Openings: Four (4)
Title- Aquatic and Aerial Training Specialists
Classification- Program Specialist 4
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Human Resources Division – Compliance, Training, and Safety Section
Duty Station- *Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

*This position is eligible for remote work when not traveling for training, at the discretion of the supervisor. 

The first review of applications will take place the week of September 2. We encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The Hiring Manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time when a selection has been made.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

These positions focus on ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our workforce—employees, volunteers, student interns, and contractors—who operate in challenging environments, whether it's on water, in the air, or across remote landscapes.

Each expert will take the lead in one of the following areas:

• Non-motorized watercraft
• Snorkeling and Diving
• Swiftwater
• Watercraft and Aircraft

Your role will be essential in delivering targeted training programs that enhance the safety and readiness of those operating various watercraft and aircraft. Beyond protecting our team, you'll also contribute to public safety and help mitigate risks associated with equipment damage and other operational hazards.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Aquatic and Aerial Training Specialists will:

Act as Subject matter expert and primary Trainer responsible to organize, instruct, facilitate, and contract training for assigned job tasks.

• Maintain agency designated instructor certifications to provide consultation, training, and evaluation of courses.
• Instruct and/or co-facilitate agency courses to include Motorboat Operator Training Course, Washington State Boater Education, CPR/First Aide, policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Develop and manage contracted training.
• Track and compile data and submit monthly reports to demonstrate training progress, noncompliance, safety incidents, budget, and organization-wide improvements.
• Utilize and monitor course evaluations to maintain fidelity to the training models by collecting, evaluating, and integrating feedback into courses for continuous improvement.
• Evaluate employee MOTC instructors to maintain fidelity to training models and utilization of adult learning principles.
• Maintain documentation of training records, including instructor certifications in The Learning Center. 
• Maintain constant awareness of best practice training that meets state and national standards.
• Evaluate and identify agency training needs, such as equipment and materials, propose investments to maintain program integrity.

Manage training and equipment logistics and maintenance. 

• Coordinate the training facilities and locations for classroom, pools, and marinas for open water activities.
• Coordinate and transport as necessary all watercraft safety training vehicles, boats PPE’s and equipment for training use and maintenance.
• Maintain storage, drying, and inventory of watercraft training PPE’s.
• Schedule agency trainings confirm location, time, room, and trainers.
• Maintain student roster; ensure enrollment and course completion.
• Monitor, collect and forward billing of training materials.
• Maintain, manage, and disseminate training materials for courses.
• Schedule and coordinate travel and lodging for agency watercraft instructors and contracted trainers.
• Responsible to maintain and store inventory of training equipment.
• Populate and maintain the agency training calendar with all available courses.
• Assist supervisors and staff with class registration as needed.
• Maintain inventory and service of all equipment, vehicles, and vessels.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is performed in remote areas (Forests, Canyons, with limited cell phone service or vhf radio signal in all weather), in an office, and while operating watercraft in open water and river environments; including up to class 3+ rapids and in open water. Work will involve driving and trailering watercraft. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. 

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may require work outside the assigned work hours and adjustment of work schedules.

Travel Requirements: Frequent travel to provide statewide training.

Tools and Equipment: Watercraft, truck, trailer, personal protective equipment.

Customer Interactions: Agency employees, volunteers, student interns, contractors, external partners, and public interaction.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis. 

A bachelor’s degree, in Education, Organizational Development, Training, Occupational Health and Safety, Natural Resources, Recreation Resource Management, Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement, Risk Management or closely allied field and two (2) years of professional, full time, paid experience in a specialized professional program in a government or private agency that included responsibility for training/education, safety, logistics coordination, and consultation with a variety of stakeholders. 

Required competencies: 

• Proficient knowledge and application of adult learning principles.
• Ability to develop and modify curriculum.
• Ability to apply and teach comprehensive policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of organizational change management and systems development.
• Knowledge of watercraft operations and best practices for safety.
• Proficient in operation of multiple forms of watercraft.
• Proficient in professional written and verbal communications.

Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• This position must maintain Instructor Certification for identified agency safety trainings including MOTC/MOCC, CPR/First Aid, Blood Borne Pathogens and AED. (Must be obtained withing one year of hire.)
• This position must have a Washington State Boater Education Card. (Must be obtained withing one year of hire.)

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Two (2) years of professional, full time, paid experience instructing watercraft safety training.
• Current Instructor Certification with the Scientific Boating Association’s Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) and/or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Motorboat Operator Certification Course MOCC).
• Current HIS CPR/First Aid.

Specialized Experience/Certifications such as: 

• ACA Rafting Instructor Certification.
• Swiftwater Instructor Certification.
• Current dive certification.
• Snorkeling experience with a natural resource agency.
• Washington State Boater Education Card.
• Professional experience working in and around aircraft.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and spouses of active-duty military personnel who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.   

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov and reference the job number in the subject line.

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