The Chautauqua Lake Association is currently accepting applications for its Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Spread Prevention Program.
The Chautauqua Lake Association (CLA) is seeking qualified individuals to work as Watercraft Stewards for a regional spread prevention program across Chautauqua County (locations include Chautauqua Lake, Cassadaga Lake and Lake Erie). Stewards will gather data and inspect boats for aquatic invasive species as part of an early detection/rapid response spread prevention effort. Stewards also educate boaters and visitors about aquatic invasive species (AIS) and how the general public can help slow the spread of AIS. This is part of a statewide Clean, Drain, Dry spread prevention and awareness program.
Weekend work is required (Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday).
Position will be approximately 32 hours per week for 12-16 weeks. All necessary supplies will be provided. Stewards will be required to provide their own transportation to/from launch sites and ability to transport work related material.
This is a great opportunity to learn about aquatic invasive species while interacting with the public to protect our freshwater resources. Stewards are needed throughout Chautauqua County including positions on Chautauqua Lake, Cassadaga Lake and Lake Erie launches at Dunkirk Harbor and Barcelona.
For more information and locations, please contact Heather at the CLA office.
To Apply:
Applications are due by April 15th but will be reviewed as received.
Applications should include a cover letter describing your interest, qualifications, and preferred location. Please send to Heather Nolan-Caskey, Chautauqua Lake Association, Inc. 429 East Terrace Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750 or email heather@chautauqualakeassociation.org. Please write Boat Steward as the subject line of your e-mail.
The Chautauqua Lake Association Watercraft Steward Program is a state funded regional spread prevention and public education program with the goal of preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) via voluntary watercraft inspections. Boat Stewards promote public understanding of AIS regulations, as well as educating boaters and lake users on basic management practices that they can implement to avoid spreading AIS to un-infested waterbodies via their boats, trailers, or recreational gear.
The CLA Watercraft Steward program is currently in its 6th year of operation and has grown from 3 stewards in 2016 to 13 stewards in 2020.
Last year, CLA’s Watercraft Stewards documented over 19,500 boaters and almost 45,000 for the lifetime of the program from various waterbodies. Inspections were conducted, invasive species identified and removed from contaminated boats and education provided to lake users. Overall, the program has been very successful and accepted by lake users.
Please forward this announcement to any individual that might be interested.
