AIS Prevention Technician – Voyageurs National Park

Position Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Technician 

Position Service Site: Voyageurs National Park, MN

Service Time: May 28 – August 16, 2024 (450 Hour AmeriCorps Term, 12 Weeks, 40 Hours/Week)

Benefits: Living stipend total for whole term = $6,000 ($500 per week) Education Award of approximately $1,900 upon successful completion of service. To find out more about the Award: https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps-education-award/find-out-more  

Onsite housing available.

OVERVIEW: Voyageurs National Park encompasses over 218,000 acres of woods, water, stone, and sky in the boreal forest along the Canadian border. There are over 200 water-based campsites; 3 visitor centers; Kettle Falls Hotel, a concession operated hotel, restaurant, and bar, accessible only by boat; 45 miles of trails; 3 boat launches; and 15 miles of roads. The park is 40% water and its lakes are identified as outstanding resource value waters by Minnesota. These include 4 large lakes—Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan and Sand Point—and 26 smaller remote lakes accessible only by hiking. 

In 2021, Rainy Lake, the largest park lake, was infested with zebra mussels, an extremely harmful aquatic invasive species (AIS). The spread of zebra mussels into other the park lakes could severely damage aquatic ecosystems. To stop this, the park decontaminates of all boats crossing from Rainy Lake to the uninfested Namakan Lake on the concessioner-operated Kettle Falls Portage, educates visitors about the dangers of AIS and how to prevent the spread of AIS, and coordinates AIS efforts with other groups and agencies. Preventing the spread of AIS is some of the most important work in the park. 

SERVICE DESCRIPTION:  Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Technicians will serve with park staff to decontaminate watercraft and educate park visitors about AIS and AIS prevention. Since park decontamination operations are new and evolving, on-the-ground insights by Technicians can help improve the park’s processes. Technicians will also serve on natural and cultural resource projects with park staff to gain experience in multiple resource management actives. 

RESPONSIBILITES:

• Decontaminate watercraft with high-temperature water (~120-140°F) to prevent the spread of zebra mussels
• Educate boaters and other visitors about the impacts of AIS and how to prevent the spread of AIS
• Coordinate with concession and park staff to ensure smooth decontamination operations
• Operate motorboats to reach the service area
• Perform minor maintenance and troubleshooting activities on the decontamination unit
• Keep supervisor/Mentor informed of problems and supply/equipment needs
• Serve with park natural and cultural resource staff in the field, lab, and office

HOUSING:

• Voyageurs provides onsite housing. Occupants will be assigned individual rooms in units with a shared living room, kitchen (with some pots, pans, plates, and utensils), and one or more bathrooms. A laundry facility is present onsite.
• A check-in/check-out procedure will be utilized for housing. Occupants may be charged for damages that exceed normal wear and tear to duplex facilities.
• The housing area is about 40 miles from International Falls, which has a grocery store, a hospital, two medical clinics, a movie theater, shopping, and multiple churches.

TRAININGS OFFERED:

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources-based AIS inspection and decontamination
• Operation and basic troubleshoot of AIS decontamination unit
• S. Department of the Interior Motorboat Operator Certification Course
• Guidance on developing strong application packages for Federal jobs

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age requirement is 18 years old
• Able to perform duties in conditions such as cold, heat, high humidity, rain, and the presence of mosquitoes and other biting insects
• Able to perform service requiring standing, stooping, bending, and other moderately strenuous activities for up to an hour at a time
• Willingness to learn and perform motorboat operation
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions
• Upon hire, a criminal background check will be conducted. Service with WisCorps will be considered probationary until all results are returned and have been reviewed

WisCorps provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran per applicable federal, state, and local laws. We are committed to assuring equal employment opportunity and equal access to services, programs, and activities for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability, and need to access information in an alternative format, or need it translated into another language, please contact us at 608-782-2494, by email at staff@wiscorps.org or Wisconsin Relay 711.