Plant Control Crew

Watershed Friends

Opening posted: 02/09/2026 | Expires: 05/22/2026

Watershed Friends was founded in 2001 as a citizen grass−roots effort to assist in the protection of local water quality. Within the 217-square-mile area of the Cobbosseecontee Watershed, there are 28 major lakes, ponds, and streams; six of which are currently known to be infested with Aquatic Invasive Plants. Watershed Friends’ conservation programs aim to prevent the spread of, survey for, and manage known Aquatic Invasive Plants within the Cobbosseecontee Watershed.  

Watershed Friends’ Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program utilizes several manual control methods to manage the five known Aquatic Invasive Species in our watershed. Control methods include Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) via pontoon boat, manual hand removal using surface−supplied air and SCUBA, and the installation of benthic barriers. The Plant Control crew works with the Program Manager and the Director of Conservation to use best management practices on infested waterbodies. Team members will work on the Plant Survey crew when not in active management. Work can be expected from June through September, with work available into November. On-the-job training is provided.

Watershed Friends is seeking a responsible and driven team player to fill the position of Plant Control crew member at $16.50/hour for 25-35 hours/week. There is an increase in pay for active dive time.

Qualifications:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly with the public.
Attention to detail in filling out data forms, creating reports and maps, and following plant survey/control plans.
Able to work in a small group positively.
SCUBA certification or able to become certified before May.
A willingness to work in difficult situations; low underwater visibility, cold temperatures, and depths that may be dark or hard to maneuver.
Available from June to September, availability into November is a plus.

Responsibilities include:

Submitting plant control data and helping to promote the work done by the team.
Assisting with care, maintenance, and sanitization of work equipment, such as boats, kayaks, SCUBA equipment, life vests, Aquascopes, etc.
Working as a plant survey team member when not in active control efforts.
Fulfilling other duties as assigned to further the mission of Watershed Friends.

Additional skills:

Familiarity with motorized boats and safe boating practices on lakes.
Familiarity with botany and/or plant identification, aquatic species a bonus.
High energy level with a positive attitude.
Interest in environmental issues, with a focus on watershed ecology and invasive species.
The ability to assist with launching and prepping boats safely while following Clean, Drain, Dry protocols is a plus.

To Apply: Please send a resume, cover letter, and three references to: Jennifer Peasnall, Director of Conservation, or Watershed Friends, PO Box 206, East Winthrop, Maine, 04343

For more information, check out our website: www.watershedfriends.org