A watercraft inspection steward talks with a fisherman before he launches his boat. (Provided photo)

PAUL SMITHS — As boating season approaches, recreational boaters are being urged to take simple steps that protect Adirondack waters from the growing threat of aquatic invasive species. A quick inspection before launching — removing any plants or small-bodied aquatic animals such as zebra mussels — can prevent long-term damage to the region’s lakes, rivers and other waterbodies.

This summer, watercraft inspection stewards will staff more than 60 boat launches and decontamination sites across the Adirondack Park, a program run by the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute in partnership with the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Stewards have an important role in protecting the region’s waters by educating the public and removing aquatic invasive species from vessels as they are launched into and retrieved from waterbodies. AWI is now hiring to fill these essential positions.

Those visiting the Adirondacks between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day are likely to meet a watercraft inspection steward at one of the many boat launches in the park. Their work is one of the most effective tools the region has to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

“An invasive species can have a lasting and costly impact on a lake, but a quick and free inspection at a boat launch is often all it takes to prevent it,” said Brett Wimsatt, Invasive Species Program Director at the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute. “Boaters can make a real difference in keeping waterbodies healthy by taking a few minutes to have their vessels inspected and, if needed, decontaminated by one of the region’s many stewards. This quick action helps protect the waters and ecosystems that our communities depend on.”

AWI is currently seeking applicants for watercraft inspection stewards near Inlet, Raquette Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Long Lake, Newcomb, Paul Smith’s, Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, Speculator, Schroon Lake, Indian Lake, Westport, Willsboro and Northville. Students, retirees and seasonal workers all make up AWI’s diverse team of 120 seasonal stewards. Pay starts at $19.50-$20.50/hour. The season runs from May 22 through Labor Day, with full-time and part-time positions available. Interested applicants should apply through the Paul Smith’s College careers webpage.

“Invasive species can alter aquatic habitats, reduce native biodiversity and impact local economies and recreational activities,” said Scott Jamieson, DEC State Watercraft Inspection Steward Program Coordinator. “The Adirondack Watershed Institute of Paul Smiths College, contracted by DEC, is one of the front lines of defense against aquatic invasive species. AWI stewards engage directly with boaters on the importance of aquatic invasive spread prevention and following Clean, Drain, Dry protocols. These positions offer real-life professional experience in the environmental field and we encourage anyone interested to apply for these great opportunities.”