Paul Smith's College
Position: AWI Watercraft Inspection Stewards
Status: Full and part-time positions (temporary, seasonal, non-exempt)
Department: Adirondack Watershed Institute
Pay Rate: Start at $18.00 per hour
Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) is seeking to hire full and part-time Watercraft Inspection Stewards for the summer of 2024. Stewards serve on the frontlines in the effort to prevent the transport of aquatic invasive species (AIS) through education, watercraft inspection and decontamination. This position is the foundation of AWI’s flagship Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention Program and is critical to the success of AWI’s mission.
Job Description: Watercraft Inspection Stewards engage with the boating public, electronically enter waterbody-user information on mobile tablets, and familiarize the public with aquatic invasive species information. All stewards conduct watercraft inspections, identify aquatic invasive species, and inform the public about ways in which they can help prevent their further spread and establishment into new waterways. For select worksite assignments, stewards receive additional training to decontaminate boats. This includes operating high pressure hot water decontamination units as needed and setting up, maintaining, breaking down, and properly storing the decontamination units daily.
Job Locations: 60+ sites within the Adirondack region. View our worksites at www.adkcleanboats.com.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Greet and engage the public at boat launches or roadside locations; provide educational messaging
- Perform watercraft inspections and removal of vegetation in accordance with training
- Identify AIS and determine if a watercraft meets New York State’s “clean, drain, and dry” regulatory standard; recommend boat decontamination services as necessary
- Collect and record electronic data using tablet computers provided by AWI
- Provide NYS DEC motorboat inspection certificates as required
- Set up, maintain, and take down the steward table and canopy (if required) including information brochures, clean, drain, dry swag, and plant samples
- Participate in on-going training and opportunities to meet with teammates
- Perform other duties as assigned to support AWI’s mission.
Additional Duties & Responsibilities for Select Worksites:
- Perform watercraft decontaminations by using high and low pressure hot water
- Perform daily maintenance of the decontamination stations, equipment, and tools
- Work within highway right-of-way for short periods of time to set up and take down signage, and walk short distances carrying signage as needed
Required Qualifications
- All education and experience levels are considered
- Capable of working independently and in inclement weather
- High level of motivation and enthusiasm, willing to initiate interaction with the public
- Strong communication skills
- Prior experience using a tablet computer or the ability to learn to use a tablet computer for data entry purposes
- Regular internet access to upload data and fill in an online timecard
- Ability to spend extended amount of time on your feet, bending, and crouching to reach under vessels
- Use of a personal vehicle for gear transportation and shelter at work locations for shift duration
Additional Required Qualifications for Select Worksites
- Must be 18 years or older
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and maneuver wheel mounted pressure washers and wastewater collection pads
- Comfortable working with privately-owned watercrafts and using high pressure hot water to decontaminate them (3000 psi, 140o Fahrenheit)
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to work all weekends and holidays is strongly preferred for full-time applicants
- Coursework in natural resources, environmental studies, environmental science, education, recreation, or related fields
- Familiarity with watercraft and aquatic invasive species
- Experience working with a diverse public
- Familiarity with outdoor water-based recreation to include boating, skiing, fishing, paddling, swimming, wildlife viewing, etc.
Additional Preferred Qualifications for Select Worksites
- Experience operating gasoline powered motorized equipment, e.g. lawn mowers, snow blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and similar items
To Apply: Applicants should complete the online application and submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.
- is the policy of Paul Smith’s College to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V
