Watercraft Inspector – Natural Resources Technician 2 – Non-Permanent – 2 Openings – 2026-02944

Title- Watercraft Inspector
Classification- Natural Resources Technician 2
Job Status– Full-Time – Non-Permanent
Appointment Length– 4 months – May 16, 2026 – September 15, 2026
WDFW Program– Fish Program – Aquatic Invasive Species Division
Duty Station– Spokane Valley, Washington – Spokane County
Please Note– Work duties are performed at the Elk Inspection Station located at milepost 302, off Newport Highway.  

These positions are part of a team that have two (2) additional openings. If you’re interested in being considered for the other position, please submit a separate Application (Natural Resources Technician 2 – Job #2026-02940).

Join the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Unit to help protect Washington’s waters through public outreach and fieldwork. 

In this role, you will work at watercraft check stations and interact with the public to collect essential data, perform watercraft inspections, and carry out decontamination procedures to prevent the spread of invasive species.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Watercraft Inspector will, 

Inspect recreational and commercial watercraft conveyances at Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) stations and on roving patrol: 

• Conduct standardized interviews with the public to collect watercraft conveyance information and history and upload records into the multi-state Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) database using a provided iOS tablet or agency-issued laptop.
• Follow watercraft inspection guidelines for Watercraft Inspection Technician (WIT) 1 and 2 trainings including preservation of suspected aquatic invasive species.
• Educate the public on “Clean, Drain, Dry” process and AIS.

Site and equipment maintenance and office support: 

• Complete and submit weekly activity reports.
• Clean restrooms and pick up litter.
• Routine maintenance of vehicles, trailered electronic reader boards, and electronic tablets.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: 

• This position will be working at the Elk Inspection Station located at milepost 302, off Newport Highway
• Work is performed primarily outdoors at watercraft inspection and decontamination stations, often in varied and sometimes extreme weather conditions.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments, hot decontamination equipment, cleaning agents, and occasional contact with aquatic organisms.
• Stand for extended periods, perform repetitive tasks, and safely operate vehicles and decontamination equipment.
• Occasional lifting of materials and maintenance activities such as cleaning, landscaping, and facility upkeep.

Schedule: This position is 24/7 non-scheduled, working 40 hours per week. Shifts may vary based on operational needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening, weekend work or holidays as needed.

Travel Requirements:

• Frequent travel to and from various watercraft inspection and decontamination stations throughout the region, operating a state vehicle.
• Travel is typically within an assigned area but may occasionally extend to other parts of the state for training, meetings, or to support program operations.

Tools and Equipment: 

• Transport and operate equipment including a trailered electronic reader board, trailered hot-water pressure washer, and a one-ton 4×4 truck.
• Operate and maintain various inspection and decontamination tools and supplies such as hoses, pumps, sprayers, and protective gear.
• Use personal computers, smartphones, and iPads for data entry and communication. Use hand tools, cleaning and maintenance equipment, and GPS or mapping devices to support field operations and station upkeep.

Customer Interactions: Interact with the public at mandatory check stations for trailered watercraft and decontaminations of infested AIS watercraft and occasionally is confronted with citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

At least one (1) of the following: 

• One (1) year of experience as a Natural Resource Worker 2.
• Two (2) years of college level work in the field of fish, wildlife, or habitat management, agriculture, forestry, or a natural resource science performing technical or paraprofessional duties related to aquatic invasive species, field inspection, biosecurity practices, and/or handling and decontaminating equipment.
• A combination of education and/or work experience in the field of fish, wildlife, or habitat management, agriculture, forestry, or a natural resource science performing technical or paraprofessional duties related to aquatic invasive species, field inspection, biosecurity practices, and/or handling and decontaminating equipment, totaling to two (2) years.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License. 

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Bachelor’s degree in the field of fish, wildlife, or habitat management, agriculture, forestry, or a natural resource science

Two (2) years of experience as a Natural Resource Worker 2.

One (1) year of professional experience with: 

• Watercraft inspection
• Using computers, electronic tablets, and data collection applications

Certifications: 

• Watercraft Inspection Technician 1 (WIT Level 1) certification
• Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Roadside Safety certification

Your application must include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union – WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-02944.

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