Aquatic Invasive Species Field Lead

The Benzie Conservation District (BCD) is hiring 1 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Field Lead for the 2022 field season (32 hours per week for 22 weeks). The AIS Field Lead will work closely with the AIS Coordinator, and oversee the 3 seasonal AIS Technicians. The AIS Lead activities will center on the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program grant awarded to the BCD’s Aquatic Invasive Species Pathways Program in 2019 – to increase the awareness and prevention of AIS in this region through varied field efforts and educational events. The AIS Lead will work alongside the AIS Coordinator to determine field work locations (across Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Manistee counties) and schedule educational event opportunities. The AIS Field Lead is responsible for overall team performance quality in the field. The AIS Field Lead will assist with Technician training, coordinate equipment maintenance (in-house or by outside contractors), and help Technicians improve technical skills. The AIS Field Lead will participate in 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. This position requires a genuine enthusiasm for our mission and natural resource conservation. 

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 .