Positions- Four (4)
Title- Watercraft Inspectors
Classification- Natural Resource Worker 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- Seven (7) months – April 1, 2025-October 31, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Unit
Duty Station- Spokane Valley, Washington – Spokane County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

As a Watercraft Inspector, you’ll play a crucial role in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species by inspecting recreational and commercial watercraft at mandatory inspection stations. Your work includes identifying and preserving potential invasive species, ensuring infested boats are properly decontaminated, and engaging with the public through standardized interviews to collect watercraft data. You’ll also assist with station setup, maintain equipment, and deploy signage to alert boaters of inspection requirements. 

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

• Inspect watercraft at inspection stations for aquatic invasive species. Identify and preserve possible AIS from watercraft, report watercraft if infested with so that it can be decontaminated with hot water pressure washer.
• Interacts with the public, conducts standardized interview to obtain watercraft data, performs routine data entry.
• Check station set up and maintenance, transportation of trailered electronic reader boards, deploy signage alerting watercraft haulers of inspection stations.
• Maintains vehicles, inspection station site, trailered electronic reader boards, and electronic tablets. Keeps all in safe and working order.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting: Approximately 80% field and 20% office. Works outdoors around water and on land, sometimes independently in remote locations, occasionally during inclement weather and/or air quality, day, and night. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Lifts/moves up to 75lbs. 

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

Travel: This position may require travel throughout the state and overnight travel up to four days at times.

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

Customer Interaction: Interacts with the public. Performs standardized interviews of watercraft-related questions. Occasionally is confronted with citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: High school graduation or GED and three months of natural resource related labor experience. 

Option 2: One year as a Natural Resource Worker 1. 

Option 3: Equivalent education/experience. 

Required Licenses: Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age at time of appointment.  

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Experience conducting watercraft AIS inspections and/or decontamination of watercraft.
• Experience using computers, electronic tablets, and data collection applications.
• Customer service experience.
• WSDOT Roadside Safety certification.
• Ability to work flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Associate degree in Biology, Fisheries, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources, Environmental Science or closely related field of study.

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 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

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