Invasive Aquatics Survey & Dive Crew Job Description

7 Lakes Alliance, a non-profit organization in the heart of Maine’s Belgrade Lake Watershed, is seeking energetic survey and dive crew members for the 2025 season. 7 Lakes Alliance’s mission is to conserve the lands and waters of the Belgrade Lakes Region for all. 

Description: Invasive Aquatic Crew members play an important role in protecting aquatic ecosystems by identifying and removing harmful invasive aquatic weeds that threaten native plants and wildlife. Crew members must be exceptionally comfortable operating paddle crafts and diving underwater for long periods of time and in inclement weather (heat, rain, wind). Ideal candidates will have taken classes in biology, conservation, environmental science, botany, or other related fields. A valid drivers license and reliable transportation are mandatory. Due to the hazardous nature of this position, applicants should be 18 years or older. Priority will be given to those who are SCUBA certified. 

Responsibilities: 

• Survey lakes and streams for invasive aquatic plants using a variety of techniques (kayak, motorboat, SCUBA, and snorkel). *All crew members will receive paid plant ID training.
• Remove submersed invasive aquatic plants by hand and by diver assisted suction harvesting (both methods require SCUBA certification such as PADI or NAUI). 
• Participate in volunteer powered group paddles. 
• Educate members of the public on invasive aquatic plant identification and the threats they pose. 
• Maintain and operate small engines (motorboats, surface supplied air machines, harvester machine). 
• Participate in citizen science research related to invasive aquatics. 

Qualifications:

• Interest in natural sciences and conservation. 
• Comfortable with working outside and during inclement weather (rain, wind, heat). 
• Ability to work well in a close team.  
• Has access to reliable transportation. 
• Is able to commute to the Belgrade Lakes Region on a daily basis. 
• Ability to tread water for long periods of time. 
• Ability to maintain vigorous manual labor for 10 hours a day. 
• Be at least 18 years of age. 
• Experience operating paddlecraft (kayak, paddleboard, canoe).  
• Comfortable with learning new applications (iNaturalist and Survey123). 

Pay: $16.50 hr

Job time-frame: Seasonal 40 hours per week (summer). Some part-time work may be offered September-October. 

Start Date: May 12th 

End Date: August 31st