Courtesy Boat Inspection – A Summer Job That Protects Our Lakes! Watershed Friends is seeking Courtesy Boat Inspectors (CBIs) for the 2026 summer season. Aquatic Invasive Species are organisms that live in the water and are able to take over the habitat due to rapid growth and few natural checks on their expansion. With the greatest chance of new infestations resulting from “hitchhiking” plant fragments carried on boats, trailers, and equipment, the CBI Program is recognized by the State of Maine as the primary prevention effort against Aquatic Invasive Species.
Last year, CBIs statewide completed over 96,000 courtesy boat inspections at public boat launch sites on more than 100 of Maine’s 6,000 lakes. Since 2003, Watershed Friends’ paid and volunteer CBIs have completed over 195,000 inspections, including over 14,000 last year alone at ten different boat launch sites within the Cobbosseecontee Watershed.
With support from local towns, area lake associations, the local business community, the Maine DEP, and individual supporters, Watershed Friends will once again supplement volunteers with paid CBI staff this summer. This year’s program will run from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays being the primary coverage times needed, and some shifts available through September. The hourly pay starts at $16, and shifts range from 6 to 10 hours (depending on preference) and will all occur during daylight hours. Courtesy Boat Inspectors must possess a positive attitude to educate the boating public regarding the threats of Aquatic Invasive Species and promote Watershed Friends’ mission, programs, and events as appropriate. The position is ideally suited for high school and college students, retirees, and those looking for part-time weekend work. Training is provided, and no prior experience is required.
Skills & Attributes Required for the Position:
High comfort level with greeting the public and communicating with a positive attitude.
Attention to detail and record keeping, along with the ability to write clearly and legibly.
General interest in water quality and environmental issues.
Conscientiousness in working independently and following through with showing up for work and submitting collected data via an online data entry system (Survey123).
Ability to work in an outdoor environment in various weather conditions.
Reliable transportation and adherence to WF safety protocols are a must.
To Apply: Please send a resume, cover letter, and three references to: Caroline Balano-Stott, Conservation Programs Manager, caroline@watershedfriends.org or Watershed Friends, PO Box 206, East Winthrop, Maine, 04343
For more information, check out our website: www.watershedfriends.org
