Watercraft Inspector - Natural Resource Technician 2 - Permanent - 2026-09274

State of Washington•Clark County – Ridgefield, WA

About The Position

The Watercraft Inspector is a Natural Resource Technician 2 in the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fish Program, Aquatic Invasive Species Management. Based in Ridgefield, Washington, the position helps protect state waters by inspecting and decontaminating trailered recreational and commercial watercraft at inspection stations and during roving patrols. The role involves interviewing the public, collecting and entering watercraft information, following inspection procedures, preserving suspected aquatic invasive species, and performing hot-water decontaminations when necessary. Inspectors also educate the public about Clean, Drain, Dry practices and aquatic invasive species. The position includes station, equipment, vehicle, and grounds upkeep, weekly reporting, and office support. Work is primarily outdoors, often in inclement weather, and may involve working in or near water, using hot decontamination equipment and cleaning agents, and occasional contact with aquatic organisms. The schedule is full-time, 40 hours per week, and may vary with business needs, season, and weather. Occasional evening, weekend, holiday, or extended hours may be required. Frequent regional travel is required, with occasional travel elsewhere in Washington for training, meetings, or program support.

Requirements

Meet at least one of the following qualifications: one year of experience as a Natural Resource Worker 2; two years of college-level work in fish, wildlife, or habitat management, agriculture, forestry, or natural resource science with technical or paraprofessional duties related to aquatic invasive species, field inspection, biosecurity practices, or handling and decontaminating equipment; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience totaling two years.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive tasks, safely operate vehicles and decontamination equipment, and occasionally lift materials and perform maintenance activities.
Ability to travel frequently to watercraft inspection and decontamination stations throughout the region.
Ability to interact with the public at mandatory check stations, including occasional interactions with people who are non-compliant or uncooperative.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in fish, wildlife, or habitat management, agriculture, forestry, or a natural resource science.
Two years of experience as a Natural Resource Worker 2.
One year of professional experience in watercraft inspection.
One year of professional experience using computers, electronic tablets, and data collection applications.
Watercraft Inspection Technician 1 (WIT Level 1) Certification.
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Roadside Safety certification.

Responsibilities

Inspect recreational and commercial watercraft at Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination stations and during roving patrols.
Conduct standardized interviews and enter watercraft conveyance information and history into the multi-state WID database using an iOS tablet or agency laptop.
Follow watercraft inspection guidelines learned through Watercraft Inspection Technician training, including proper preservation of suspected aquatic invasive species.
Perform full decontaminations with a pressurized hot-water unit when aquatic invasive species are detected.
Educate the public about Clean, Drain, Dry practices and aquatic invasive species.
Maintain and monitor electronic reader boards and ensure inspection-station signage remains in proper condition.
Complete and submit weekly activity reports.
Clean restrooms, pick up litter, maintain landscaping, and perform general facility upkeep.
Perform routine maintenance on vehicles, trailered electronic reader boards, electronic tablets, and landscaping tools and equipment.
Travel to inspection and decontamination stations and operate state vehicles.