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Aquatic Invasive Species Job: Boater Education and Outreach
CREW LEADER
Dates: Spring-Summer 2019
Location: Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
Aquatic invasive species primarily spread from one water body to another by “hitchhiking” on boats, trailers, and other equipment. Michigan State University is leading a multi-year program to teach boaters how to reduce this risk by properly inspecting and cleaning their equipment.
Position Description: A Crew Leader provides leadership for a 4-person summer crew, working alongside partners from the Huron Manistee National Forest and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). You will have significant responsibility for the implementation of this outreach and education program.
General activities include:

1.     Towing, operating, and maintaining a trailer-mounted power-washing unit at boat landings and events around Michigan, demonstrating boat inspection and washing techniques to recreational boaters;

2.     Planning these educational events by working with partner organizations around the state to identify suitable locations and dates;

3.     Preparing for and providing educational opportunities for people interested in learning about aquatic invasive species, best boating practices to reduce their spread, and how to most effectively work with the boating public to provide education on aquatic invasive species and boat cleaning;

4.     Maintaining records of events, including costs, locations, numbers of volunteers and boaters trained, invasive species encountered, and public feedback; and

5.     Working with program partners to promote the Mobile Boat Wash program through social media and local media outlets statewide, including newspapers, radio, and television.
Additionally, the Crew Leader will be responsible for assuring that the entire crew is operating effectively as a team to achieve program goals, including troubleshooting and encouraging good communication among all members of the team, including the supervisors from MSU and DEQ. The Crew Leader will have substantial knowledge of aquatic ecology and/or invasive species, and leadership experience.
Qualifications:  Availability to travel around the state to training events, which will regularly occur on weekends, holidays, and occasionally overnight. The typical workweek is Wednesday through Sunday, with some variability. Valid drivers’ license and eligibility to drive University-owned vehicles (see http://www.rmi.msu.edu/form/employeedrivercertification.html). Substantial knowledge and/or coursework in aquatic ecology and/or invasive species. Leadership experience. Interest in public outreach and freshwater management. Boating experience, experience hauling and maneuvering trailers, and experience planning and carrying out educational programming or other events are desirable qualifications, but not required.
Position Dates:  Spring semester work will involve preparation for the busy summer event season; and can be part- or full-time, and potentially of-site. Summer (late May to mid-August) requires a full-time commitment (approximately 40 hours per week); specific start and end dates negotiable.
Pay: $15.00/hour. Housing not provided.
To Apply:  Send your current resume and a 1 to 2-page cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position, as well as contact information for 3 references, to the contact below.
Application Deadline:  February 15, 2019.
Contact:  Dr. Jo Latimore: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>, 517-432-1491