Title- Watercraft Inspectors
Classification- Natural Resource Worker 2
Job Status- Full-Time / Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Four (4)
Appointment Length- 5 months – April 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Division
*Duty Station- Multiple Locations

*Apply to one (1) or both locations by submitting one (1) application.

Three (3) Positions – Cle Elum, Washington – Kittitas County
One (1) Position – Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Help safeguard our state’s waterbodies and native species by preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species!

As a Watercraft Inspector, you’ll play a critical role in protecting aquatic ecosystems by inspecting and decontaminating aquatic conveyances.

As a key member of the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Division, you will identify and preserve potential invasive species, ensure infested boats are properly decontaminated, and engage with the public through standardized interviews to collect watercraft data. 

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Watercraft Inspectors will,

Inspect Aquatic Conveyances, Primarily Recreational and Commercial Watercraft for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS):

• Engage with the public and conduct standardized interview to collect watercraft information and history for record upload into multistate Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) database using provided iOS tablet.
• Follow watercraft inspection guidelines, including identifying, collecting and preserving suspected AIS.
• Report watercraft for decontamination using hot water pressure washer if AIS are detected.

Site and Equipment Maintenance:

• Maintain cleanliness of facilities, including restrooms and general site upkeep (e.g., litter removal).
• Perform routine maintenance on vehicles, trailered electronic reader boards, and electronic tablets.
• Conduct landscaping maintenance such as leaf removal, hedge trimming, weeding, mowing to ensure safe and well-maintained outdoor areas.
• Maintain landscaping tools and equipment, including lawn mowers, trimmers and leaf blowers.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Approximately 80% fieldwork and 20% office.
• Work is performed during the day and night, outdoors, around water, on land, sometimes independently in remote locations, and occasionally during inclement weather and/or air quality.
• Occasionally lift/move up to 50 pounds.
• Safely transport and operate equipment and tools.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:
24/7 schedule, work week will be Sunday to Saturday, depending on when check stations are scheduled, often on weekends and holidays, 10 hours a day, 40 hours a week. Occasionally will exceed the daily and weekly hours.

Travel Requirements:
May require travel throughout the state and overnight travel up to four (4) days at times.

Tools and Equipment:
Half-ton 4x4 trucks, trailers, trailer reader boards, hot-water pressure washer, personal computer, smart phones, and tablets.

Customer Interactions:
Engage with the public at mandatory inspection stations for trailered watercraft and decontaminations of infested AIS watercraft. Occasionally, you may encounter individuals who are non-compliant or uncooperative.
 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 

High school graduation or GED AND three (3) months of natural resource related labor experience.

OR

One (1) year of experience as a Natural Resource Worker 1.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Required to pass a criminal background check.
• Must complete Watercraft Inspection Technician 1 (WIT 1) certification within 30 days of employment.

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

• Two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist or other natural resource field.
• College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field.
• Previous experience as a watercraft inspector.
• Experience using computers, electronic tablets, and data collection applications.
• Watercraft Inspection Technician 1 (WIT 1) Certified.
• Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Roadside Safety certification.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• 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

 
Union- WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

 
Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses 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 Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-01863.

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