Announcement:
Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.
Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This requisition is ongoing until filled. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.
Special Information:
This position may be eligible for a statutory base pay increase of $1.00 an hour effective July 1, 2026.
Identity of applicants who become finalists may be releases to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).
A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.
Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.
Effective June 22, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/
The Fisheries Division develops programs and budgets to manage for aquatic resources. The aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Bureau is managed and coordinated by staff within the Department headquarters. Implementation of programs are accomplished by the respective AIS coordinators. The AIS Watercraft Inspector position assists the AIS Area Supervisors, the AIS Prevention Specialist and the AIS Prevention Coordinator in carrying out specified inspector duties and tasks at watercraft inspection stations to prevent the movement of AIS and educate the public on AIS and best prevention practices.
This position runs from late April through early September, with mandatory training prior to starting. Hours of site operation will vary with length of daylight. Schedules will vary and include weekends, evenings, and holidays. Inspectors will be provided with a state vehicle that will be stored in Hamilton and used for transport to and from the station in Sula. The watercraft inspection station is located at the Sula Ranger Station located off Highway 93.
Mandatory Training for this position will be held on 06/02/26-06/03/26.
Specific Job Information:
Must have excellent customer service skills and enjoy working with the public. Must be responsible, dependable, work as part of a team, and follow protocols and direction given by supervisor. Responsible for communicating outreach to the public and educating on the importance of AIS and inspection stations to protect Montana waters. Applicants should be able to communicate effectively, work independently and self-motivate, but also collaboratively as a team member. Must conduct themselves professionally with the public, co-workers, and supervisor in high emotion situations. Must be able to follow protocol and procedures for various conditions and all watercraft types. Position requires working for long periods in various extreme weather conditions. Responsible for conducting efficient interviews, inspections and decontaminations. Expected to troubleshoot and problem solve issues with mechanics, data tablets, and basic station operations. Expected to maintain a professional demeanor and use critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Applicants are required to be on time and present for all scheduled shifts, submit their time for payroll, and are responsible for the organization of their stations. Use common sense regarding safely operating machinery, driving state vehicles, and conducting daily operations.
Using different inspection/decontamination practices for containment of positive and suspect waterbodies, the incumbent performs inspections and decontaminations on various types of watercrafts. This includes removing drain plugs, draining and drying compartments, flushing boat motors and ballast tanks, etc. Performs surveys of the public to assess risk of AIS transport and provides education and documentation to increase best AIS prevention practices. Must be able to approach occasionally heated situations in a calm manner, deescalate situations as able, and follow training and protocols to resolve issues.
Assists with the set up and take down of the inspection station daily. This includes the placement of roadway signs and activation of electronic reader boards, and set up of traffic cones, shelter, and other gear. Trailering of decontamination equipment, water haulers, and other equipment is also required.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
Working conditions involve outdoor work, often in inclement weather. Watercraft inspection stations are often located in remote locations without access to amenities. Inspectors are responsible for supplying both food and water daily in most locations, as well as proper attire for the weather. Work requires periodic exposure to hazardous materials, dust and fumes and equipment exhaust and high noise levels while performing decontaminations and repair and maintenance work. Work requires constant interaction with the public as a representative of the state of Montana, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Requires availability to work weekends, evenings, some holidays; as well as working long hours outdoors. Applicants will be expected to sit, bend, stoop, crawl, climb, and move up to 75 pounds. This position will often work with little supervision. Able to have constant contact with the public, co-workers, and supervisory staff. Must have valid driver’s license. The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
This position works with a variety of individuals, partners, and agencies, of varying backgrounds and is expected to build strong relationships and provide excellent customer service to the public.
Knowledge of and experience with computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and data storage. This position requires good organizational, documenting, time management skills, and a self-motivated individual.
Ability to operate and conduct maintenance on light duty pressure washers, water pumps, and other station equipment is preferred. Knowledge of watercraft and watercraft components is ideal. As well as the ability to learn and implement protocols, follow inspection and decontamination instructions, and troubleshoot technical issues.
Effective communication skills are necessary in dealing with peers, supervisors, other members of the department and the public.
