Job Description – West Hill Pond Boat Launch Invasive Species Monitor (3-25-26)

This part-time position involves greeting and talking with boaters and paddlers at the state boat launch on the north end of West Hill Pond.  The goal of each monitor’s effort is to raise awareness of the importance of cleaning, draining, and drying one’s vessel after it has been in any body of water, in-state or out-of-state.  This practice is critically important because of the threat of aquatic invasive weeds and other undesirable aquatic species.  Bits of invasive plants or an invasive invertebrate can be unknowingly transported by watercraft from another water body to West Hill Pond.  Our monitors help prevent this from happening.

Requirements are:

• Strong interest in protecting the environment.
• Great interpersonal and communication skills.
• Completion of State of CT Aquatic Investigator Training (2 hours, online) through the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
• Ability to complete the daily required paperwork for daily boater/boat tracking.
• Ability to use the online calendar to schedule shifts, as well as a commitment to keeping fellow monitors informed, if you cannot report for your shift or need a substitute.
• Minimum wage/hour
• 5 hour shift on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, morning or afternoon (and Monday, if a holiday weekend includes that day).  Monitors may take 2 or 3 shifts per week, if available.
• Contact: Allison Kimmerle, Monitor Coordinator (860-307-9588) allison.kimmerle@gmail.com

Tentative schedule for 2026: (Available Shifts)

• 2026 Pre-Memorial Day schedule: Saturdays and Sundays 9AM – 2PM (weather permitting)

• Wednesdays: 4-7PM (Beginning after July 4 and through Labor Day)

• Thursdays: 4 – 7 PM

• Fridays: 3 – 7:30PM

• Saturdays: 2 shifts—8AM until 1PM; 1PM until 7PM

• Sundays & Holidays (Memorial & Labor Day) : 2 shifts: 8AM to 1PM; 1 to 7PM

• If you cannot cover your assigned shift, please contact one of the other monitors to cover for you.

• If it rains during your shift and you have started to work, you will be paid for your full shift. If your full shift is cancelled due to rain, then you will not be paid. IF the sun comes out later, you can return to cover the remaining time.

• If at least half the time is left then you will be paid for the full shift; if not, submit the hours worked on your timesheet. If you are unsure about what to do, text the coordinator of this program.

• ATTIRE: Must wear yellow Invasive Investigator tee shirt. Suggest bringing warm clothes in case the weather changes. Also, bring water, some food, a chair, wear sunscreen, and bring insect repellent. Be sure to have monitoring forms!

• BOAT LAUNCH RULES: There’s an 8 HP limit from Memorial Day through September 15 and a 15 MPH speed limit on West Hill Pond. No water skiing or towing anything behind a boat. Refer boaters to the posted signs on the fence on the left side of the launch if they question HP or speed limit. You are not there to enforce rules only to inform and educate.

• PLASTIC BAGS: Please bring a few Ziploc bags and a couple of other plastic bags. If a boater has weeds on their boat, motor, trailer or finishing gear, please put the weeds in a plastic bag and dispose of them off-site in a regular garbage pail. If you suspect a weed might be invasive (see DEEP list with photos), then save the weed(s) in a Ziploc bag and contact Beth Tripp (860) 306-3773 by text or phone.

• TRASH: Remind boaters to not dump trash/bottles/cans in the lake. Take out what they bring in.

• PAPERWORK: Per Christine Hayward’s emails, please submit your timesheets/hours worked directly to her.

• INSPECTION FORMS: Save for Allison Kimmerle who will collect completed forms from you. Be sure to enter the dates; you can use one form for multiple dates.

• COMMUNICATION: If a boater gives you a hard time, do not argue with the person. If their motor is oversized (above 8HP), try to discreetly get their boat registration information, type of boat and any other pertinent information, and call DEEP Enforcement at (860) 424-3333. Do not get into a conflict with anyone at the launch.

• If interested in applying, please email: info@westhillpondassociation.org or allison.kimmerle@gmail.com