Watercraft Inspection Steward
The Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT), in partnership with SLELO PRISM, implements invasive species management practices to protect native habitats, biodiversity, natural areas, and freshwater resources emphasizing the prevention, early detection, rapid response, and education and outreach of invasive species.
As part of TILT and SLELO PRISM, Watercraft Inspection Stewards provide public education and outreach at boat launches regarding statewide Clean, Drain, Dry practices in order to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Stewards collect data daily from the public using the Survey123 Watercraft Inspection Steward Program Application (WISPA).
Stewards work independently and travel frequently between various boat launch locations throughout the SLELO PRISM region (including Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oneida, Lewis and Oswego counties).
Job Description:
Playing a critical role in invasive species management, Stewards will visit assigned boat launch locations around the region to interact with the public and gather recreational boater information, conduct voluntary watercraft and equipment inspections, and familiarize the public with aquatic invasive species. Stewards will be responsible for monitoring up to three (3) boat launches within close geographic proximity to each other and will operate with a high degree of independence.
These responsibilities include: conducting watercraft inspections, data collection and administering voluntary surveys, identification and management of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), and interactions with the public and distribution of educational materials.
The Watercraft Inspection Steward is an hourly, seasonal paid position that reports to the TILT Education and Outreach Coordinator. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following—
Primary Responsibilities:
1. Deliver existing education and outreach to the general public regarding standardized Clean, Drain, Dry practices and Aquatic Invasive Species
2. Demonstrates proper AIS preventative boat cleaning and launching techniques
3. Visually inspect boats for AIS
4. Interact with program participants (recreational boaters, anglers, other park patrons, and others) as part of program delivery
5. Use a tablet (provided) to record survey and inspection data through digital survey
6. Ensure consistent and quality data collection and management including daily uploads
7. Physical removal of AIS in provided disposal location
8. Maintenance of field equipment and AIS portable disposal stations
Secondary Responsibilities:
1. Represent TILT, SLELO PRISM and NYS DEC (as funder) before the public as part of program delivery
2. Complete assigned WISP program-focused project, developing outreach materials, events, and resources to be utilized by the program.
3. Attend all scheduled meetings and program events.