Watercraft Inspector

TITLE: Watercraft Inspector: Lake Altoona, Eau Claire County

FACILITY: Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Science Center is seeking an enthusiastic intern to assist with aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention and education. The main duties of a Watercraft Inspector are to increase awareness of AIS by sharing information, laws and prevention steps with boaters, anglers and boat landing visitors.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsibilities will be focused on several specific objectives with additional responsibilities that vary. The main duties of this position will include:

• Successfully complete a Clean Boats, Clean Waters training session
• Disseminate information to boat landing visitors on AIS and prevention
• Conduct watercraft inspections, record data and report the data in a Wisconsin DNR online database
• Participate in statewide education strategies including Drain Campaign and Landing Blitz
• Keep in regular contact with Lake Altoona Rehabilitation and Protection District contacts
• Meet monthly with AIS Coordinator
• Participate in water related outreach programs
• Attend AIS trainings as they arise
• Submit data to the WDNR surface water data integrated monitoring system (SWIMS)
• Complete 200 hours of boat landing work
• Complete end of the season report

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license. Use of personal vehicle required
• Be willing and able to approach, engage and educate diverse citizens at boat landings 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
• Be able and willing to work outdoors in variable weather conditions
• Be well-organized, self-motivated, able to multi-task, and able to work independently

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Strong candidates will be college students pursuing biology, natural resources, or ecology based coursework, however high school students with an interest and passion for the outdoors are encouraged to apply. This job is an excellent opportunity to be introduced to and learn about career paths based in the natural resources field. Motivation to learn and reliability are necessary.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The watercraft inspector work will be conducted at a public boat landing on Lake Altoona in Eau Claire County. Qualified candidates will be comfortable spending their days outside in a variety of weather conditions.

LENGTH OF POSITION: May 20th – September 2nd

WEEKLY SCHEDULE: Average of 14-16 hours per week. Weekend and holiday work required. Weekly schedule is Saturday and Sunday 8 am – 3 pm or 9 am – 4 pm; flexibility in shift hours can be discussed. Holiday Schedule will include: Memorial Day weekend (Saturday May 23rd, Sunday May 24th & Monday May 25th) & 4th of July weekend (Saturday July 4th, Sunday July 5th).

WAGES: $15.00/hour. Upon season completion and positive review, the watercraft inspector will receive a $140 gas bonus.