Authorized Level 2 Watercraft Inspector - Law Compliance Rep

Working Title:

Authorized Level 2 Watercraft Inspector

Job Class:
Law Compliance Representative 1

• Job
• Location:
  
  Brainerd
• Full/Part Time:
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary:
  Seasonal
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 06/16/2026
• Closing Date: 07/06/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit:
  Ecological and Water Resources
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift
• Days of Work:
  Varies – Holiday and Weekend availability required
• Travel Required:
  
  No
• Salary Range: $20.68 – $27.72 / hourly; $42,428 – $56,877 / annually
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 – Technical/AFSCME
• FLSA Status:
  Nonexempt
• Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
  Yes

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking one (1) permanent seasonal Authorised Level 2 Watercraft Inspector located in Brainerd, Minnesota. The anticipated season runs from mid‑April through the end of October, with seasonal layoff status at year‑end and recall at season start. The role involves educating the public about invasive species, inspecting watercraft for aquatic invasive species (AIS), and assisting users with decontamination.

Duties include training and education on AIS prevention.

• Inspect and decontaminate watercraft and water‑related equipment according to DNR protocols to ensure compliance with aquatic invasive species laws and regulations.
• Use computers or tablets to participate in online meetings or trainings and to gather survey data during inspections and decontaminations.
• Assist conservation officers as assigned by the Regional Watercraft Inspection Supervisor to ensure check stations are operated efficiently and violation reports are timely and accurate.
• Maintain mechanical equipment to keep units in safe working condition and minimize downtime.
• Complete administrative duties in a timely manner to meet program needs.

• Strong human relations and negotiation skills sufficient to interact with watercraft operators in a professional, tactful, yet persuasive manner that can achieve voluntary compliance.
• Communications skills sufficient to effectively explain the law, requirements and procedures; to listen well and respond appropriately; to answer questions and to inform operators of the consequences of non‑compliance.
• Knowledge of natural resource management issues and environmental and biological processes sufficient to educate users about aquatic invasive species and to correctly identify a variety of invasive species for compliance or corrective action.
• Excellent communication skills necessary to prepare clear, concise inspection reports documenting non‑compliance, and to relay information to program supervisors and law enforcement.
• Ability to maintain a professional, calm, and helpful demeanor in all circumstances.
• Ability to operate and maintain medium to heavy equipment using proper personal protective equipment and following safety procedures.
• Ability to gather data through observation and asking questions to prepare accurate reports for legal or corrective action.
• Ability to manage assigned workload independently with minimal supervision.

• Knowledge of a variety of types of watercraft.
• Three or more months experience conducting inspections for compliance with statutes, regulations, or licensing requirements.
• An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, natural resource management, biology, ecology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience applying statutory requirements to factual situations with a regulatory entity.
• Experience performing routine maintenance and repair of small and large equipment and tools.
• Experience towing and maneuvering a variety of trailers.

• Unrestricted Class D driver’s license with a clear driving record. Only individuals 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Educa…