New Upgrades on Patch: More Headlines, Better Conversation
Find out more about the new homepage changes on South End Patch. South End Patch News
7 Jobs that Make the World a Better Place
The following story was provided by AOLJobs.com By: Debra Auerbach for CareerBuilder Have you ever had an itch to quit your job and instead do work that makes a real difference in the world? In honor of Earth Day on April 22, we’ve compiled a list of seven jobs that help people live a better life – from the buildings they work and live in, to the energy that fuels their homes, to the air they breathe. 1. Conservation scientist: Conservation scientists are hired to help preserve and protect natural habitats. They usually work with landowners and federal, state and local governments to find the best ways to use and improve the land while conserving the environment.* How to become one: Conservation scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related field. It helps job prospects to have a degree from programs that are accredited by the Society of American Foresters and other similar organizations. Pay: According to Economic Modeling Specialists International, conservation scientists earn a median hourly income of $ 28.28. If you’re looking for a green job in the South End, check out our jobs page. 2. Energy auditor: When a building is cooled or heated, it uses energy. Buildings often leak energy, so they produce extra heat or air to compensate, which wastes more energy. Energy auditors help curb energy waste by inspecting buildings to find areas of air leakage and advising customers on how to fix and prevent leaks. How to become one: There are no nationwide education or training requirements for energy auditors, but some states require auditors to take courses or earn a certification. Certification is available through organizations such as the Building Performance Institute, the Residential Energy Services Network and the Association of Energy Engineers. Some local technical and community colleges also offer energy auditing courses. Pay: Since it’s such a new field, national wage information is currently unavailable. If you’re looking for a green job in the South End, check out our jobs page. More: How To Find A Job That Is A Good ‘Fit’ 3. Green construction manager: Construction is another area that has seen an emergence of green jobs. As interest for environmental protection increases, the demand for green buildings grows with it. Construction managers that specialize in green buildings plan, direct, coordinate and budget construction projects, ensuring that onsite processes are environmentally friendly. This could mean setting up a recycling plan for unused construction materials or protecting environmentally sensitive areas of the site. They’re also responsible for choosing contractors who have knowledge of green building techniques. How to become one: Most construction managers come to the job with experience working on other similar projects. Most also hold a bachelor’s degree […]
Upper Crust: New Owner Says Restaurant ‘Will Be Run Better’
It’s new management and new faces for the South End’s Upper Crust, as it reopens under new management after being closed for several months. The firm UC Acquisitions purchased the property in January along with locations in Wellesley, Watertown and Lexington during an auction after its previous owners filed for bankruptcy last year. The troubled pizza chain’s former owner, Jordan Tobins, was accused of several labor issues including failing to pay employees their wages, allegedly relying on undocumented workers for labor, and using company money for personal use. Despite reports from some media outlets that the former owner Tobins was connected to the new ownership, Shawn Shenefield, Director of Operations at UC Acquisitions Shawn Shenefield said Tobins is playing no role in the re-opened chain. “From what I can tell there’s no connection,” said Shenefield. “UC Acquisitions manages money for wealthy families, and I think one of the original owners knew him, but there’s no involvement for operations.” The South End store re-opened for business on March 22nd. Shenefield said that although the South End space has been renovated, the product is mostly unchanged, still relying on fresh ingredients, of which many are locally sourced. “It’s a great product, it’s a great brand, and we all believe in that,” he said. “It just needs to be run properly.” Shenefield said another change at the re-opened pizza chain is to focus more on its employees. “We’re going to make sure our employees are well trained and well taken care of,” he said. “We have great employees, and we were lucky enough to have a couple people come back who worked for the previous company.” Shenefield said this is the ownership group’s first venture into a retail restaurant business, and have been “very involved and interested” in the company’s day-to-day operations. “We’re not doing anything fancy – just going back to the basics with a good product, good service, and great employees,” he said. “”The product is going to be great, and the restaurants are going to be run better than they were before.” SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Bus Attack Leads to Call to Better Protect MBTA Drivers
The president of the MBTA operator’s union is calling for increased efforts on part of police, prosecutors and lawmakers in the wake of a 15-person attack on a bus driver in Dorchester Saturday. Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589 John Lee said in a statement published on the union’s website March 10 that such attacks deserve immediate attention by state lawmakers. “The Boston Carmen’s Union ATU Local 589 is relieved and thankful that the Bus Driver, attacked in the early morning hours, was not more seriously injured,” the statement said. “However this assault by a reported mob on an isolated Local 589 member simply doing his job illustrates the need for public safety officials and the legislature to act quickly before a transit worker is killed.” The Boston Globe reported Sunday that there have been 22 reported cases of MBTA drivers who have been assaulted or threatened in 2013 and 18 cases during the same period in 2012. Lee calls for new recognition by lawmakers on House Bill 1508/Senate Bill 718 “An Act to Authorize the Arrest for Assault and Battery on a Public Employee,” which would make it possible for police to arrest a suspect without a warrant should there be sufficient probable cause, according to the language of the bill. The bill was referred to the joint committee on the judiciary Jan. 23 by both the house and senate, though there are no hearings immediately scheduled. “MBTA and RTA workers, male and female, are on the job in the early morning hours and late into the night,” Lee’s post continued. “They are often isolated while working in buses, trolleys and transit stations and are increasing becoming the target of violence. It is well passed time for a crackdown on the thugs that target working women and men on any public transit job.” SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch