Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Technician

Start and end dates slightly flexible, but targeting May 29-Aug 28, 2024.  Work schedule is typically 8 ten-hour days, followed by 6 days off.  (ie. Wed through the following Wed, with Thurs through Tues off.) This position is limited to 40 hours per work week (starting Sun and ending Sat). Working every other weekend is required. Occasional evening work maybe be needed.   

VILAS COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Vilas County is hiring a Aquatic Invasive Species Technician This is a temporary mid-level position responsible for implementing the Vilas County Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan and Land & Water Resources Management Plan throughout the 2024 summer field season. The candidate must possess the skills necessary to accomplish tasks independently with minimal oversight, or work cooperatively as part of a team. All duties and responsibilities of the position are performed under the guidance of the Land and Water Conservation Committee and the County Conservationist.   

Duties:

• Responsible for voluntary recreational watercraft decontamination program at priority locations by operating a trailered hot pressures washer.
• Lead a spiny waterflea monitoring effort on priority lakes by taking dredge samples.
• Responsible for prepping and submitting dredge samples and water samples lab for analysis.
• Responsible for facilitating proper verifications of suspected AIS.
• Responsible for initial outreach to landowners where priority invasive species are verified.
• Work with Wisconsin Headwaters Invasives Partnership to monitor priority sites for wetland invasives via wading, canoe, and motorboat.
• Public outreach on local priority invasive species including in-person and virtual presentations, press releases, flyers, radio spots, TV interviews, website updates, and online videos.
• Responsible for properly maintaining and calibrating all field and monitoring equipment before and after use.
• Responsible for decontamination of boats, gear, and field equipment by using approved methods.
• Follow field safety protocols for working along roadways, in water, and with private property: ie high visibility vests, life jackets, use of dive flags, etc.
• Process voucher specimens of plants and suspected AIS as needed.
• Assisting with performing/coordinating repairs to boats and equipment.
• Enter data collected into Excel spreadsheets/DNR SWIMS database/other platforms as required.
• Assists in the administration of department records by maintaining grant logs and updating lists.
• Attend trainings as required.
• All other duties as time allows or as assigned.

Qualifications:· 

• Basic understanding of aquatic invasive species and/or AIS monitoring protocols.
• Progression toward an undergraduate degree in a natural resource management field or similar
• Must possess a strong background in written and verbal communications and the ability to speak publicly in front of groups; ability to deliver news messages using all public media formats.
• Ability to create and edit videos for online posting.   
• Possess a comfort level utilizing databases and spreadsheets.
• Ability to organize daily tasks and accurately enter data.
• Possess knowledge of invasive species management issues and their solutions.
• Ability to operate modern computer hardware, software, and peripheral devices.
• Possess basic understanding of operating GPS devices and GIS software.
• Strong willingness to learn and a drive to complete the tasks that are assigned in a timely manner.
• Problem-solving skills; and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Field activities may require work in rough, wet or hilly terrain, on the water, or in the water (wading and snorkeling).
• Must be willing to operate outboard motor watercraft and have/obtain WI Boater Safety Certification.
• Proficiency with canoeing, driving 4-wheel drive trucks, and hauling trailers is preferred.

Salary & Benefits:  The rate of pay is $16.50 per hour. A typical work schedule is 8 ten-hour days, followed by 6 days off.  (ie. Wed through the following Wed, with Thurs through Tues off.) This position is limited to 40 hours per week. Working every other weekend is required. Occasional evening work maybe be needed.  This is a limited term employment opportunity with no benefits except those required by law. Successful candidates must pass a drug screen, background check, and other potential pre-employment requirements.  Interested candidates should send an application by the deadline of Friday, March 8, 2024 found on the Vilas County website www.vilascountywi.gov , with a resume to:  Human Resources, 330 Court Street, Eagle River, WI 54521 email: apply@vilascountywi.gov ,  fax: 715-479-3799.

Vilas County is an equal opportunity employer.