AIS Watercraft Inspector- SULA

AIS Watercraft Inspector

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 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.

Physical and Environmental Demands:
Working conditions involve outdoor work, often in inclement weather. Watercraft inspection stations are often located in remote locations without access to amenities. Inspectors are responsible for supplying both food and water daily in most locations, as well as proper attire for the weather. Work requires periodic exposure to hazardous materials, dust and fumes and equipment exhaust and high noise levels while performing decontaminations and repair and maintenance work.

Work requires constant interaction with the public as a representative of the state of Montana, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Requires availability to work weekends, evenings, some holidays; as well as working long hours outdoors. Applicants will be expected to sit, bend, stoop, crawl, climb, and move up to 75 pounds. This position will often work with little supervision.

Able to have constant contact with the public, co-workers, and supervisory staff. Must have valid driver's license. The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

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