Aquatic Invasive Species Technician

The Benzie Conservation District (BCD) is hiring 3 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Technicians for the 2022 field season (24 hours per week for 18 weeks). Technicians will work alongside an AIS Field Lead & AIS Coordinator. This position requires a genuine enthusiasm for our mission to preserve and enhance the natural resources of Benzie County. The Technician will assist the BCD staff in the (aquatic) field at a variety of locations across Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Manistee counties to complete objectives set for the Aquatic Invasive Species Pathways Program. Each Technician will support a range of activities – public outreach and educational events, aquatic invasive species surveys and boat decontamination, and related data entry and equipment care. Strong interpersonal skills, a willingness to work outdoors in a variety of conditions, confidence working on or around water, attention to detail and a background in the natural sciences are preferred.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES 
● Works with AIS staff to provide educational boat wash events 
● Receives training for proper use of mobile boat wash unit 
● Assists AIS staff and volunteers in conducting aquatic plant surveys on inland lakes 
● Assists AIS staff in installation/updating of signage at public access sites
● Tows mobile boat wash trailer and BCD boat (~14’ Lund) to different work sites, with office vehicle 
● Will navigate routes to different work sites with ease 
● Records data from public surveys and boat wash events, completes data entry in Excel and online platforms 
● Works with volunteers and partner organizations, both in boat washing and lake surveys 
● Present educational programs to various community groups (local festivals, workshops, day camp lessons) 
● Communicates well about aquatic invasive species, prevention and detection 

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & PREFERRED SKILLS 
● Must be a high school graduate 
● Valid driver’s license and upstanding driving record 
● Credits toward a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Science, Limnology, Environmental Education, or related science preferred 
● Willingness to work outside under a variety of conditions, including some weekends and holidays 
● Willingness to conduct work from a boat, and willingness to launch (or learn to launch) the BCD’s trailered boat 
● Has a passion for caring for natural resources 
● Highly reliable and punctual 
● Team player and self-motivated to work independently as needed 
● Excellent personal communication skills needed, experience working in public outreach desirable 
● Demonstrated ability to organize and carry out basic data collection, data management, and computer skills 
● Knowledge of aquatic invasive species and/or experience with aquatic species identification preferred
 

How to apply:

Please send 1-page cover letter detailing why you’re interested in this position, resume and 3 references by March 1, 2022 to: Tad Peacock, Executive Director, tad@benziecd.org. Interviews to be held the week of March 7th .