Position Summary: The Grafton Pond Outreach/Stewardship Intern position is a part-time (8-16 hrs/wk), temporary (16 week) position that works primarily WEEKEND DAYS and HOLIDAYS from mid-May to early September (each intern will generally work 1 weekend day per week). The intern will welcome and educate visitors on the pond, islands, shoreline and boat launch regarding appropriate recreational uses and behaviors, the Forest Society’s missio, Grafton Pond Reservation, loon protection, prevention of aquatic invasive weeds, and other environmental concerns. This will also include planning and implementing at least one public kayak/canoe tour of the pond during the field season. The intern is also responsible for some stewardship tasks -removing trash, trail maintenance, breaking up fire rings.
Contributions/Outcomes: The goal of this intern program is to provide visitor education that results in responsible recreational behavior at Grafton Pond that respects the resource and wildlife and minimizes undesirable behaviors and activities. Stewardship activities (trail maintenance and debris clean up) will enhance visitor experience, protect the resource and promote responsible recreation.
Compensation: Hourly, $12/hr
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Welcome and educate boaters on weekend days and holidays. Concepts to be conveyed may include packing out all trash; ban on gas powered motors, no camping, no campfires, and limitations on lead fishing tackle; keeping distance from nesting loons and loon families; preventing the spread of aquatic invasive weeds; Forest Society’s mission and Grafton Pond Reservation and other appropriate recreational uses of the pond.
- Inspect boats (primarily kayaks and canoes) for the presence of hitchhiking invasive aquatic weeds. Take samples if necessary to send to NH DES.
- Patrol pond islands and shoreline via canoe/kayak, cleaning up trash and debris, and interacting with visitors.
- Plan and implement at least one kayak/canoe tour for the public on Grafton Pond.
- Perform light trail maintenance on trail to shoreline.
- Attend training session on aquatic invasive weed identification.
- Keep accurate records concerning visitor numbers, interactions, loon sightings, and boat surveys
- Communicate promptly with Forest Society staff or appropriate law enforcement personnel in the event of a serious incident or emergency.
Qualifications and Skills Required:
- Outgoing and friendly disposition; comfortable approaching and interacting with strangers
- Good oral communication skills; ability to relay detailed information
- Strong interest in lake ecology, or background in resource management or ecology
- Self-motivated, responsible and able to work independently (interns will primarily work alone);
- Available weekends and holidays during Summer 2015 (ideally Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day)
- Access to a computer with Microsoft Excel in order to fill out and email timesheets
- Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, vehicular insurance, and ability to travel to Grafton, NH for work. Kayak or canoe is also a plus.
- 18 years of age or older
Working Conditions: Intern will be working outside in various weather and environmental conditions (heat, humidity, direct sunlight, biting insects). Significant time may be spent in small watercraft (canoe/kayak) on the pond.
Physical Requirements: Intern should be physically fit enough to hike and paddle around the pond, and able to withstand 8 hours outdoors in variable weather conditions. Ability to lift/maneuver a one-person kayak preferred.
To Apply: Please send your resume, cover letter, and three references to Carrie Deegan at cdeegan@forestsociety.org by Monday April 27th, 2015.