Position Title: Watercraft Inspector
Position Description: Beaver Creek Reserve's Citizen Science Center is
seeking enthusiastic interns
interested in assisting with aquatic invasive species prevention, education,
and research for the 2010
summer season. The main duties of a Watercraft Inspector are to increase
awareness of aquatic invasive
species by sharing information about aquatic invasive species regulations,
laws, and prevention steps
with boaters, anglers, and other visitors at boat landings and to help these
individuals check their
watercraft and equipment for aquatic plants and animals before they enter
the water. During these
checks, inspectors collect valuable data on boater behaviors and knowledge
and regularly report the data
in the online database.
Background: Aquatic invasive species (AIS) have the potential to negatively
affect our ecosystems,
economy, and recreational opportunities, and in some parts of our state,
lakes and those who care about
them are already experiencing these effects. With over 15,000 lakes and 5.3
million acres of wetlands,
Wisconsin waters are an extremely valuable natural resource. As a
Watercraft Inspection Intern, you will
aid the state’s invasive species prevention efforts by conducting watercraft
inspections and monitoring
in a specified Department of Natural Resources (DNR) region, thereby playing
an important role in
preserving Wisconsin’s water bodies for future generations.
Primary Responsibilities:
-Successfully complete a Clean Boats, Clean Waters training session.
-Disseminate information to boat landing visitors and the general public on
AIS and what can be done to
prevent their spread.
-Conduct watercraft inspections, record data, and report the data in the
online database.
-Survey landings for necessary WDNR aquatic invasives signs and work with
local lake groups to maintain
stock of AIS publications at landing kiosks (if present).
-Meet regularly with supervisor to discuss and review inspection schedule.
-Coordinate efforts with other local watercraft inspectors and AIS
Coordinators and communicate with
regional and statewide inspectors.
-Maintain relationships with lake groups by recruiting volunteers and
providing hands-on watercraft
inspection training to those volunteers from the lake groups
Secondary Responsibilities:
-Attend fishing tournaments, sailing regattas, boat shows, fishing expos,
local lake fairs and other
events to educate citizens on prevention steps and how to properly clean
boats, trailers, and equipment.
-Successfully complete a Citizen Lake Monitoring Network training session.
-Conduct shoreline and lake surveys for presence/absence of Eurasian
water-milfoil and other AIS.
-Assist with miscellaneous projects and activities.
Required Qualifications:
-Be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license and private
vehicle.
-Be able and willing to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and
holidays, including Memorial Day,
and July 4th to match peak use of public boat landings. Opportunity
available to work on Labor Day.
-Be willing and able to approach, engage, and educate diverse citizens at
boat landings, fishing
tournaments, meetings, and other events to encourage a change in behavior
and instill a sense of personal
responsibility to prevent spread of AIS.
-Have good verbal and written communication skills to communicate with a
variety of audiences, including
boaters, the media, and various user groups.
-Be able and willing to work outdoors in variable weather conditions.
-Be able to successfully operate a canoe.
-Be well-organized, self-motivated, able to multi-task, and able to work
both independently and as part
of a team.
-Be able to accurately record data, be proficient in Microsoft Word,
Microsoft Excel, email, and be
comfortable entering data into databases.
Preferred Qualifications:
-Have a good working knowledge of aquatic ecology, of the impacts that
aquatic invasive species can have
on lakes, streams and wetlands, and of the ways to reduce the spread of
aquatic invasive species.
-Be skilled at identification of aquatic plants and animals and be able to
work with experts in the state
and region.
-Natural Resources, Education, or related class and/or work experience
preferred.
Duration/Hours: Positions will start approximately in the end of May and
continue through August 20.
Four positions are available at 40 hours per week. Must attend Clean Boats,
Clean Waters training
workshop around May 24-25 (actual dates TBA). Weekly schedule is somewhat
flexible, but 60% of hours are required to be worked in early morning,
evening, holidays, and on three out of every four weekends.
Positions require travel throughout Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, and St.
Croix Counties in West Central
Wisconsin. Mileage will be reimbursed. Housing is not provided. Hourly rate
of pay: $11 for 40 hours/wk
position.
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume to:
Beaver Creek Reserve
c/o Anna Mares
S1 County Highway K
Fall Creek, WI 54742
Only hard copy applications will be accepted. Questions can be e-mailed to
Anna Mares at
a...@beavercreekreserve.org.
Deadline: Applications must be postmarked by March 19. Screening of
applicants will begin on April 5.
--
Sarah Braun
Citizen Science Director
Beaver Creek Reserve
Fall Creek, WI 54742
(715) 877-2212
