AIS Watercraft Inspector

State of Montana • Troy, MT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Fisheries Division develops programs and budgets to manage for aquatic resources. The aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Bureau is managed and coordinated by staff within the Department headquarters. Implementation of programs are accomplished by the respective AIS coordinators. The AIS Watercraft Inspector position assists the AIS Area Supervisors, the AIS Prevention Specialist and the AIS Prevention Coordinator in carrying out specified inspector duties and tasks at watercraft inspection stations to prevent the movement of AIS and educate the public on AIS and best prevention practices.
This Watercraft Inspection Station operates from early March to late October. Selection will attend mandatory training, prior to working at station. Hours of site operation will vary with length of daylight. Schedules will vary and include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Mandatory Training for this position will be held prior to the opening of the station.
Station opening date: 3/7/2026.

Requirements

• Must have excellent customer service skills and enjoy working with the public.
• Must be responsible, dependable, work as part of a team, and follow protocols and direction given by supervisor.
• Applicants should be able to communicate effectively, work independently and self-motivate, but also collaboratively as a team member.
• Must conduct themselves professionally with the public, co-workers, and supervisor in high emotion situations.
• Position requires working for long periods in various extreme weather conditions.
• Use common sense regarding safely operating machinery, driving state vehicles, and conducting daily operations.
• Inspectors are responsible for their own transportation to the station.
• The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through a high school diploma or equivalency.
• Must have a driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to operate and conduct maintenance on light duty pressure washers, water pumps, and other station equipment is preferred.
• Knowledge of watercraft and watercraft components is ideal.
• As well as the ability to learn and implement protocols, follow inspection and decontamination instructions, and troubleshoot technical issues.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for communicating outreach to the public and educating on the importance of AIS and inspection stations to protect Montana waters.
• Must be able to follow protocol and procedures for various conditions and all watercraft types.
• Responsible for conducting efficient interviews, inspections and decontaminations.
• Expected to troubleshoot and problem solve issues with mechanics, data tablets, and basic station operations.
• Expected to maintain a professional demeanor and use critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Applicants are required to be on time and present for all scheduled shifts, submit their time for payroll, and are responsible for the organization of their stations.
• Using different inspection/decontamination practices for containment of positive and suspect waterbodies, the incumbent performs inspections and decontaminations on various types of watercrafts. This includes removing drain plugs, draining and drying compartments, flushing boat motors and ballast tanks, etc.
• Performs surveys of the public to assess risk of AIS transport and provides education and documentation to increase best AIS prevention practices.
• Must be able to approach occasionally heated situations in a calm manner, deescalate situations as able, and follow training and protocols to resolve issues.
• Assists with the set up and take down of the inspection station daily. This includes the placement of roadway signs and activation of electronic reader boards, and set up of traffic cones, shelter, and other gear.
• Trailering of decontamination equipment, water haulers, and other equipment is also required.

Benefits

• Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance.
• Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays.
• This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED