What are the responsibilities and job description for the Aquatic Invasive Species Field Assistant position at New England Interstate Water Pollution Control...?
Lake Champlain Basin Program – NEIWPCC
Aquatic Invasive Species Boat Launch Steward Field Assistant
Hours: 40 hours per week, Thursday – Monday; not to exceed 1000 hours
Duration: Mid-May to Labor Day 2025, with the potential to extend to Mid-October
Background Information: NEIWPCC is a regional commission that helps the states of the
Northeast preserve and advance water quality. We engage and convene water quality
professionals and other interested parties from New England and New York to collaborate on
water, wastewater, and environmental science challenges across the regions, ecosystems, and
areas of expertise.
Location of Job: Field Assistants will work at various public boat launches around the US-
portion of Lake Champlain. Field Assistants will generally be assigned to launches closest to
their place of residence. Field Assistants will regularly travel around to various Lake Champlain
boat launch sties to check in on and mentor stewards, collect specie specimens, and maintain
decontamination units.
Compensation and Benefits: Field Assistants will be paid hourly at a rate to be determined
based on the experience of the selected candidates. Benefits are not provided with the
exception of social security, unemployment and workers compensation insurance, sick leave as
determined by the state of Vermont, and the elective deferral portion of the 403(b) plan.
NEIWPCC is committed to the professional development of our interns and employees.
Job Description: Field Assistants will be trained to greet visitors to Lake Champlain and
familiarize the public with aquatic invasive species information, enter lake-user information on
mobile tablets, and inspect watercraft, trailers, and recreational equipment for aquatic
organisms. Field Assistants will also be trained to conduct hot water high pressure watercraft
and equipment decontaminations as needed and to set up, operate, break down, and properly
store the decontamination units. Field Assistants will be required to work eight-hour days for
approximately forty hours per week Thursday through Monday and holidays at select boat
launches around Lake Champlain from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend with the
opportunity to work until mid-October; weekend work is required. Time off by prior arrangement
can be accommodated. Additionally, the Field Assistant will mentor new boat launch stewards,
support field operation and decontamination unit maintenance, and help collect specie
specimens for identification.
Skills/Interests Needed:
- Excellent communication skills, with prior experience working with the public preferred.
- Strong organization skills.
- High level of motivation and enthusiasm.
- Demonstrated skill in collecting and recording data and using tablets.
- Physical ability to crouch and reach under watercraft and experience working outdoors.
- Knowledge or experience with the basics of boating, angling, and common outdoor
- Experience operating watercraft and/or motorized equipment and experience with basic
- Environmental science courses and/or familiarity with the aquatic invasive species (AIS) in
- Valid driver’s license
Additional Information: Successful candidates will be required to attend paid training
anticipated to occur the weeks of May 12th and 19th, 2025.
For more information about the Lake Champlain Basin Program, visit www.lcbp.org. For more
information about NEIWPCC, visit www.neiwpcc.org.
