Paid Environmental Internship at Lake Sebago in Harriman State Park
Organization: American Canoe Association
Summary of Position:
Gain valuable work experience in the field of conservation. Spend your summer weekends outdoors on the shore of Lake Sebago as a paid intern with the American Canoe Association (ACA). The ACA is taking part in the Lower Hudson PRISM’s (Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management) Watercraft Inspection Steward Program and is seeking an intern to lead this outreach effort. You would provide critical education and outreach to boaters on Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) identification and spread prevention methods while performing voluntary boat inspections and collecting data on boater habits. This job is on land; no canoeing experience is necessary.
As an intern you will receive training on public outreach, invasive species identification and management, principles and methods of watercraft inspection, digital data collection, and survey methods from experts at LH PRISM. You would also work with LH PRISM Aquatic Invasives Strike Force to conduct a survey of Lake Sebago to assess the current presence, absence and distribution of aquatic invasive species.
Hours and Compensation:
Pay is $15/hour. Work will be 8 hours a day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from May 28 – September 5. (With some flexibility of a few weekends off throughout the summer.) Additionally there will be 2-4 days of paid training before the May 28th start date.
Location:
Lake Sebago Boat Launch off Seven Lakes Drive, Ramapo, NY. Parking is available on site.
Duties and Responsibilities
● Educate boaters about AIS and teach clean boating practices, by distributing outreach and educational material to watercraft users while performing voluntary boat inspections
● Enter boat inspection data in a data collection app (equipment will be provided for this)
● Work with LH PRISM Aquatic Invasives Strike Force to conduct a survey of invasive species in
Lake Sebago
● Perform outreach about AIS at the Youth Regatta canoe races on Lake Sebago and the ACA
Camp at Lake Sebago during New York Invasive Species Awareness Week.
The ideal candidate will
● Have an interest in conservation and/or environmental education
● Be motivated to learn more about AIS management and education
● Be comfortable talking with visitors and taking part in outreach events
● Enjoy working outside and be able to maintain a positive attitude in a variety of conditions ● Have a reliable cell phone and mode of transportation to the public boat launch
To Apply
Send an email describing your interest in the position and your resume to Erin Thelen, Director of Conservation and Public Policy for the American Canoe Association Atlantic Division at conservation@aca-atlanticdivision.com
Background on this position
Grant for Lake Steward Position
Summary
The ACA Atlantic Division Conservation Committee received a grant from Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (LH PRISM) to hire an intern to educate the public about aquatic invasive species and serve as a Watercraft Inspection Steward at the public launch of Lake Sebago. With this grant we are taking the next step to manage the spread of AIS through voluntary boat inspections, a lake-wide monitoring effort, and outreach to both the general public and the Lake Sebago group camp community.
The intern will:
What is a Watercraft Inspection Steward Program (WISP)?
WISPs work to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species spread via hitchhikers on boats. These programs provide free, voluntary boat inspections to recreational boaters, and educate boaters, anglers, and all recreational users about aquatic invasive species and how clean boating practices can minimize their spread.
Who else is involved?
