As part of CCE Saratoga’s Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) program, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Watercraft Stewards provide public education and outreach at boat launches regarding statewide Clean, Drain, Dry practices in order to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Watercraft Stewards collect research data daily from interactions with the public using the Survey123 Watercraft Inspection Steward Program Application (WISPA).
Watercraft Stewards work independently at various boat launch locations throughout the Capital Region PRISM (including Albany, Columbia, Greene, Herkimer, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Washington counties).
Seasonal Employment & Work Schedule
Watercraft Stewards work on a full-time, seasonal (temporary) basis from May through September. Work schedules are typically Thursday-Monday, including holidays, from 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, though schedules may also vary depending on program needs.
The Watercraft Steward program runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with several days of required programmatic training on May 14, 15, 18, and 19, 2026.
Application Instructions
Please indicate in your cover letter if you have a preference for which county you would like to work in.
Include a cover letter, resume and at least three references (at least one who is a current or former supervisor or teacher). To attach documents, under the My Experience section use the Select Files button to search for files or use the Drop Files Here box to drag documents into your application. If you plan to upload more than one document, click the Upload icon for each additional document. Please note, once your application is submitted you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments. If you would like to add or update documents to your online application after submission, please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, via e-mail [email protected].
External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) please refer to Applying for a Job with Cornell Cooperative Extension (External Candidate) for additional guidance.
All Internal Applicants: Those who are currently employed by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting must apply online via their employee Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/
Apply By
Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible or by March 20, 2026, however, this posting will remain open until positions are filled. Posting closing dates may also change based on Association needs.
Compensation
Compensation is paid at the rate of $19.65 per hour.
Required Qualifications
High School Diploma or GED.
At least 18 years of age.
Experience, knowledge, coursework or an interest in a career in a natural resources or related fields.
Ability to work independently at program boat launch sites.
Ability to work a full-time schedule, Thursday through Monday, including weekends and holidays.
Ability to meet occasional travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage are required.
Program Skills – Ability to effectively deliver related AIS programs. Ability demonstrate and teach AIS prevention techniques. Serve as an effective subject matter resource.
Communication Skills: Ability to frequently and effectively communicate with recreational boaters, anglers, other park patrons, employees, and others.
Computer Skills: MS Office Suite and using a tablet for Survey123 WIPSA data collection.
Work Environment – In addition to the Working Conditions, the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. This position works constantly at outdoor boat launch sites and in weather conditions including exposure to the sun, extreme heat, wind, water, precipitation, and cold. This position frequently lifts, moves or transports program supplies and materials. This position frequently stands and walks and frequently positions self (e.g. pulling, bending, reaching, touching, kneeling, using hands to feel/reach) while inspecting watercraft and/or demonstrating proper AIS preventative watercraft cleaning and launching techniques. This position requires the ability to safely operate small manually operated watercraft (e.g. kayak, canoe, etc.). This position frequently performs and demonstrates AIS surveying and removal techniques (e.g. rake toss, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications
Work Responsibilities
Program Delivery, Evaluation and Applied Research – 85%
Deliver existing education and outreach to the general public regarding standardized Clean, Drain, Dry practices and aquatic invasive species.
Demonstrate proper AIS preventative boat cleaning and launching techniques.
Visually inspect boats for aquatic invasive species.
Provide handouts and educational materials to the public provided by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
Serve as subject matter resource for AIS programs. Provide standard responses.
Interact with program participants (recreational boaters, anglers, other park patrons, and others) as part of program delivery.
Foster acceptance of the AIS programs, methods and policies to address community and individual needs.
Represent Capital Region PRISM and CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or other land grant universities as part of program delivery.
Assist in collection and processing of AIS samples.
Coordination and Operation – 10%
Use rake to remove aquatic plant material from boat ramp at launch sites.
Use tablet to upload survey data to WISPA.
Effectively maintain existing relationships with volunteers, program participants, outside organizations, and others to help ensure robust and sustained program participation.
Prepare and submit timecards, expense reports.
Use small watercraft (kayak, canoe, etc.) to assist in aquatic sampling on a limited basis with direct supervision or conduct removals in community outreach events to the public.
Provide information for preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories on program progress and accomplishments for funders, advisory committees, and others as necessary.
Serve as staff liaison to park staff, NYS staff and others.
Professional Improvement – 5%
In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.
Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.
Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions
Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.
Policy – Applied to all duties and functions
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Saratoga County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.
For additional questions please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail [email protected] or phone (518) 765-3503.
http://ccesaratoga.org/
Job Title:
Association Tmp Program
Level:
No Grade - Hourly
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Company:
Contact Name:
Jim McNaughton
Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.
Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
