Lake Steward
LAKE STEWARD POSITION
The Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District (SLPID) Lake Stewardship Program is in place to protect the water quality of Saratoga Lake and prevent the introduction of new invasive species into the lake and the spread of invasive species to other water bodies. Stewards interact with the public and are trained to conduct and record watercraft inspections, identify aquatic invasive species, and inform the public on how they can help prevent the spread of these species. Additionally, Lake Stewards assists with Floating Classrooms and on-land education, regular water quality testing, hand pulls of AIS, boat counts, and tabling events. Being a Saratoga Lake District Steward is an opportunity to gain experience in the environmental field while protecting natural resources.
Requirements:
- All education and experience levels will be considered; applicants with degrees or coursework in natural resources, environmental studies, environmental science, recreation, wildlife, or related fields are preferred. Familiarity with watercraft and aquatic invasive species is highly desirable but not required.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Ability to lift 30 pounds.
- Comfortable working with the public using a high-pressure hot water (3000 psi, 140°F) pressure washer.
- High level of motivation and enthusiasm, willing to initiate interaction with the public. Strong communication skills and public interaction are a must. Working independently and with others.
- Experience using a tablet or phone for data entry purposes.
- Ability to spend time on your feet, bending, and crouching to reach under vessels.
- Comfortable as a passenger on a boat and wading in the water.
- Must have transportation to work locations.
- Ability to work weekends & holidays.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Greet and interact with the public at boat launches to provide the program’s educational message. Collect and record electronic data using a phone or tablet.
- Perform watercraft inspections using hand removal and de-con removal of aquatic vegetation with a high-pressure hot water unit on the exterior surfaces and top decking of watercraft, trailers, and recreational equipment.
- Other duties may include hand-harvesting and surveying aquatic invasive species, conducting boat counts, assisting with water sample collection, distributing educational materials, and supporting educational outreach programs such as floating classrooms, tabling events, and Invasive Species Awareness Week.
- All staff will adhere to the SLPID safety and health practices policy.
Hours and Pay: This is an hourly, seasonal, non-exempt position. The Steward program operates from mid-May to the end of the summer, seven days a week, with flexible scheduling. Lake Stewards are required to attend in-person and online paid training. The pay rate is $17.50 per hour as the starting pay for first-year employees, and then based on experience with SLPID.
It is the policy of the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District 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
INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN EMAIL APPLICATIONS OR CONTACT:
Cristina A. Connolly, Lake District Administrator
518-223-3252