Invasive Species Survey Technician

Are you interested in conducting interesting work in beautiful places? Are you passionate about protecting pristine waterways and natural ecosystems? Would you rather spend more days on a boat than in an office? Well if you answered yes to any of these questions, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture is hiring four Survey Technicians for the Aquatic Invasive Species program. Working out of Post Falls you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most scenic waterways in the continental United States, all while doing critical work to help us protect these special places and building your resume for a future career in natural resources. This is an ideal position for undergraduate students seeking to kick start their career or recent graduates looking to get their foot in the door.

Invasive Species Technicians Primary Responsibilities:

This position offers a hands-on role in protecting Idaho’s waterways through field-based monitoring and response. Invasive Species Technicians conduct surveys for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) using established scientific protocols, with much of the work taking place outdoors in dynamic, real-world environments.

Technicians perform a wide range of field sampling and evaluations focused on invasive species and aquatic noxious weeds. Duties include collecting plankton samples for early detection of invasive dreissenid mussels, surveying waterways for aquatic weeds such as Eurasian watermilfoil and flowering rush, and supporting herbicide treatment monitoring by collecting water quality data including herbicide residuals and dissolved oxygen. Technicians also help maintain essential equipment, including hotwash decontamination units.

Fieldwork is a major component of this role and may involve operating motorized boats, paddling kayaks, snorkeling, and hiking along shorelines to complete survey tasks. Some surveys are conducted from both motorized and non-motorized watercraft, and employees must be capable of towing and backing boat trailers safely and confidently.

This position is best suited for individuals who are self-motivated, comfortable working with the public, able to operate independently with limited supervision, and excited about performing physical fieldwork in a variety of outdoor conditions.

Minimum Qualifications: 

The successful applicant must be able to fulfill the following duties:

• Good communication skills- Ability to pay attention to detail while following established biological sampling protocols- Work in various types of weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.)- Work in and around water, mud, and shorelines doing strenuous manual labor with or without a reasonable accommodation- Ability to lift 50 lbs. with or without a reasonable accommodation
• Possibility of working evenings, weekends, or long hours including occasional overnight stays
• State vehicle usage- Valid driver’s license

Desired Qualifications:

• experience using GPS for navigation and biological sampling- Aquatic biology, ecology or field inspection experience- Pressure washer experience- Experience with motorboat operation and safety- Plant identification experience
• Experience working in and around water