Job Announcement - NIIPP Clean Boats Crew

Clean Boats Crew, the aquatic invasive species education and outreach collaboration involving IL-IN SeaGrant and NIIPP, is now hiring for seasonal positions in both Illinois and Indiana.
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Position: Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!™ Clean Boats Crew Site Leaders (Illinois)

Category: Civil Service General Extra Help

Employer: Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL

Location: Positions available in Cook County, IL and Lake County, ILAvailability: Weekend days from May 25th – August 11th (including Memorial Day, May 27th)Description: Illinois Natural History Survey is hiring site leaders to support the Clean Boats Crew aquatic invasive species prevention program in Lake and Cook Counties, in collaboration with the Northeast Illinois Invasive Plant Partnership (NIIPP) and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. The Clean Boats Crew program’s goal is to educate the public about aquatic invasive species and how these species are unintentionally spread through in-person outreach at boat launches. Site Leaders will be trained to be familiar with 1) aquatic invasive species relevant to the region, 2) outreach materials offered by Sea Grant to promote awareness, and 3) techniques for interacting with the public, providing successful outreach, and collecting data on social awareness. Each new hire must attend one training session; trainings are scheduled for May 15th and May 18nd at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Once training is completed, Site Leaders will work 8-hour shifts during the summer boating season talking with boaters at boat ramps about aquatic invasive species prevention. A total of four Site Leaders will be hired: two for Lake County, IL and two for Cook County, IL. Site Leaders may manage a team of volunteers and will be supervised by a program coordinator.

Qualifications: High school diploma is required. Preference will be given to those candidates with some college or a college degree in biology, ecology, zoology, natural resources, or a related field. Willingness to travel to multiple sites throughout the selected work area and to work twelve weekends during the summer is required; exceptions to this are not encouraged but may be considered on a case by case basis. Strong interpersonal skills, an ability to work independently and communicate well with diverse groups, and an interest in outreach and environmental issues are desired. Each assistant coordinator will also need a reliable vehicle to travel to outreach sites. Mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate of $.565/mile.

Salary: $2400-$3000 per season ($12-$15 per hour), depending on qualifications.

To Apply: To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by Friday, March 22nd, however, the position will be posted until filled. Please electronically submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to Cathy McGlynn, NIIPP Coordinator (cathy.mcglynn@niipp.net). Incomplete application packages will not be considered. For additional information please contact Cathy directly by email or phone (847-242-6423).

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Position: Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!™ Clean Boats Crew Site Leaders (Indiana)

Category: Civil Service General Extra Help

Employer: Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL

Location: Northwest Indiana (Lake and Porter Counties)Availability: Weekend days from June 1st – June 30thDescription: Illinois Natural History Survey is hiring site leaders to support the Clean Boats Crew aquatic invasive species prevention program in northwest Indiana, in collaboration with the Northeast Illinois Invasive Plant Partnership (NIIPP), Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, and Indiana Department of Natural Resources Lake Michigan Coastal Awareness Month. The Clean Boats Crew program’s goal is to educate the public about aquatic invasive species and how these species are unintentionally spread through in-person outreach at boat launches. Site Leaders will be trained to be familiar with 1) aquatic invasive species relevant to the region, 2) outreach materials offered by Sea Grant to promote awareness, and 3) techniques for interacting with the public, providing successful outreach, and collecting data on social awareness. Each new hire must attend one training session; trainings are scheduled for May 15th and May 18nd at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Once training is completed, the Site Leader will work 8-hour shifts during June weekends talking with boaters at boat ramps about aquatic invasive species prevention. One Site Leader will be hired to conduct outreach at two locations in Northwest Indiana (one in Porter County and one in Lake County). Site Leaders may manage a team of volunteers and will be supervised by a program coordinator.

Qualifications: High school diploma is required. Preference will be given to those candidates with some college or a college degree in biology, ecology, zoology, natural resources, or a related field. Willingness to travel to multiple sites throughout the selected work area and to work four weekends during the summer is required; exceptions to this are not encouraged but may be considered on a case by case basis. Strong interpersonal skills, an ability to work independently and communicate well with diverse groups, and an interest in outreach and environmental issues are desired. Each assistant coordinator will also need a reliable vehicle to travel to outreach sites. Mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate of $.565/mile.

Salary: $768-$960 per season ($12-$15 per hour), depending on qualifications.

To Apply: To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by Friday, March 22nd, however, the position will be posted until filled. Please electronically submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to Cathy McGlynn, NIIPP Coordinator (cathy.mcglynn@niipp.net). Incomplete application packages will not be considered. For additional information please contact Cathy directly by email or phone (847-242-6423).

The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The administration, faculty, and staff embrace diversity and are committed to attracting qualified candidates who also embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. Visit www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu.