General Watercraft Inspector

Wage/Benefits/Hours:This is a temporary, seasonal position starting at $19.00/hour - $21.00/hourdepending on experience and qualifications. This is a part-time appointment; staff are expected towork 30 - 35 hours a week, with potential for up to 40 hours if necessary. Hours are irregular andflexible, staff are expected to be available for weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays. Thisposition is expected to run from April 21st, 2026 - October 19th, 2026. Preference will be given toapplicants available for the duration of the field season. Temporary employees at High PlainsConservation District (HPCD) are not eligible for annual leave, sick leave, or health benefits.Position Overview: This position is an opportunity to live and work in Helena, MT as a GeneralWatercraft Inspector at the Highway 12 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection station. WatercraftInspectors regularly interact with the public, inspect vessels for AIS, and perform decontamination ofvessels when necessary. Watercraft Inspectors need to physically be able to complete inspections anddecontaminations with or without a reasonable accommodation. This may require standing for longperiods of time, crouching, crawling under boats, and climbing into boats. Inspectors will be inspectingmany types of watercraft and using hot water pressure washers, attachments, and other mechanicalequipment to perform decontaminations.This position may require long days working in inclement weather conditions. Watercraft inspectionstations are often located in remote locations without access to amenities. Inspectors are responsiblefor supplying both food and water daily, as well as proper attire for the weather. A uniform will beprovided. Inspectors frequently work without supervision and are expected to work independently.Hours of site operations will vary with the length of daylight hours. Schedules will vary and includeweekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays. Inspectors are responsible for their own transportationto the watercraft inspection station or duty station. The watercraft inspection station is locatedapproximately 7 miles west of Helena on Highway 12.Mandatory training will be held on April 21st-22nd, 2026.The station will open April 25th, 2026 and remain open until October 19th 2026Job Duties:u00bf Must have excellent customer service skills and enjoy working with the public.u00bf Must be responsible, dependable, work as part of a team, and follow Montana Fish, Wildlife,and Parks AIS protocol.u00bf Communicate information to the public on the importance of AIS and inspection stations toprotect Montana's waters.u00bf Applicants should be able to communicate effectively, work independently and self-motivate,but also collaboratively as a team member.u00bf Must conduct themselves professionally with the public, co-workers, and supervisor in highemotion situations.u00bf Follow FWP AIS protocol and procedures for various conditions and all watercraft types.u00bf Run the station for long periods in various weather conditions.u00bf Conduct efficient interviews, inspections and decontaminations.u00bf Use hand-held tablets to perform interviews, document AIS observations, and provide boaterswith receipt for inspection/decontamination.u00bf Expected to troubleshoot issues with mechanics, data tablets, and basic station operations.u00bf Staff are required to be on time and present for all scheduled shifts, submit their time forpayroll, and are responsible for the organization/cleanliness of their stations.u00bf Regularly adhere to HPCD uniform policies.u00bf Use common sense regarding safely operating machinery, and conducting daily operations.Minimum Qualifications:u00bf An interest in natural resource work, water quality, or AIS work.u00bf Ability to work independently and as part of a team.u00bf Able to lift 50 pounds.u00bf Must have reliable transportation to and from the station.u00bf Customer service skills that equip applicants to interac with the public.u00bf Friendly, positive attitude.u00bf Comfortable working outside for long periods of time in a variety of weather conditions.u00bf Valid drivers license, state ID, or federal IDu00bf Familiar with using mobile devices such as smartphones, iPads, tablets, etc.u00bf Able to work a flexible work schedule with varying hours.u00bf At least 18 years old.u00bf Ability to be punctual and on-time for scheduled shifts at the station.Preferred Qualifications:u00bf College coursework in natural resources or a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science,Hydrology, Plant Biology, Outdoor Recreation, etc.u00bf Familiar with boat anatomy and boat trailers.u00bf Previous AIS work experience. Knowledge of Montana AIS laws or FWP AIS protocol.u00bf Knowledge of small engines and mechanical maintenance.u00bf Applicants with limited availability will be considered, but preference will be given to thoseavailable for the duration of the AIS field season.About the District: High Plains Conservation District (HPCD) is located in Great Falls Montana and is asoil and water conservation district servicing Cascade County. Our mission is to promote the wise useand management of the natural resources of Cascade County. HPCD provides services that encouragepeople to value and enhance the resilience and function of land and water for present and futuregenerations. HPCD works with a wide variety of agencies, partners, landowners, and the public todeliver on the ground projects, education initiatives, and landowner assistance programs. HPCDentered into a partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) to run the Highway 12 AISStation in 2026.About the Area: Helena is the capital of the State of Montana. Residents have access to a fun andexciting downtown area including a walking mile, farmer's markets throughout the summer, musicevents, and plenty of shops, restaurants, and breweries. There is ample opportunity for outdoorrecreation in Montana, and Helena is surrounded by fantastic public land opportunities with great trailaccess. There is a ski hill just outside of town, and some of the best fishing waters in the state arelocated within an hour of the city. Don't miss this opportunity to live in the beautiful state of Montanaand spend a summer exploring, gaining experience, and having a positive impact on our waterwaysTo Apply: To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information forthree references via email to Jake Atkinson at . Applications are received ona rolling basis. HPCD reserves the right to close the job opening at any time.Position Contact: For any questions about the position, High Plains Conservation District, or the Highway 12 AIS Station, please contact: Jake Atkinson, Resource Technician, (406)403-2644, Plains Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identityor expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Created: 2026-03-09