About WNY PRISM
The Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (WNY PRISM) is one of eight regional partnerships within New York State created to address the threat of invasive species and prevent or minimize the harm they cause to the environment, economy, and human health. Our goal is to improve, restore, and protect local aquatic and terrestrial resources by improving the effectiveness of invasive species management efforts and increasing awareness of invasive species issues throughout the 8-county region. The WNY PRISM Watercraft Inspection Program is designed to prevent the transport, spread and establishment of aquatic invasive species while increasing public awareness of this threat. WNY PRISM Boat Stewards are an essential component of this program and will represent WNY PRISM while working toward improving environmental health. For more information about WNY PRISM and our programming, please visit www.wnyprism.org.
Position Description
WNY PRISM Boat Stewards/Environmental Educator will interact daily with the public at boat launches. Stewards will perform voluntary boat inspections to remove visible aquatic plants and animals from all types of watercraft. Removal of aquatic plants and animals will help to prevent the transport and spread of aquatic invasive species. Stewards will also be responsible for public education and distribution of educational materials. Boat Stewards will also have the opportunity to assist with invasive species removal projects. Projects may include early detection/rapid response efforts, or control projects to reduce established populations of both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species. Stewards will generally cover a single launch, however there is the potential for coverage needs to require occasional travel to other launches. Stewards will receive a mandatory two-day training prior to beginning work at their assigned sites.
Primary Responsibilities
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Conduct voluntary watercraft inspections at assigned boat launches
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Collect survey data using provided data collection tools
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Ensure data collected is accurate and complete
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Communicate effectively with supervisor
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Maintain supplies and equipment
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Represent WNY PRISM at community events such as county fairs and festivals
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Assist with invasive species surveys and monitoring
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Assist with invasive species removal activities
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Provide end of season written summary of boat launch activities
Qualifications
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Completed, or pursuing, undergraduate degree in biology, natural resources, environmental sciences, or similar
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Strong verbal communication skills
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Ability to interact with the public in a professional and respectful manner
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Ability to work independently and in potentially inclimate weather
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Experience with or basic knowledge of plant identification
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Strong interest in invasive species management and ecology
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Previous environmental education experience
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Driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from launch locations
In addition, WNY PRISM will be hiring 1-2 Lead Boat Stewards. Lead Boat Stewards will assist the Program Manager with training, scheduling and Boat Steward supervision for the Watercraft Inspection Program. In addition to Boat Steward qualifications listed above, the Lead Boat Steward Positions also require:
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Experience working with invasive species, aquatic invasive species preferred
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Leadership and supervisory experience
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Strong problem-solving skills
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Strong time management and organizational skills
Locations
Boat launch sites will be located throughout the WNY PRISM region. Sites may be located along Tonawanda Creek/Erie Canal including Holley and Lockport, Buffalo, Niagara, and Allegheny Rivers, Lakes Erie (Dunkirk) and Ontario (Olcott), and Allen, Bear, Chautauqua, Cuba and Harwood Lakes.
Job Related Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift 30-50 lbs. Squatting, crouching and standing for long periods.
Travel Requirements:
Weekend and evening hours, as well as overnight travel for training, will be required. Use of personal vehicle is required for travel to/from launch, and to transport necessary supplies and equipment. Boat Stewards will be expected to travel to assigned boat launches and travel between ‘home’ and ‘work’ will be considered their commute.
Job Details:
This is a full-time, temporary position (40 hours/week @ $14.00/hr.) with an expected timeframe of mid-May – early September (Memorial Day – Labor Day), approximately 15 weeks. Boat Stewards will be required to attend a two-day mandatory training May 20 – 21, 2019. The work week will be comprised of 4, 10-hour days, Thursday - Sunday. Weekends and Holidays are mandatory. Housing is not provided. WNY PRISM is hiring approximately 20 Stewards and 1 or 2 Lead Stewards.
To Apply:
Please follow all application directions, failure to do so may disqualify you from the position. Please provide cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references as a single attachment.
**Please clearly indicate which position(s) you are applying for and launch preferences**
This opportunity is grant-supported by the SUNY Buffalo State Sponsored Programs Office/Research Foundation. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Research Foundation (RF) is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the RF are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system and do not receive state fringe benefits. The RF operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.