Love our lakes? Help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and share our vision of being Minnesota's favorite place. Recruiting up to 70 watercraft inspectors to work May through September at various boat landings in Crow Wing County. Applications will be reviewed periodically to get our full team in place.

Under the direction of the Environmental Services Supervisor, the Watercraft Inspector will be working outdoors at public water accesses conducting inspections of entering and exiting recreational watercraft for ecologically harmful aquatic invasive species, and following watercraft Inspection policies, responsibilities and procedures as established. Additional duties include providing survey information and recorded data to the DNR Ecological and Water Resources staff, educating recreational watercraft users to the threats of ecologically harmful invasive species. Work will require customer responsiveness, excellent communication skills, resourcefulness, sound critical thinking, and data recording.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Effectively inspect watercraft for ecologically harmful invasive species and aquatic vegetation.
• Decontaminate watercraft that have been identified as high risk following DNR protocols and specifications while adhering to all safety protocols.
• Communicate effectively the issues of invasive species and other County or DNR issues with recreational watercraft users and the public at large.
• Distribute written information to individuals and/or individual property effectively and efficiently.
• Appropriately ensure that public water accesses are weed and debris free while on site.
• Deny access to watercraft users who are at risk of infecting the waterbody.
• Accurately and efficiently record, document and collect data necessary to evaluate the spread of invasive species, the progress of control measures, the effects of public awareness, the response of recreational watercraft users to the project, and other pertinent research information.
• Accurately record, document and process the administrative and field paperwork necessary for the operation of the AIS Program Forward technical inquiries to the Environmental Services Specialist and Environmental Services Supervisor.
• Communicate effectively with the Environmental Services Specialist regarding new infestations and developments in the field.
• Follow Watercraft Inspection policies, responsibilities and procedures as established.
• Inspect all decontamination equipment at start of each shift, to ensure equipment is in a safe working order.
• Ensure safety equipment and job related tools are properly stored and in good working order.
• Ensure safety procedures are adhered to, including the proper storage of safety equipment and job related tools, and safety is evaluated on a consistent basis.
• Report damages to equipment to the Environmental Services Specialist promptly.
• Attend additional trainings and in-services as required by the Environmental Services Specialist and Environmental Services Supervisor.
• Perform all other related assignments as required, in a professional manner with a focus on safety and ensure a safe working environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of and ability to effectively operate computer applications.
• 18 years of age or older
• Reliable transportation to travel to and from watercraft landings before and after shifts
• Attend Level I Watercraft Inspection Training provided by the MN DNR at the County prior to scheduled start date.

For those operating the decontamination station, attend Level II Watercraft Inspection Training provided by the MN DNR prior to scheduled start date. Skills in communicating with the public.

Desirable Qualifications

• Prior watercraft inspection and decontamination experience
• Skills in communicating with the public.
• Demonstrate commitment, support change, value diverse organizations and individuals, relate well to others and maintain communication.

Apply online/