Aquatic Invasive Species Ambassador - Hennepin County, MN

Company Description

Invasive species like Zebra Mussels, Starry Stonewort, and other Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are creating high risks of devastating recreational boating, swimming, and fishing in counties and cities throughout the state.

Waterfront Restoration's mission is to preserve Minnesota lakes and protect them from these invasive species and other AIS threats.

Job Description

The role of the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Ambassador is to teach and train boat operators through repeated face-to-face educational interactions at the boat ramps to inspect their own watercraft each time they launch and to ensure it is clean, drained, and dry in between every Ambassadors will talk to boaters regarding compliance with Minnesota Ambassadors will complete MN DNR training and additional training on how to teach boaters to complete a thorough walk around self-inspection.

Many lakes and rivers in the state will not have an Inspector presence at an access. Therefore, it is essential that the AIS Ambassador do the following : the boaters how to inspect their boats themselves and show them where to look at every step.

2.Explain why self-inspection is critical to find zebra mussels and other AIS in order to prevent the spread to clean waters.

AIS Ambassadors will walk around the boat with the owner to lookclosely for zebra mussels, starry stone wort, snails, spiny water fleas, mud, water, plant fragments, and other AIS that may beattached to the boat and equipment.

If the owner or ambassador identifies an issue they will work together to correct it launch will have an education table containing interactive displays, hands-on materials, and AISprevention messaging.

Ambassadors will go through Waterfront Restoration’s internal training to; better engage boaters, raise awareness about aquatic invasive species, provide instruction on water less cleaning stations, and educate the public on launch ambassador will discuss with boaters how invasive aquatic plants spread, and distribute information aboutinvasive plants, articulate MN laws regarding the transport of these plants, and provide a boaters guide toAIS inspections brochure.

Ambassadors will impress on the boater how AIS can damage boats, ruin fishing opportunities, harm theenvironment and impair water infrastructure, as well as drive home the primary educational message toClean, Drain, Dry, Dispose and explain why boaters need to do it each time they use their boat. Duties :

• Educate the public on the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program
• Inspection of watercraft for invasive species (inbound and outbound) with the boat owners
• Documentation of inspection and launch activities.
• Maintain current knowledge of best practices while inspecting watercraft

Compensation

$14 to $17 per hour (depending on qualifications and performance bonus)