AIS Monitoring and Response Coordinator

GENERAL description:  

Protect Wyoming’s waters and be on the front lines of defending its ecosystems from aquatic invasive species.

This position serves as a statewide leader in aquatic invasive species (AIS) monitoring, research, and rapid response preparedness—playing a critical role in safeguarding Wyoming’s lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. As a driving force behind AIS prevention and containment efforts, you will design, implement, and continuously improve science-based monitoring programs that protect the state’s natural resources.

In this dynamic role, you’ll analyze biological data to track species distribution, identify population trends, and inform strategic management decisions. You’ll lead the development of rapid response and containment strategies, ensuring Wyoming is prepared to act quickly and effectively to emerging threats.

Working closely with regional staff and interagency partners across northwest Wyoming, you’ll help lead AIS inspection and decontamination efforts, fostering strong collaboration and coordinated action on the ground.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about conservation, thrives in both field and analytical work, and is ready to make a lasting impact on Wyoming’s natural resources.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA and holidays
• Retirement – Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE!

Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / dezzaree.schott@wyo.gov

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.

• Coordinates statewide and regional AIS biological monitoring and early detection programs.
• Designs, implements, and evaluates science-based surveys to detect, assess, and monitor AIS on Wyoming water bodies and fish hatcheries.
• Implements the border and water inspection and decontamination check station program in the Cody and Lander fisheries management regions, including equipment purchasing and lease agreements, equipment maintenance, and problem resolution.
• Serves as the department’s technical expert for AIS identification, biological characteristics, pathways of spread, and statewide distribution.
• Provides scientific and technical recommendations for response actions and prioritization of management efforts.
• Coordinates with regional personnel to implement rapid response plans on positive and infested waters.
• Develops, updates, and standardizes AIS monitoring and hatchery inspection protocols using current scientific methodologies and best available science, including the evaluation and Application of emerging technologies.
• Conducts monitoring on all priority waters within the Cody and Lander fisheries management regions and associated hatcheries.
• Develops, evaluates, and maintains AIS Rapid Response Plans based on biological risk assessments in collaboration with regional AIS programs.
• Supervises and coordinates the work of Cody and Lander regional seasonal AIS inspection and monitoring personnel who conduct field surveys, inspections, and data collection activities.
• Recruits, hires, trains, and provides work direction to seasonal AIS staff.
• Leads decontamination of high-risk watercraft and coordinates with law enforcement on inspection compliance and watercraft quarantine.
• Coordinates with partners (WYDOT, State Parks, USFS, etc.) to provide a consistent response and responsive AIS boat inspection process for the public.
• Educates and informs the public regarding AIS threats and prevention, including inspection and decontamination requirements, private AIS inspector certification, monitoring activities, and threats to the state’s resources.
• Represents the Department on regional, interstate, and national interagency working groups, committees, and panels related to AIS monitoring, research, and management.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES: 

Preference for individuals with Watercraft Inspector and Decontamination level 1, II and III certifications.

KNOWLEDGE: 

• Knowledge of Wyoming statutes and regulations associated with AIS.
• Knowledge of aquatic invasive species interdiction and management strategies.
• Knowledge of the complex water intake systems used in a diversity of motorized watercraft types and other types of conveyances.
• Able to properly inspect and decontaminate a wide range of watercraft and other conveyances.
• Skilled in developing and modifying work schedules involving multiple employees.
• Able to communicate (oral and written) clear and succinct project proposals, procedures, and technical reports for the public, agency employees and scientific audiences.
• Skilled in interpersonal communication, customer service, problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Facilitation and listening skills and an ability to compile many opinions and priorities into a workable comprehensive plan.
• Skilled in use of computers, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, GIS, Program R, etc.
• Able to operate and repair decontamination and sampling equipment, including small engines, on-demand hot water heater systems, boats, 4WD vehicles, and other similar equipment that is used by the AIS program.
• Able to conduct and oversee multiple concurrent projects and complete work in a timely manner.
• Skilled in planning, organizing, and conducting training for members of the public and agency personnel.
• Understanding of AIS and control measures associated with AIS eradication efforts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 
education:Bachelor’s Degree (typically in Wildlife Management)
 

experience:1-2 years progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Wildlife Biologist II

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:None 

OR
Education & Experience Substitution:4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Wildlife Biologist II

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:None

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Some weekend and holiday work may be required.
• The position will require some statewide and out-of-state travel.

NOTES:

• FLAS: Exempt
• A bachelor’s degree in wildlife science, wildlife management, natural resources, environmental science, or a closely related field is typically required.
• Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check before appointment.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Uniforms and other necessary gear will be provided when in the field.
• Please include a cover letter when submitting the state application. The cover letter should include career plans and suitability for the job.
• CONTACT: For more information regarding this position, contact Josh Leonard, AIS Coordinator at 307-343-5533.

Supplemental Information

040-Game and Fish-Fish Division

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URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.