Courtesy Boat Inspectors

A Summer Job That Protects Our Lakes!

The Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed (Friends) are seeking Courtesy Boat Inspectors (CBIs) for the 2024 summer season. Aquatic Invasive Species are organisms that live in the water and are able to take over the habitat due to rapid growth and few natural checks on their expansion. With the greatest chance of new infestations resulting from “hitchhiking” plant fragments carried on boats and trailers, the CBI Program is recognized by the State of Maine as the primary prevention effort against Aquatic Invasive Species.

Last year, CBIs statewide completed over 78,000 courtesy boat inspections at public boat launch sites located at 124 of Maine’s 6,000 lakes. Since 2003, Friends’ paid and volunteer CBIs have completed over 170,000 inspections, including over 13,000 last year alone at ten different boat launch sites within the Cobbossee Watershed. With support from local towns, area lake associations, the local business community, the Maine DEP, and our members, the Friends will once again supplement volunteers with paid CBI staff this summer. This year’s program will run from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays being the primary coverage times needed, with some shifts available through September.

Hourly pay starts at $15.50 and shifts range from 6 to 10 hours (depending on preference) and all will be during daylight hours. Courtesy Boat Inspectors must possess a positive attitude to educate the boating public regarding the threats of Aquatic Invasive Species and promote the Friends’ mission, programs, and events as appropriate. The position is ideally suited for high school and college students, retirees, and those looking for part-time weekend work. Training is provided and no prior experience is required.

Skills & Attributes Required for the Position:

• High comfort level with greeting the public and communicating with a positive attitude.
• Attention to detail and record keeping, along with the ability to write clearly and legibly.
• General interest in water quality and environmental issues.
• Conscientiousness in working independently and following through in showing up for work and submitting collected data via an online data entry system (Survey123).
• Be able to work in an outdoor environment in various weather conditions.
• Reliable transportation and adherence to FOCW safety protocol is a must