Position: Stewardship Program Manager

Status: Full-time Regular (12 months), Non-Exempt

Department: Adirondack Watershed Institute

Reports to: Stewardship Program Assistant Director

Salary: $28.50 per hour

Description:

The Stewardship Program is an aquatic invasive species spread prevention program that operates at 65+ locations, from May to October, throughout the Adirondack region. The program’s work is centered around providing education to boaters about aquatic invasive species spread prevention methods, as well as performing watercraft inspection and decontamination services to ensure boats meet the clean, drain, and dry standard. The AWI Stewardship Program Manager is responsible for maintaining seasonal staff engagement, motivation, and retention. The position will assist in the coordination of staff recruitment, training, field support, communication, and seasonal staff supervision.

This position is based on the Paul Smith’s College campus and is not a remote job. The position is a hybrid of both office and field work. Approximately 50% work time from May to September will be based in the field and involve close interaction with seasonal staff and regional field supervisors. During this period, regular travel around the Adirondack Park is required. A company vehicle will be provided.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervise up to 8 seasonal regional supervisors.
• Assist in seasonal staff recruitment efforts including advertising, facilitating interviews, and communicating with applicants.
• Assist in the creation and delivery of the annual staff training held each May.
• Provide direct assistance to seasonal staff and Regional Supervisors, including pre- and mid-season training, additional resources, and other guidance to help improve job performance.
• Manage the “Dispatch Phone” 1-3 days per week (a smart phone that is used for most seasonal staff communication from May - October).
• Develop and implement programs or strategies to maintain and improve seasonal staff confidence, productivity, and retention.
• Coordinate written and visual communication to staff such as the bi-weekly AWI Stewardship Program newsletter, “The Blue Vest”, and social media and blog posts.
• Assist in developing and maintaining the seasonal staff work schedules.
• Present program information at partner and lake association meetings as requested.
• Assist in preparing annual reports.
• Design new promotional materials to aid recruitment efforts.
• Design new signage for steward issued tables, sandwich board signs, handouts, and apparel.
• Assist in the creation of new seasonal staff training materials (e.g. presentations, demonstration videos, interactive games, etc.).
• Assist in AWI’s education and outreach program efforts as needed.
• Perform other tasks as assigned to support AWI’s mission.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, biology, environmental science, or a related field with experience in management and leadership; and/or a degree in management or communication field (e.g. administration, education, communication, human resources).
• Interest in the mission of AWI and the work of the aquatic invasive species spread prevention program.
• Experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating education and training programs.
• Strong interest or experience in creating a working environment where all employees are valued, respected, and comfortable expressing ideas.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive campus community.
• Effective communication skills to convey information clearly and answer questions.
• Leadership experience working with teams to achieve common goals.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and propose solutions to challenges.
• Time management and the ability to plan and execute tasks within a set time frame.
• Confidence and enthusiasm to coach seasonal staff and implement change.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel; and ability to learn other programs as needed.
• Familiarity with outdoor water-based recreation is a plus but not required.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the public to professionally represent the principles of the AWI and the College.
• Ability to perform duties independently and proactively in a fast paced, multi-tasking, collaborative environment.
• Driver’s license and driving record acceptable to PSC insurance carrier and AWI, which will enable authorization to drive College-owned vehicles.

Physical Requirements:

Environmental Conditions

• Work is of a hybrid nature of both in an indoor office setting with normal temperature ranges as well as noise levels as well as in the field. Field work is primarily performed between May and September throughout the Adirondack region. This field work would includes variability in temperature and noise levels.

Lifting and Carrying

• Frequent lifting and carrying of light to moderate office equipment (laptop or meeting materials) weight items.
• On occasion may lift up to 35 lbs.

Mobility

• Prolonged sitting majority of the workday to complete responsibilities.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel to pick up items, as necessary.
• Climbing various staircases and walking moderate distances across the campus to engage in meetings and/or presentations.
• Walking moderate distances at the various inspection stations throughout the Adirondack region.

Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination

• Manual dexterity for handling small office-related objects.
• Fine motor skills for work performed on laptop.
• Infrequent need to reach overhead or below shoulder level to perform work duties.

Sensory Requirements

• Good vision, including color vision, with corrective lenses as necessary.
• Good hearing with assistive devices as necessary.

Paul Smith’s College is an equal opportunity employer. Position descriptions are created that focus on essential functions, using inclusive language, and avoid unnecessary or discriminatory requirements.