Watercraft Inspector - Natural Resource Technician - Non

Title: Watercraft Inspector

Classification: Natural Resource Technician 2

Job Status: Full‑Time – Non‑Permanent

Appointment Length: 6 months – July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026

WDFW Program: Fish Program

Duty Station: Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Watercraft Inspector will:

• Inspect recreational and commercial watercraft conveyances at Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) stations and on roving patrol:
  • Conduct standardized interviews with the public to collect watercraft conveyance information and history and upload records into the multi‑state Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) database using a provided iOS tablet or agency‑issued laptop.
  • Follow watercraft inspection guidelines for Watercraft Inspection Technician (WIT) 1 and 2 trainings including preservation of suspected aquatic invasive species (AIS).
  • Educate the public on “Clean, Drain, Dry” process and AIS.
• Site and equipment maintenance and office support:
  • Complete and submit weekly activity reports.
  • Clean restrooms and pick up litter.
  • Routine maintenance for vehicles, trailered electronic reader boards, and electronic tablets.
• Working Conditions:
  • Work is performed primarily outdoors at watercraft inspection and decontamination stations, often in varied and sometimes extreme weather conditions.
  • This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments, hot decontamination equipment, cleaning agents, and occasional contact with aquatic organisms.
  • Stand for extended periods, perform repetitive tasks, and safely operate vehicles and decontamination equipment.
  • Occasional lifting of materials and maintenance activities such as cleaning, landscaping, and facility upkeep.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Frequent travel to and from various watercraft inspection and decontamination stations throughout the region, operating a state vehicle.
  • Travel is typically within an assigned area but may occasionally extend to other parts of the state for training, meetings, or to support program operations.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Transport and operate equipment including a trailered electronic reader board, trailered hot‑water pressure washer, and a one‑ton 4x4 truck.
  • Operate and maintain various inspection and decontamination tools and supplies such as hoses, pumps, sprayers, and protective gear.
  • Use personal computers, smartphones, and iPads for data entry and communication. Use hand tools, cleaning and maintenance equipment, and GPS or mapping devices to support field operations and station upkeep.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Interact with the public at mandatory check stations for trailered watercraft and decontaminations of infested AIS watercraft and occasionally confront citizens that are non‑compliant or not cooperative.

Schedule: This position is full‑time, working 40 hours per week. Shifts may vary based on operational needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening, weekend work or holidays as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• One (1) year of experience as a Natural Resource Worker 2.
• Two (2) years of college level work in the field of fish, wildlife, or habitat management, agriculture, forestry, or a natural resource science performing technical or paraprofessional duties related to aquatic invasive species, field inspection, biosecurity practices, and/or handling and decontaminating equipment.
• A combination of education and/or relevant experience in the field of fish, wildlife, or habitat management, agriculture, forestry, or a natural resource science performing technical or paraprofessional duties related to aquatic invasive species, field inspection, biosecurity practices, and/or handling and decontaminating equipment totaling to two (2) years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in fish, wildlife, or habitat management, agriculture, forestry, or natural resource science.
• Two (2) years of experience as a Natural Resource Worker 2.
• One (1) year of professional experience in:
  • Watercraft…