Aquatic Invasive Species Technician

Job Overview

TITLE:
Aquatic Invasive Species Technician

FACILITY:
Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Science Center is seeking an intern to assist with aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention and education. This full-time internship will work alongside the AIS Coordinator to conduct monitoring on regional lakes and rivers and to work with local stakeholder groups on AIS control efforts within a 6-county region (Buffalo, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin & Rusk Counties). This internship position will include working on the weekends as a watercraft inspector at a boat landing in Chippewa County.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsibilities will be focused on several specific objectives with additional responsibilities that may arise. The main duties of this position will include:
 Conduct surveys and proper identification techniques for invasive species with the AIS Coordinator and volunteers
 Create professional level monitoring reports and maps of AIS within the survey locations
 Assist with the Mussel Monitoring of Eau Claire County project including surveying, identification, volunteer coordination, and data collection
 Keep regular communication with AIS Coordinator and volunteers
 Transfer field data into the WDNR surface water database
 Disseminate information to boat landing visitors on AIS and prevention
 Conduct watercraft inspections, record data and report the data to the WDNR surface water database
 Participate in statewide education strategies including Draining Campaign and Landing Blitz
 Keep in regular contact with the lake group where watercraft inspection duties are conducted
 Assist with invasive species control efforts including special removal projects and assistance with WDNR and county partners
 Assist with miscellaneous projects and activities as they arise

QUALIFICATIONS:
 Currently enrolled in/completed B.S. natural resource related field
 Good verbal and written communication skills
 Possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle for work use
 Identification skills covering invasive aquatic plants, invertebrates, and fish
 Comfortable in operation of a kayak/canoe/motor boat
 Able to orienteer with a GPS unit or topographic map
 Functional knowledge of GIS

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

 Knowledge of aquatic ecology, the impacts that aquatic invasive species can have on lakes, streams and wetlands, and ways to reduce the spread of AIS
 Experience recruiting and managing volunteers
Much of the work will be outdoors. Comfort working on/in the water, remote places, and in variable weather conditions is important. Some office work will include sitting and lifting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
 Knowledge of MS Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher
 Able to work effectively with volunteers of all ages
 Able to work in varying environmental conditions
 Requires ability to work with limited supervision

LENGTH OF POSITION:
Late May-August (can be flexible)

WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
35 hours a week average. Weekend work required. Weekly schedule will be 3 days from Monday-Friday and Saturdays and Sundays from either 8am-3pm or 9am-4pm.

WAGES:
$15.00/hour

HOUSING:
Onsite housing may be available with additional duties.

TO APPLY:
Application Deadline is 03/26/2023. Interviews will be scheduled on April 3rd through April 6th. Please submit your resume, references, and cover letter to [email protected] or mail to:
Beaver Creek Reserve
Lia Landowski
S1 County Rd K
Fall Creek, WI 54742