Salary: $2,889.00 - $3,811.00 Monthly
Location : Spokane County - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Job Number: 2025-01441
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 02/21/2025
Closing Date: 3/9/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionNumber of Vacancies- Two (2) positions
Working Title- Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Watercraft Inspectors
Classification- Natural Resource Worker 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment/Season Length- 5 Months - April 1, 2025 - August 31, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program - AIS Division
Duty Station- Liberty Lake, Washington - Spokane County
Learn more about being a member of
Team WDFW!
Photo Caption - Aquatic Invasive Species checks and monitoring - Photo Credit: WDFW
Are you passionate about protecting waters in Washington State from invasive species?
With sustainability and conservation in mind, you will assist in the protection of state waters and resources by inspecting and decontaminating trailered watercraft for AIS.
You are excited to be a part of preserving and protecting fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities!
WHAT TO EXPECTAmong the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:
Inspecting Recreational and Commercial Watercraft at Mandatory Inspection Stations.- Inspect watercraft at inspection stations for aquatic invasive species. Identify and preserve possible AIS from watercraft, report watercraft if infested with AIS 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.
Office Support.- Data entry into electronic tablets.
- Organizing and compiling information from check station operations.
- Complete and submit weekly activity reports.
Equipment Maintenance.- 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 75 pounds. Safely transport and operate equipment and tools.
Schedule: These positions will work 40 hours per week, 10-hours per day. Days of work will depend on when check stations are scheduled, often on weekends and holidays. Occasionally will exceed the daily and weekly hours.
Travel requirements: This position may require travel throughout the state and overnight travel up to four days at times.
Customer Interactions: Interacts with the public frequently. 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 (3) months of natural resource related labor experience.
Option 2: High school graduation or GED,
and one (1) year as a Natural Resource Worker 1. (Definition of Natural Resource Worker: Under close supervision and as a member of an organized crew, performs unskilled forest, agriculture, and/or aquatic land management labor.)
Option 3: One (1) year of higher education in a natural resources field.
License: Valid driver's license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment.
May be required to pass criminal background check.
May be required to obtain one or more specialized skill qualifications or licenses, including but not limited to WIT 1 Certifications (offered by employer) or WIT 2 Certifications (offered by employer).
Preferred Qualifications:In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all 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 (3) professional references with current contact information.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:In addition to and other , there are other 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:
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 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
- 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 EmployerAs 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 , 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
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2025-01441.
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More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan ForgivenessIf you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional LeaveLeave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes, I have a current valid driver's license.
- No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.
02
Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.
- High School Diploma/GED.
- Some College.
- Vocational Degree or Certificate.
- Associate's Degree.
- Bachelor's Degree.
- Master's Degree.
- Ph.D.
- None of the above.
03
What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
04
Select the option below that best describes your natural resource related labor experience, OR your experience as a Natural Resource Worker 1.
- I do not have this experience.
- I have less than 3 months of this experience.
- I have between 3 months and 6 months of this experience.
- I have between 6 months and 9 months of this experience.
- I have between 9 months and 12 months of this experience.
- I have 12 months or more of this experience.
05
Please briefly list where you gained your natural resource related labor experience, or your experience as a Natural Resource Worker 1. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
06
Please briefly describe your work experience conducting watercraft AIS inspections and/or decontamination of watercraft. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
07
Do you have experience providing customer service?
08
Do you have a WSDOT Roadside Safety certification?
09
Select the options below which you have experience using. Select all that apply.
- Computers.
- Electronic tablets.
- Data collection applications.
10
How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).
- American Fisheries Society (AFS)
- Careers.wa.gov
- Community Based Organization
- Community/Technical College
- Conservation Job Board
- El Informador
- Facebook
- Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
- Handshake
- Hiring Event/Workshop
- Indeed.com
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- LinkedIn
- Newspaper
- Other
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- Society of American Foresters (SAF)
- Texas A&M
- Twitter
- University Job Board
- UW College of the Environment
- WDFW Employee
- WDFW Recruiter
- WDFW Website
- Word of Mouth
- WorkSource
11
Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
12
Are you currently a permanent employee of the Department of Fish and Wildlife? ("Permanent employee" means an employee who has attained permanent status in a job classification upon successful completion of a probationary, trial service, or transition review period; this would include "Seasonal Career" appointments).
Required Question
