The CLA is recruiting approximately 9 Boat Steward Positions within multiple regions across Chautauqua County (locations include Chautauqua Lake, Bear Lake, Cassadaga Lake, and Lake Erie).
Boat Stewards work at public boat launches where they inspect boats for aquatic invasive species as part of an early detection/rapid response effort. Stewards also educate boaters and visitors about aquatic invasive species (AIS) and how the general public can help slow the spread of AIS. Stewards may also be asked to participate in invasive species removal projects and educational events. Weekend work is required. Position will be approximately 32 hours per week for 12 weeks.
The Chautauqua Lake Association Boat Steward Program is a state funded public education program whose goal is to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) via voluntary watercraft inspections. With the initiation of the state’s AIS law and new regulations, the Boat Stewards will also be responsible for promoting public understanding of the law, as well as teaching boaters and lake users some basic management practices that they can implement to avoid spreading AIS to uninfested waterbodies via their boats, trailers, or recreational gear.
The CLA Boat Steward program is currently in its 2nd year of operation and has grown from 3 stewards in the start of 2016 to 5 by mid-summer. Now we are anticipating 9 stewards for 2017. In the first year of the program stewards interacted with over 4,375 boaters, with over 1,000 visitors from other lakes. They conducted inspections, found and removed invasive species from contaminated boats and provided educational information to lake users.
