AIS Watercraft Inspector- SULA

State of Montana • Sula, MT

23h • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Excellent customer service skills and enjoy working with the public.
• Responsible, dependable, work as part of a team, and follow protocols and direction given by supervisor.
• Ability 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.
• Able to follow protocol and procedures for various conditions and all watercraft types.
• Position requires working for long periods in various extreme weather conditions.
• Must have a driver’s license.
• Knowledge of and experience with computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and data storage.
• Good organizational, documenting, time management skills, and a self-motivated individual.
• Effective communication skills are necessary in dealing with peers, supervisors, other members of the department and the public.
• High school diploma or equivalency.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• Ability to learn and implement protocols, follow inspection and decontamination instructions, and troubleshoot technical issues.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Communicating outreach to the public and educating on the importance of AIS and inspection stations to protect Montana waters.
• Conducting efficient interviews, inspections and decontaminations.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving issues with mechanics, data tablets, and basic station operations.
• Maintaining a professional demeanor and using critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Being on time and present for all scheduled shifts, submitting time for payroll, and organizing stations.
• Using common sense regarding safely operating machinery, driving state vehicles, and conducting daily operations.
• Performing inspections and decontaminations on various types of watercrafts, including removing drain plugs, draining and drying compartments, flushing boat motors and ballast tanks.
• Performing surveys of the public to assess risk of AIS transport and providing education and documentation to increase best AIS prevention practices.
• Approaching occasionally heated situations in a calm manner, deescalating situations as able, and following training and protocols to resolve issues.
• Assisting with the set up and take down of the inspection station daily, including placement of roadway signs, activation of electronic reader boards, and setup of traffic cones, shelter, and other gear.
• Trailering of decontamination equipment, water haulers, and other equipment.

Benefits

• Health, dental and life insurance (for employees exceeding 1,040 hours in a calendar year).
• Retirement.
• Paid vacation.
• Sick leave.
• Holidays.
• May be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED