AIS Watercraft Inspector- SULA

Location: Sula

Announcement:

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.

* Resume

* Cover Letter

Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This requisition is ongoing until filled. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Special Information:

This position may be eligible for a statutory base pay increase of $1.00 an hour effective July 1, 2026.

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be releases to the public if the Department deems it necessary. 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).

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.

Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

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 position runs from late April through early September, with mandatory training prior to starting. Hours of site operation will vary with length of daylight. Schedules will vary and include weekends, evenings, and holidays. Inspectors will be provided with a state vehicle that will be stored in Hamilton and used for transport to and from the station in Sula. The watercraft inspection station is located at the Sula Ranger Station located off Highway 93.

Mandatory Training for this position will be held on 06/02/26-06/03/26.

Specific Job Information:

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. Responsible for communicating outreach to the public and educating on the importance of AIS and inspection stations to protect Montana waters. 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. Must be able to follow protocol and procedures for various conditions and all watercraft types. Position requires working for long periods in various extreme weather conditions. 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. Use common sense regarding safely operating machinery, driving state vehicles, and conducting daily operations.

Using different inspection/decontamination practices for containment of positive and suspect water bodies, 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…