CCE of Saratoga County Temporary AIS Watercraft Steward Assistant Supervisor – Ballston Spa, NY

As part of the Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) program, the Watercraft Inspection Steward Program (WISP) provides public education and outreach at boat launches regarding statewide Clean, Drain, Dry practices in order to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
On a full-time, temporary basis, the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Watercraft Steward Assistant Supervisor is responsible for supervising the day-to-day activities of AIS Watercraft Stewards. In addition, this position provides oversight for AIS management outreach events, for short-term volunteers at such events, and performs the responsibilities of an AIS Watercraft Steward as needed or assigned.
This position works independently and travels frequently between various boat launch locations throughout the Capital Region (including Albany, Columbia, Green, Herkimer, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Ulster and Washington counties).
This position works on a full-time, seasonal (temporary) basis from April through mid-September, with dates subject to change based on program needs. This position works full-time Monday through Friday before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. The WISP runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with several days of required programmatic training in mid-late May. During the WISP season, work schedules are typically Thursday-Monday, including holidays, from 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, though schedules may also vary depending on program needs.

    

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).  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 [email protected] .

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

All applications must be received on-line by 11:59 pm on February 29, 2024. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree. Associates degree plus two years transferable or program experience may substitute for a Bachelor’s degree.

• Experience relevant to the role of the position.

• Ability to work a full-time schedule: Monday through Friday in the pre and post WISP season, and Thursday through Monday, including weekends and holidays during the WISP program season.

• Ability to meet frequent 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.

• Commitment to helping deliver diverse, equitable, and inclusive programs.

• Program Skills: Strong understanding of AIS identification, threats, and prevention measures. Ability to review and interpret data. 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 supervisors, staff, recreational boaters, anglers, other park patrons, employees and others.

• Computer Skills: Experience with internet, email, and computer-based software such as GIS, and Microsoft Word and Excel. Prior experience or ability to learn how to use a tablet (used for WISPA data collection).

• Management Skills: Ability to provide supervision to Watercraft Stewards, providing programmatic guidance and serving as an effective role model and coach.

• 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 at outdoor boat launch sites and in weather conditions including exposure to the sun, extreme heat, wind, water, precipitation, and cold.  This position occasionally to regularly lifts, moves or transports program supplies and materials. This position occasionally to regularly stands and walks and regularly positions self (e.g. pulling, bending, reaching, touching, kneeling, using hands to feel/reach) while inspecting watercraft and/or demonstrating proper AIS preventative watercraft cleaning and launching techniques. This position requires the ability to safely operate small manually operated watercraft (e.g. kayak, canoe, etc.). This position occasionally to regularly performs and demonstrates AIS surveying and removal techniques (e.g. rake toss, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in biology, conservation management, aquatic and fisheries science, wildlife technology, freshwater science, environmental sciences, environmental education, natural resource management, water resources, forestry or related field preferred.

• Watercraft steward experience preferred.

• Supervisory experience preferred.

• Working knowledge of ARC GIS applications.

Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Program Responsibilities:

Program Delivery – 10%

• Deliver existing education and outreach to the general public regarding AIS management (e.g., standardized Clean, Drain, Dry practices and Aquatic Invasive Species, removal techniques, etc.).

• 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 the Capital Region PRISM and CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or other land grant universities as part of program delivery.

Applied Research – 5%

• Collect and process AIS samples.

• Identify unknown species during WISPA data review.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Management – 45%

• Maintain daily communication and provide day-to-day supervision to Watercraft Stewards.

• Ensure all assigned staff complete their assigned responsibilities through communication and site visits.

• Complete weekly rotating site checks to ensure proper staff attendance, job performance, and program delivery.

• Manage weekly/monthly schedules based on launch traffic and coverage requirements for all Watercraft Stewards.

• Complete weekly reviews and edits of WISPA data uploads.

• Draft incident and injury reports and submit to AIS Program Manager for final review.

• Supervise AIS management outreach events and short-term volunteers at such events, under the guidance of AIS Program Manager.  

• Assist in solving problems and reporting conflicts that arise in the program.

• Assist in providing verbal coaching for staff attendance, job performance, and misconduct issues. Notifies supervisors of the same for feedback and support.  Under the guidance of the supervisors, may draft disciplinary and corrective action notices for staff.  Quickly escalates staff performance or misconduct issues as needed.

Coordination/Operation – 35%

• Maintain regular communication with AIS Program Manager including bi-weekly meetings.

• Provide monthly program updates and reports to AIS Program Manager. Tabulate, compile and manipulate collected WISPA data for program reporting purposes and for recommended treatment and control areas.

• Assist with orientation and training all stewards on aquatic invasive species identification and the data collection methods via WISPA and the tablets.

• Prepare and submit weekly staff schedule and attendance reports to AIS Program Manager (e.g. schedule changes, late arrivals, early end times, etc.).

• Report all program supply and equipment needs to AIS Program Manager.

• Coordinate collection and delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE) to and Watercraft Stewards, as needed.

• Print/copy and distribute AIS materials/handouts to all stewards.

• Maintain WISP tools and equipment.

• Effectively maintain existing relationships with volunteers, program participants, outside organizations, and others to help ensure robust and sustained program participation.

• Use rake to remove aquatic plant material from boat ramp at launch sites.

• Use tablet to upload WISPA survey data.

• Submit monthly mileage records and expense vouchers.

• Assist with education and outreach events such as Invasive Species Awareness Week, when needed.

• Under supervision, use small watercraft (kayak, canoe, etc.) to assist in aquatic sampling on a limited basis or conduct removals in community outreach events.

• 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.

Professional Improvement – 5%

• In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.

• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions

• 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 – Applied to all duties and functions

• 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.

Position Details

This is a temporary, full-time (40 hours/week), nonexempt position. Compensation paid at the rate of $21.00 per hour.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

For additional questions please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail [email protected] or phone (518) 765-3503.

https://ccesaratoga.org/

  

Job Title:

Association Tmp Program

Level:

No Grade - Hourly

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Company:

Contact Name:

Jim McNaughton

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.