Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Specialist based in Green River to implement regional programming aimed at protecting Wyoming’s aquatic resources and infrastructure. The primary focus of this position is to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS through proactive public outreach, watercraft inspections, and environmental monitoring.

Key responsibilities include overseeing regional watercraft inspection stations and managing the recruitment, training, and supervision of AIS inspectors and station leads. The role further entails leading local education initiatives, analyzing field data, and producing technical reports to inform conservation strategies. Additionally, the specialist coordinates with local partners to maintain rapid response plans and executes critical eradication and control efforts to ensure the continued health of the state’s waterways.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement – Pension and 457(b) plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / dezzaree.schott@wyo.gov 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.
Hires, trains, and supervises AIS Inspectors, Crew Lead, and Check Station Supervisor.

• Coordinates the daily activities, duties, and schedules of inspection stations.
• Develops watercraft inspection plans to ensure inspection at priority waters throughout Wyoming.
• Implement the border and watercraft inspection and decontamination program.
• Leads decontamination of high-risk watercraft and coordinates with law enforcement on inspection compliance and watercraft quarantine.
• Serves as a primary point of contact to the public regarding questions and complaints about watercraft inspections and/or decontamination.
• Works with the AIS coordinator and statewide personnel to disseminate outreach messages.
• Educates and informs the public regarding AIS threats and prevention, including inspection and decontamination requirements, private AIS inspector certification, monitoring activities, and threats to the state’s resources.
• Conducts annual monitoring for early detection of AIS on priority waters in the region.
• Conducts surveys of existing AIS and nuisance species and responds to reports from the public related to potential AIS.
• Develops and tracks the regional budget and ensures adherence to fiscal policy.
• Coordinates with partners (WYDOT, State Parks, USFS, etc.) to provide a consistent response and responsive AIS boat inspection process for the public.
• Works to develop and maintain Rapid Response Plans to prepare for the potential introduction of invasive mussels.
• Researches and identifies opportunities and implements actions to control, eradicate, and contain introduced AIS.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES: 

Preference will be given to candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in natural resources management or a related field, plus proven experience in aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention, monitoring, watercraft inspection/decontamination, and public outreach.

KNOWLEDGE: 

• Knowledge of Wyoming statutes and regulations associated with AIS, fish and wildlife, transport, and importation.
• Knowledge of aquatic invasive species biology, identification, life history, control measures, and sampling techniques.
• Knowledge of aquatic invasive species interdiction and management strategies.
• Knowledge of the complex water intake systems used in a diversity of motorized watercraft types and other types of conveyances.
• Able to properly inspect and decontaminate a wide range of watercraft and other conveyances.
• Skilled in developing and modifying work schedules involving multiple employees.
• Able to communicate (oral and written) clear and succinct project proposals, procedures, and technical reports for the public, agency employees, and scientific audiences.
• Skilled in interpersonal communication, customer service, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
• Able to effectively work in team settings and listen to partners and cooperators.
• Skilled in collaboration, coordination, and facilitation with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Skilled in the use of computers, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, GIS, etc.
• Able to develop, track, and manage budgets.
• Able to prepare and implement work plans.
• Able to operate and repair sampling equipment, including small engines, boats, 4 WD vehicles, and other similar equipment that is used by the AIS program.
• Able to conduct and oversee multiple concurrent projects and complete work in a timely manner.
• Able to conduct boat inspections and AIS monitoring under adverse weather conditions.
• Skilled in planning, organizing, and conducting training for members of the public and agency personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 
Education:Bachelor’s Degree (typically in Wildlife Management) Experience:0-3 years progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Wildlife Biologist I OR Education & Experience Substitution:4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Wildlife Biologist I Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:None

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Some weekend and holiday work will be required.
• The position will require some statewide travel.

NOTES: 

FLSA: Exempt

• Wyoming AIS inspector Training will be provided to successful applicants.
• Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check prior to the appointment.
• Please include a cover letter when submitting the state application. The cover letter should include career plans and suitability for the job.
• CONTACT: For more information regarding this position, contact Josh Leonard, AIS Coordinator, at 307-343-5533 or joshua.leonard@wyo.gov.
  ***Must have a valid driver’s license.

Supplemental Information

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.