(12) Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Stewards

Job description

Applications must be submitted through the official job posting on Workday. Visit ccesaratoga.org/jobs to apply.

As part of CCE Saratoga’s Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) program, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Watercraft Stewards provide public education and outreach at boat launches regarding statewide Clean, Drain, Dry practices in order to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Watercraft Stewards collect research data daily from interactions with the public using the Survey123 Watercraft Inspection Steward Program Application (WISPA).

Location:

The Capital Region PRISM includes Albany, Columbia, Greene, Herkimer, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Washington counties.

Watercraft Stewards work independently at various boat launch locations throughout the Capital Region PRISM. A map of launch locations can be found on the capitalregionprism.org webpage.

Work Schedule:

Watercraft Stewards work on a full-time, seasonal (temporary) basis from May through September. Work schedules are typically Thursday-Monday, including holidays, from 7:00 am – 3:30 pm with a 30-minute meal period, though schedules may also vary depending on program needs.

Duration:

The Watercraft Steward program runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with several days of required programmatic training on May 17, 20, and 21, 2024.

Compensation: Paid at the rate of $18.55 per hour.

To Apply & For Further Details:

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible or by March 20, 2024, however, this posting will remain open until positions are filled. Position closing dates may also change based on Association needs.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Experience, knowledge, coursework or an interest in a career in a natural resource or education field (e.g., environmental sciences, environmental education, interpretation, education, natural resource policy, natural resource management, water resources, forestry, etc.) or other related field.
• Ability to work independently at program boat launch sites.
• Ability to work a full-time schedule, Thursday through Monday, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to meet occasional travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage are required.
• Commitment to helping deliver diverse, equitable, and inclusive programs.
• Program Skills: Ability to effectively deliver related AIS programs. Ability demonstrate and teach AIS prevention techniques. Serve as an effective subject matter resource. Maintain program data confidentiality. Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts, including frequent collaboration with staff, volunteers, and outside organizations.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal communication, writing, and environmental interpretation skills. Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels and educational tools. Ability to frequently and effectively communicate with recreational boaters, anglers, other park patrons, employees, and others.
• Computer Skills: Experience with or ability to learn internet, email and computer based software. Prior experience using a tablet or the ability to learn how to use a tablet for WISPA data collection is required.
• Work Environment: In addition to the Working Conditions, the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. This position works constantly at outdoor boat launch sites and in weather conditions including exposure to the sun, extreme heat, wind, water, precipitation, and cold. This position frequently lifts, moves or transports program supplies and materials. This position frequently stands and walks and frequently positions self (e.g. pulling, bending, reaching, touching, kneeling, using hands to feel/reach) while inspecting watercraft and/or demonstrating proper AIS preventative watercraft cleaning and launching techniques. This position requires the ability to safely operate small manually operated watercraft (e.g. kayak, canoe, etc.). This position frequently performs and demonstrates AIS surveying and removal techniques (e.g. rake toss, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree or coursework in a natural resource or education field (e.g., biology, conservation management, aquatic and fisheries science, fisheries and wildlife technology, environmental biology, water and wetland resources, freshwater science, environmental sciences, environmental education, interpretation, education, natural resources, natural resource management, water resources, forestry, etc.) or other related field.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate governmental agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University. Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.