"Position Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Assistant
- ¼ time position (will be combined with other part-time positions to equal closer to full time)
Hourly rate of pay: $11.00 per hour up to 10 hours per week
Position Description:
Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Science Center is offering a fantastic opportunity to take part in the groundbreaking stage of their new biocontrol rearing program. The Citizen Science Center is seeking independent, responsible, and dependable applicants interested in controlling Eurasian water milfoil by rearing native weevils (Euhrychiopsis lecontei) for biocontrol. The main duties of the Aquatic Invasive Species Assistant are to set-up a weevil rearing facility, rear weevils, work affectively with local lake groups, provide education to the public, and successfully release weevils into Eurasian water milfoil (EWM) infested locations on Perch Lake in St. Croix County.
Background: Aquatic invasive species (AIS) have the potential to negatively affect our ecosystems, economy, and recreational opportunities. Once commonly sold as an aquarium plant, Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is now listed as a restricted species in the Chapter NR 40, Wisconsin's Invasive Species Identification, Classification and Control Rule. Because it is widely distributed and difficult to control, EWM is considered to be extremely problematic in Wisconsin. The introduction of EWM can drastically alter a water body's ecology. Milfoil forms dense mats of vegetation on the surface of the water. These mats interfere with recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, water skiing, and boating. Many lakes in the west central region of Wisconsin are experiencing trouble with EWM. As chemical control is often not a suitable option for lake associations, many groups are turning towards biocontrol. Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Science Center plans to become a local biocontrol rearing facility to provide lake groups with the insect predators they need to help control aquatic invasive species in their lakes.
Primary Responsibilities:
#61590; Set-up of weevil rearing facility
#61590; Schedule and plan workdays
#61590; Recruit and coordinate all volunteers
#61590; Monitor weevil rearing tanks on average four times a week, monitoring may increase due to weather, and may include weekends
#61590; Release weevils into EWM infested areas of Lake Wissota
#61590; Meet regularly with supervisor to discuss and review project progress
#61590; Coordinate efforts with lake groups and AIS Coordinators
Secondary Responsibilities:
#61590; Conduct weevil surveys via kayak/canoe
#61590; Conduct point-intercept surveys for EWM on Lake Wissota
#61590; Produce education materials about weevil rearing/bio-control
#61590; Attend fishing tournaments, local lake fairs, and other events to educate citizens on AIS prevention steps, weevil rearing and the use of bio-control
#61590; Assist with miscellaneous projects and activities
Required Qualifications:
#61590; Be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license and private vehicle
#61590; It is extremely important that applicant be responsible, well-organized, self-motivated, can multi-task and able to work both independently and as part of a team
#61590; Willing to work a variable schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
#61590; Have excellent verbal and written skills to communicate with a variety of audiences, including the public, lake associations, and the media
#61590; Willing to work outdoors in variable weather conditions
#61590; Be able to successfully operate a canoe/kayak
#61590; Be able to accurately record data, be proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, email, and enter data into databases
#61590; Comfortable communicating with and working with large groups of volunteers
Preferred Qualifications:
#61590; Have a good working knowledge of aquatic ecology, the impacts of aquatic invasive species, and ways to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species
#61590; Be skilled at identification of aquatic plants and animals
#61590; Course work/degree in Natural Resources, Ecology, or Wildlife and/or work experience in such fields
Duration/Hours: Position will start mid May and end approximately mid August. One ¼ position is available at 10 hours per week. Weekly schedule is somewhat flexible, but may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Position will be based out of the Citizen Science Center at Beaver Creek Reserve located 4 miles north of Fall Creek. Position requires some travel to Eau Claire and local lakes, this mileage will be reimbursed.
This position can be combined with our part-time time Lake Wissota Watercraft Inspector position. Please note in your application that you are applying for both positions. For more information on the Lake Wissota Watercraft Inspector position visit the “Contact Us” tab at our website. www.beavercreekreserve.org
To Apply and Deadline:
Please send a cover letter, resume and 3 references to: Beaver Creek Reserve c/o Jeanette Kelly S1 County Highway K Fall Creek, WI 54742
Electronic versions can be e-mailed to Jeanette Kelly at csc@beavercreekreserve.org. All applications must be received by the 15th of March, 2013. Screening of applicants will begin immediately thereafter and interviews will be scheduled for the 25th, 26th, and 27th of March.
**Applicants that must attend Tree Haven will not be considered do to the length of that commitment." |
Beaver Creek - Weevil Rearing - P/T-March 15
Posted - 02/05/2013 : 11:43:07
