Using input from training evaluations and end user feedback, New York Sea Grant developed a series of templates to help program leaders of young programs. These templates are listed below. 

 

AIS Training Template: This PowerPoint is provided to inspire program leaders and can be customized to fit the needs of their program and region. Feel free to use it as a model when developing a presentation to teach your stewards about AIS, what they are, why they are a concern, management strategies, and how to identify species such as: Asian clam, bloody red shrimp, Eurasian watermilfoil, hydrilla, water chestnut and more. 

 

Clean, Drain, Dry: Legislation and Regulations: This PowerPoint template can be downloaded and modified to introduce stewards to aquatic invasive species regulations and their role in educating the public about these regulations.

 

Invasive Species: Fighting the Frontlines to Prevent the Spread: This PowerPoint template can be downloaded and modified to introduce stewards to common AIS in their region and introduce them to the protocols for when they encounter AIS on the job.

 

Launch Steward Position Job Posting: This sample job posting is a Microsoft Word document that can be customized to fit the needs of your program. It includes information such as where the position is, pay and hours, length of position, a summary of the position, responsibilities, skills required and how interested parties should apply. 

 

NYSG Seasonal Interview Questions: This is a list of questions that program leaders may use during the steward interview process. Questions include: “What interests or excites you about this position?”, “Have you done any public or group speaking? If so, please give examples”, “How have your education and previous job experiences helped prepare you for this/these positions?”. Program leaders are encouraged to customize the questionnaire to fit the needs of their program. This pdf can be downloaded and printed. 

 

QAQC Plan Template: A Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QAQC) Plan ensures that the work being completed by stewards is consistent each year and between years, and helps maintain the highest level of credibility and consistency in the data collection protocol. This is also a good way to define the role of program partners and staff. This template is a downloadable and customizable Microsoft Word document. 

Sample Data Collection Sheets: These sample data sheets contain the standardized questions that all programs are asking boaters as well as other important information if an aquatic invasive species is found. These printable sheets can be used if tablets for data collection are unavailable. 

 

Sample Launch Site Property Owner Permission Letter: This word document is a template for program leaders to seek permission to conduct watercraft inspections at public boat launches. It contains information about the watercraft inspections that stewards will be conducting so boat launch owners do not have to worry about public use of the boat launch being disrupted.

 

Sample Position Offer Letter: This offer letter template includes information such as: the position title, the start and end dates, and pay rate. This template should be customized to meet the needs of the program and organizational mission.  

 

Sample Reference Checking Statement and Questionaire: To ensure consistency during reference checks, standardized questions are suggested. This template provides model questions that should be customized based on the needs of the program and mission of the organization.

 

Steward Orientation Schedule Template: This downloadable and customizable word document is provided for program leaders preparing to conduct a steward orientation or training. This template is an agenda that provides information on what will be taught during the orientation or training so stewards know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

 

Steward Training Evaluation Template: This downloadable and customizable word document is provided for program leaders preparing to conduct a steward orientation or training. This is an evaluation form that program leaders could use after conducting orientation or training to get feedback from stewards to make improvements for orientation the next year.

 

Watercraft Inspection: Introduction & Training: This PowerPoint template can be downloaded and modified to introduce stewards to watercraft inspection, the goals of watercraft inspection programs, and how to frame the clean, drain, dry message to boaters.