-career-ready candidates; and learners.
Massachusetts is still a national leader in creating environmental jobs especially in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability.
“Companies are accepting resumes at the conference this year. We have 165 job listings so far and more are expected,” says conference director, Jen Boudrie. “Companies need engineers, technicians, electricians, sales staff, project managers, and a whole variety of other career-ready professionals. Entry-level, co-op, and internships are available, too.“
Forty-five presenters cover sixteen topics: Your Green Career Plan, From College to Your Career, Help Wanted – See Who’s Hiring, Green Economic Development, The Growing Clean Energy Sector, Water Quality, Zero Waste, Sustainability Management, Multi-Modal Transportation, Green Buildings, Green Infrastructure Careers, Sustainable Food Chains, The Media & Sustainability, Climate Change, Pollution Prevention & Health, and Environmental Practices – Policy & Compliance.
Three leaders in the opening keynote will highlight jobs in the “Clean, Green and Blue” state economy and the expanding clean energy, water technology, and marine-related industries. Carolyn A. Kirk, Deputy Secretary, Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development; and Vice Chair / Executive Secretary for the Seaport Economic Council joined the Baker/Polito administration in January 2015 after serving seven years as the first woman mayor in the city of Gloucester. Jeremy McDiarmid is Senior Director of Innovation and Industry Support for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) where he oversees business and workforce development strategies to strengthen the clean energy sector in Massachusetts. Kevin Doyle is an environmental workforce consultant for business, government, academic, and nonprofit clients. He’s the co-author of three eco-career reference books and many “green job” studies.
The 45 presenters include: Alice Kaufman, Manager of Operations and Regional Sustainability Officer, US EPA; Kathryn Rodgers, Senior Scientist, Silent Spring Institute; Christin Walth, Toward Zero Waste Newburyport; Michelle Waters Ekanem, Director of Diversity, Department of Environmental Protection; Beth Daly, Senior Investigative Reporter and Trainer, New England Center for Investigative Reporting; and Joe Bevilacqua, President/CEO, Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chairman, MA Workforce Investment Board, and Chairman of the Board, MA Economic Development Council.
HR representatives and hiring managers will also be presenting from 8 companies. They’ll describe job openings and their hiring process.
Acclaimed singer and song writer, Sharon Abreu, who provides arts-based environmental education will provide a special program during lunch.
“Each year we offer fresh ideas and excellent resources for career development,” says Boudrie. “Presenters talk about current trends. Exhibitors accept resumes and offer education. Coaches provide career guidance.”
Exhibitors are: Ameresco, Antioch University, Boston Architectural College, Clark University, The Conway School, Co-op Power, Green Planning and Coaching, Irthlingz, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Nexamp, Next Step Living, Planet Aid, Recharged Solutions, RISE Engineering, Solectria Renewables, Sunrun, UMass Boston, and Weston & Sampson.
The conference is Thursday, October 1. Registration and exhibits open at 8am and presentations begin at 8:30 am at the Holiday Inn at 265 Lakeside Ave in Marlborough. The conference ends at 4 pm.
A gold sponsor of the conference is the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC).
Registration $75, students $45, provides full access to the conference: exhibits, speakers, coaching, networking, roundtable discussions, breakfast, lunch, parking, and wifi. Info at www.MassGreenCareers.org.