Rutgers Office of Continuing Professional Education (OCPE) training

The NJ Clean Communities Council is partnering with the Rutgers/NJAES Office of Continuing Professional Education (OCPE) to offer the first certification training for Clean Communities program managers. This three-day course will offer in-depth training on programming, statistical reporting, volunteer management and related topics in an informal atmosphere that encourages critical thinking and innovation.

Radon Measurement Proficiency
September 24-25, 2012 | 8:30am - 5:00pm
From radon science basics to certification test preparation, our Radon Measurement Proficiency course is your best introduction to the why, how and when of radon measurement. This course will prepare you to sit for national (NEHA, NRSB) or state radon measurement proficiency certification exams. You can take either of the National Radon Measurement Proficiency Certification Exams at the end of the course. If you are interested in taking one of the national exams, you must register for it separately at an additional cost.

The Rutgers EPH Program is a 7-week course followed by a 200 hour field training internship that provides the expertise and hands-on experience you need to prepare for the NJ Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) state licensing exam. Students who successfully complete the program (class + internship), are eligible to sit for the state REHS licensing exam (REHS = Registered Environmental Health Specialist). Because the REHS license is required for health inspector positions at local and county health departments and is a credential used in the private sector where inspections / sampling / monitoring of food, air, water or soil is necessary (eg. non-profit environmental groups, environmental consulting firms, grocery stores), it is plain to see how Rutgers’ EPH program can help you advance your career!!

This introductory one-day course combines both classroom instruction as well as hands-on field visitation to provide you with a basic understanding of how wetlands are created and sustained. In the morning, you will review the connection between soil, water, and vegetation which creates a wetland. After lunch, gain practical experience using a soil auger to investigate hydrologic evidence for wetland delineation, water table depth and evaluation, and Hydrogeomorphic Models (HGM’s) identification. By understanding the hydrology, you will understand the distribution and circulation of water in a wetland. If you are planning to delineate, manage, or construct a wetland, you will need to be able to identify and calculate the movement of water through the wetland.

If you work anywhere near wetlands, you need to understand the rules and regulations protecting these natural resources. Learn the ins and outs of the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act from the people who know it best - the NJDEP Division of Land Use Regulation. Whether you are a municipal engineer, environmental consultant, real estate professional or lawyer, working with wetlands is a tricky business. In this one day course, you will learn how to apply for Letters of Interpretation, General Permits, Individual Freshwater/State Open Water Fill Permits and Transition Area Waivers so that you can get the correct permit processed efficiently and get the job done. "This course provided insight into the definitions and understanding of current freshwater regulations from regulators. Information can be applied directly to work stations."

Plants are the most obvious clues to wetland boundaries. This two-day combination classroom and field course will teach you how to quickly and confidently identify plant species that are important in determining if an area meets the hydrophytic vegetation criterion for wetland delineation, focusing on ID characteristics. Learn basic plant ID groups, basic plant morphology and some basic botanical terminology. This is a field-based course, so please dress accordingly for the outdoors.

Featured Topics -Introduction to Plant Identification and Wetland Plant Indicator Statuses -Use of keys in the field -Plant Names, Plant Groups, General Plant Morphology -Basic Botanical Terminology -Woody Plant Morphology -Grass Morphology -Sedge/Rush Morphology

This four-day course will introduce you to delineating wetlands using the Federal Interagency Wetland Delineation Manual, which is required for use in New Jersey. Techniques taught will also be applicable to individuals interested in using the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual. Learn how to recognize key indicators of wetlands (hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils and other signs of wetland hydrology) and how to use them to follow the delineation methods outlined in the manual. Immediately apply criteria learned in the classroom while performing wetland determinations during team field exercises. Features of Wetland Indicators > Vegetation: Analyze plant communities and identify dominant plants and indicators of hydrophytic vegetation > Soils: Identify sandy and non-sandy hydric soils based on the National List of hydric soil field indicators > Hydrology: Recognize direct and indirect indicators

In this one-day combination classroom and field course, a nationally recognized wetlands expert will review the skills you need to identify freshwater wetlands and their boundaries and introduce you to wetland plant identification and soil recognition. You will learn: Why wetlands are important How they differ What indicators are used for wetland identification About the current regulations in New Jersey You’ll also find out how to access and use government maps in order to identify wetlands on your property, on lands you may be interested in purchasing or on properties on which you conduct environmental, landscaping or other site development or remediation work. You’ll even get you a simple introduction to the practice of wetland delineation (the technical skill of determining a wetlands precise boundaries) --- all in one day!

This one-day class is meant for pond owners, pond managers, landscape architects, engineers and anyone involved with the design, management or maintenance of ponds. This course is structured to help you make the proper decisions regarding the appearance, function or up-keep of your pond. Starting with design, learn how to build a pond, including the construction of embankments and dams and the selection and installation of liners. Learn also how to create and maintain a stable shoreline, create and aquascape littoral benches, and optimize habitat for fish and aquatic wildlife. NEW FOR 2012!! Learn the basics regarding various regulations governing pesticide use and permits, including an update on the new 2012 NPDES permit requirement! Additional focus is placed on the management of stormwater basins with respect to MS4 compliance requirements. This will cover inspections, maintenance, repair/enhancement and reporting/record keeping.

Are there hazardous substances or health hazards at your work site? If so, federal regulations require that you attend a HAZWOPER refresher training every year so that you can stay safe on the job. The Rutgers OSHA HAZWOPER Refresher Course > Offers Hands-On Exercises > Provides Practical Training > Fulfills Federal Safety Training Regulations