JOBS & SUMMER JOBS

Position: AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) Field Assistant
Type:  summer
Organization: Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council
Location: Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia

Job Type: Full-time (37.5 hrs/wk)/Seasonal/Temporary
Start/End Date: May – September (approx.16 weeks)
Wage: $19/hr

About Us

The Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council (NSISC) is a chapter of the Canadian Council on Invasive Species, a non-profit organization that is the national voice and hub for protecting Canada from the impacts of invasive species. NSISC collaborates on province-wide efforts to prevent invasive species through education, outreach, research, and actively managing risk, threat, and introductions.

About the Position

This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience working in invasive species public outreach and education, prevention, response, monitoring, and management initiatives.

The main responsibilities in this role will include inspecting trailered watercraft, operating a Mobile Decontamination Unit for watercraft on trailers, conducting fieldwork that may include invasive species removals, water monitoring, and collecting samples and data in the field. The field assistant may also participate in public outreach events and awareness campaigns. If you are comfortable approaching people, enjoy public outreach, and working outside, this role may interest you.

The inspection and decontamination station plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and is a major component of this role. The primary objective is to inspect watercraft for the presence of AIS, decontaminate them if necessary, survey boaters, and educate the public about the threats and impacts of AIS, with a specific focus on invasive mussels like Zebra mussels. You will distribute outreach materials, conduct interviews, record data, swab boats using sampling equipment, and decontaminate watercraft using specialized high-pressure hot water equipment. Other tasks may include travel to events, towing and backing up the trailer and participating in fieldwork as necessary.

Education and Experience

Grade 12

Experience and knowledge in operating motorized watercraft

Experience towing trailers or other equipment

Requirements

Flexible schedule, ability to travel, work weekends and evenings.

Mandatory Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Training (provided)

Mandatory Safety Training (provided)

Standard First Aid Class C

Ability to swim

WHMIS certification

Class 5 Driver's Licence and clean driver's abstract

PPE (to be provided)

Have access to reliable motorized transportation to the workplace.

Work Environment

Aquatic Invasive Species Field Assistants will work outside, exposed to varying weather while working in potentially high-traffic conditions. Fieldwork may involve hiking, boating, carrying equipment, working in and around water, and watercraft.

Assets:

Bilingual - French

Experience with maintenance on small equipment, such as pressure washers, and watercraft knowledge gained through boating experience.

Experience with or demonstrated training in aquatic invasive species.

Demonstrated ability to deal with conflict and high-pressure environments.

Knowledge and experience with the Government of Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Program or other Work site safety programs.

Familiarity with geography (Canada and the US.)

Experience in Data collection, Sampling, Monitoring, and other fieldwork.

Personal Watercraft operator's card

How to apply: Email Cover Letter and Resume in one document to info@nsinvasives.ca by May 3, 2024 with the subject line: AIS Field Assistant and your name.

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