Lake Monitoring & Protection Technician

JOB REQUIREMENTS

This is a temporary position responsible for implementing portions of the Vilas County Aquatic Invasive Species Strategic Plan and other water protection assignments throughout the 2026 summer field season. The candidate must possess the maturity and skills necessary to accomplish tasks independently with minimal oversight or work cooperatively as part of a team. All duties and responsibilities of the position are performed under the guidance of the Land and Water Conservation Committee and the County Conservationist.

• Assist Department staff with prevention, monitoring, and management of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in priority water bodies. Projects include Clean Boats Clean Waters work; inventory & replace signage;
  Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detection Monitoring; biological AIS control work; manual removal of AIS, aquatic plant community assessments; coarse woody habitat monitoring; water chemistry sampling; and stream monitoring.
• Coordinate and implement educational campaigns such as AIS Snapshot Day, the Drain Campaign, the Landing Blitz, and watershed protection programs.
• Assist Lake organizations, municipalities, businesses, other groups, or individuals that are planning to provide training for AIS prevention, Clean Boats Clean Waters Inspections, or Water Action Volunteer stream monitoring.
• Responsible for preparing samples according to set protocols for timely delivery to laboratory/herbarium/etc., and entering all field data collections into the SWIMS database.
• Responsible for maintenance of all field monitoring equipment by using established disinfection protocols.
• Assist with performing repairs to boat, trailer, and other field equipment when necessary.
• Provide educational programs and trainings to lake organizations, community groups, or to school‑aged kids.
• Attend training as required to perform duties of the job.
• Assist in the administration of department records by maintaining Excel spreadsheets and other lists.
• All other duties as time allows or as assigned.

• Completion or progress toward a 4 year of degree in a natural resource, Conservation, Water Resources, or Environmental Education field is preferred.
• Proficient understanding of aquatic invasive species and/or AIS monitoring protocols.
• Must possess a strong background in written and verbal communications and the ability to speak publicly in front of groups.
• Possess a comfort level utilizing databases and spreadsheets.
• Ability to organize daily tasks, coordinate volunteer activities, and accurately enter data.
• Ability to operate modern computer hardware, software, and peripheral devices.
• Possess an understanding of operating GPS devices and GIS software.
• Strong willingness to learn and a drive to complete the tasks that are assigned in a timely manner.
• Problem‑solving skills; and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Field activities may require work in rough, wet or hilly terrain, on or in the water (boating, snorkeling).
• Ability to operate outboard motor watercraft and have/obtain WI Boater Safety Certification.

Other: A Vilas County application is required. Successful candidates must pass a drug screen, background check, and Other Potential Pre‑employment Requirements. Application Materials, including job description, are available on the County's website,  Please return application materials to:
Vilas County Human Resources; 330 Court Street;
Eagle River, WI 54521; apply