{"id":1989,"date":"2023-03-16T19:32:44","date_gmt":"2023-03-16T19:32:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/invasivespecies\/?p=1989"},"modified":"2023-03-16T19:32:44","modified_gmt":"2023-03-16T19:32:44","slug":"job-opening-for-an-aquatic-invasive-species-director-in-maine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/invasivespecies\/2023\/03\/16\/job-opening-for-an-aquatic-invasive-species-director-in-maine\/","title":{"rendered":"Job Opening for an Aquatic Invasive Species Director in Maine"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Director Job Description<\/b><\/p>\n

Lake Stewards of Maine Overview<\/u><\/div>\n
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Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to the collection of information pertaining to lake water quality. For over 50 years, trained volunteers throughout Maine have donated their time so that we may all learn more about one of Maine\u2019s most beautiful and important resources – our lakes.<\/p>\n

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LSM trains, certifies, and provides technical support to hundreds of volunteers every year.
\nThese volunteers monitor a wide range of indicators for water quality, assess watershed health and function, and screen lakes for invasive aquatic plants and animals. LSM, through our robust community science network, is the primary source of lake data in the State of Maine. LSM volunteers benefit their local lakes and broader communities by playing key stewardship and leadership roles.<\/p>\n

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LSM has more than 1,200 active volunteers monitoring more than 525 lakes statewide. We
\nhave been nationally recognized for efficiency and effectiveness in training and supporting
\ncitizen lake monitors. LSM partners closely with Maine institutions and provides data gathered directly to these partners and to the general public through the Lakes of Maine website www.lakesofmaine.org<\/a>. To learn more about our organization, visit our Lake Stewards of Maine website www.lakestewardsofmaine.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Aquatic Invasive Species Program Overview<\/u><\/div>\n
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LSM\u2019s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program has had an integral role over the last 20 years in helping to build the statewide program to prevent, detect and control aquatic invasive species through widespread citizen participation. The AIS program is dedicated to educating, training, empowering, and supporting volunteers in protecting Maine lakes from aquatic invasive organisms. Since the first Invasive Plant Patrol workshop in 2002, LSM has trained and continues to train thousands of individuals to screen Maine waters for aquatic invaders, provides technical and plant identification support, and collaborates with other organizations to address the threat of aquatic invasive species in Maine.<\/p>\n

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program Director Job Requirements and Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:<\/u><\/p>\n

Requirements
\n\u25cf A passion for science education and volunteerism
\n\u25cf A Bachelor\u2019s in a field related to botany, ecology, limnology, biology, environmental
\nsciences, wetland sciences, etc.
\n\u25cf Background in Taxonomy, preferably aquatic plants
\n\u25cf Microsoft Office proficiency
\n\u25cf Google Suite proficiency
\n\u25cf Effective public speaker, including experience in presenting scientific content to the lay
\npublic
\n\u25cf Excellent written and verbal communication
\n\u25cf Valid driver\u2019s license
\n\u25cf Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
\n\u25cf Willingness to be trained in Boater Safety, Wilderness First Aid
\n\u25cf Ability to operate watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, and trailered motorized boats, or
\nwillingness to acquire these skills.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
\n\u25cf Extensive knowledge (in breadth and depth of work) of Maine\u2019s aquatic invasive plants
\n\u25cf Extensive knowledge (in breadth and depth of work) of Maine\u2019s aquatic native plants
\n\u25cf Experience with state government RFPs and grant administration
\n\u25cf Program management, including budgetary and accounting experience
\n\u25cf Experience coordinating large groups of volunteers
\n\u25cf Experience writing successful grant proposals
\n\u25cf Experience with field surveys and geospatial data collection and management
\n\u25cf Strong interpersonal skills and leadership qualities, including experience communicating
\norally and in writing to both technical and non-technical audiences
\n\u25cf Ability to chair and facilitate committee meetings and work groups
\n\u25cf Open-mindedness and a willingness to learn and be mentored
\n\u25cf Information and database management and coordinationAquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Director Job Description<\/u>:<\/p>\n
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The AIS Program Director is responsible for:<\/div>\n

\u25cf The recruiting, education and training, certification, and retention of Invasive Plant
\nPatrollers, including a specialized IPP \u201cJumpstart\u201d team.
\n\u25cf The management, development, and administration of the AIS program
\n\u25cf AIS data collection, Quality Assurance, and the development and integrity of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)<\/p>\n

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The AIS Director will also be expected to be the primary species identification specialist for the program, focusing mainly on aquatic and wetland plants but also some other aquatic organisms. They will be the point person for coordinating, with the Maine DEP, LSM volunteers, and local lake and watershed organizations in responding to new aquatic plant infestations.<\/p>\n

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The AIS Director is in charge of the maintenance of the LSM Field Guide to Aquatic
\nPhenomena, the Pixie Williams Herbarium, AIS program budgeting, public information and
\noutreach, and coordination and supervision of AIS staff and interns. The AIS Director will be
\nLSM\u2019s chief spokesperson on Aquatic Invasive Species and public voice in multiple settings.
\nThe work requires regular communication and coordination with lake associations and
\nindividuals throughout Maine. Statewide travel is expected. Travel and some non-standard hours are a required part of the position.<\/p>\n

Salary and Benefits<\/u><\/div>\n
Salary<\/div>\n

Salary range: $55,000 to $65,000.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Benefits<\/div>\n