As part of CCE Saratoga's Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) program, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Watercraft 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. Watercraft Stewards collect research data daily from interactions with the public using the Survey123 Watercraft Inspection Steward Program Application (WISPA).

WATERCRAFT STEWARDS work independently at various boat launch locations throughout the Capital Region PRISM region (including Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Green, Herkimer, Montgomery, Orange, Saratoga, Schenectady, Ulster, and Westchester counties).

LEAD WATERCRAFT STEWARDS assist in providing oversight to Watercraft Stewards. Lead Stewards work independently and travel frequently between various boat launch locations throughout the Capital Region PRISM region (including Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Green, Herkimer, Montgomery, Orange, Saratoga, Schenectady, Ulster, and Westchester counties).

Seasonal Employment & Work Schedule

Watercraft Stewards and Lead Stewards work on a full-time, seasonal (temporary) basis from May through September. Work schedules are typically Thursday-Monday, including holidays, from 7:00 am - 3:30 pm with a 30 minute meal period, though schedules may also vary depending on program needs.

The Watercraft Steward program runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with several days of required programmatic training from May 24 - May 26, 2021.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Experience, knowledge, coursework or an interest in a career in a natural resource or education field (e.g., environmental sciences, environmental education, interpretation, education, natural resource policy, natural resource management, water resources, forestry, etc.) or other related field.
• Ability to work independently at program boat launch sites.
• Ability to work a full-time schedule, Thursday through Monday, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to meet occasional travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage are required.
• Program Skills - Ability to effectively deliver related AIS programs to diverse audiences. Ability demonstrate and teach AIS prevention techniques. Serve as an effective subject matter resource. Maintain program data confidentiality. Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts, including frequent collaboration with staff, volunteers, and outside organizations.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal communication, writing, and environmental interpretation skills. Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels and educational tools. Ability to frequently and effectively communicate with recreational boaters, anglers, other park patrons, employees and others.
• Computer Skills: Experience with or ability to learn internet, email and computer based software. Prior experience using a tablet or the ability to learn how to use a tablet for WISPA data collection is required.
• Work Environment - In addition to the Working Conditions, the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. This position works constantly in outdoor weather conditions including exposure to the sun, extreme heat, wind, water, precipitation and cold; frequently lifts, moves or transports program materials; performs and demonstrates proper AIS preventative boat cleaning and launching techniques by frequently positioning self (for example, pulling, bending, reaching, touching, kneeling, using hands to feel/reach) at launch sites and other program areas. This position requires the ability to safely operate small manually operated watercraft (i.e., kayak, canoe, etc.) and to perform routine aquatic survey techniques (i.e., rake toss).

Preferred Qualifications

• Lead Watercraft Stewards - supervisory and/or prior boat steward experience preferred.

Job Responsibilities

• Deliver existing education and outreach to the general public regarding standardized Clean, Drain, Dry practices and aquatic invasive species.
• Demonstrates proper AIS preventative boat cleaning and launching techniques.
• Visually inspect boats for aquatic invasive species.
• Provide handouts and educational materials to the public provided by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
• Serve as subject matter resource for AIS programs. Provide standard responses.
• Interact with program participants (recreational boaters, anglers, other park patrons, and others) as part of program delivery.
• Foster acceptance of the AIS programs, methods and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.
• Represent Capital Region PRISM and CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or other land grant universities as part of program delivery.
• Assist in collection and processing of AIS samples.
• Use rake to remove aquatic plant material from boat ramp at launch sites.
• Use tablet to upload survey data to WISPA
• Effectively maintain existing relationships with volunteers, program participants, outside organizations, and others to help ensure robust and sustained program participation.
• Prepare and submit timecards, expense reports.
• On an occasional basis transports self and program materials.
• On a frequent basis lifts, moves and/or transports AIS program materials, AIS rakes, aquatic plant and animal materials, small watercraft, etc.
• Use small watercraft (kayak, canoe, etc.) to assist in aquatic sampling on a limited basis with direct supervision or conduct removals in community outreach events to the public.
• Provide information for preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories on program progress and accomplishments for funders, advisory committees, and others as necessary.
• Serve as staff liaison to park staff, NYS staff and others.

Additional Lead Watercraft Stewards Responsibilities

• Under the Association supervisors, assist in solving problems and reporting conflicts that arise in the AIS program sites. Provide day-to-day guidance and support to AIS Watercraft Stewards. Lead Stewards travel frequently between various boat launch sites.

Health and Safety

• Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
• Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy

• Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.
• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Saratoga County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

Application Instructions

In the My Information section be sure to enter your full name, address, email, and phone number(s).

Include a cover letter, resume and at least three references (at least one who is a current or former supervisor or teacher). Please indicate in your cover letter if you have a preference for which county you would like to work in.

To attach documents, under the My Experience section use the Select Files button to search for files or use the Drop Files Here box to drag documents into your application. If you plan to upload more than one document, click the Upload icon for each additional document. Please note, once your application is submitted you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments. If you would like to add or update documents to your online application after submission, please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, via e-mail jpm373@cornell.edu.

External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) please refer to Applying for a Job with Cornell Cooperative Extension (External Candidate) for additional guidance.

All Internal Applicants: Those who are currently employed by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting must apply online via their employee Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/

Apply By

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible or by February 16, 2021, however, this posting will remain open until positions are filled. Position closing dates may also change based on Association needs.

Position Details

This is a full-time, nonexempt, temporary position. Compensation of $14.00 per hour for Watercraft Stewards. Compensation of $15.75 per hour for Lead Stewards.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Administrative Systems at 607-255-6120 or via email at: cce.recruitment@cornell.edu.

For additional questions please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail jpm373@cornell.edu or phone (518) 765-3503.

http://ccesaratoga.org/

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Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.