Aquatic Invasive Species Survey Technician

Are you interested in conducting interesting work in beautiful places? Are you passionate about protecting pristine waterways and natural ecosystems? Would you rather spend more days on a boat than in an office? Well if you answered yes to any of these questions, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture is hiring Survey Technicians for the Aquatic Invasive Species program. Working out of Post Falls you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most scenic waterways in the continental United States, all while doing critical work to help us protect these special places and building your resume for a future career in natural resources. This is an ideal position for undergraduate students seeking to kick start their career or recent graduates looking to get their foot in the door. 

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for temporary  Invasive Species Technicians – Survey in the Plant Industries division located in North Idaho.

SPECIAL NOTIFICATION: This non-classified position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission. 

This position is approximately 40-hours a week, and is expected to begin around May 20, 2024, and will end around Oct 12th.

This position does not have benefits.

Example of Duties

Invasive Species Technicians (Survey and Hydrilla) Primary Responsibilities:

This Invasive Species Technician will conduct surveys for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) using established sampling protocols. These positions primarily conduct field sampling and evaluations for invasive species and noxious weeds. Duties include collecting plankton samples for early detection of invasive dreissenid mussels; surveying waterways for aquatic noxious weeds (Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush); evaluating in-water herbicide applications (herbicide residuals, dissolved oxygen, treatment efficacy); participating in maintaining equipment (hotwash units); and other duties as assigned. Some survey work is conducted out of non-motorized and motorized boats which will require employees to operate boats and tow and back up boat trailers. Individuals must be self-motivated, good working with the public, able to work independently with limited supervision, and enthusiastic about physical, outdoor fieldwork.

Minimum Qualifications: 

The successful applicant must be able to fulfill the following duties:

• Good communication skills
• Ability to pay attention to detail while following established biological sampling protocols
• Work in various types of weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.)
• Work in and around water, mud, and shorelines doing strenuous manual labor with or without a reasonable accommodation
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. with or without a reasonable accommodation
• Possibility of working evenings, weekends, or long hours including occasional overnight stays
• State vehicle usage
• Valid driver’s license

Desired Qualifications

• Experience using GPS for navigation and biological sampling
• Aquatic biology, ecology or field inspection experience
• Pressure washer experience
• Experience with motorboat operation and safety
• Plant identification experience