Watercraft Inspector - Natural Resource Technician 2 - Career Seasonal - 2026-02247

Full Job Description

Working Title- Watercraft Inspector

Classification- Natural Resource Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Career Seasonal

Appointment/Season Length- 6 Months – May 1 – October 31

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Unit

Duty Station- Spokane Valley, Washington – Spokane County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption – Watercraft check station – Photo Credit: WDFW

Are you passionate about educating others on issues impacting fish and wildlife?

Embrace this role to protect state waters by inspecting and decontaminating trailered watercraft for AIS.

This is an opportunity to serve Washington's citizens by protecting, restoring and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats, while providing sustainable and wildlife-related recreational and commercial opportunities.

WHAT TO EXPECT -

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Inspect recreational and commercial watercraft conveyances at Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Stations and on roving patrols.

Site and Equipment Maintenance/Office Support/Other Duties as Assigned.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work is performed primarily outdoors at watercraft inspection and decontamination stations, often in varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions.

This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments, hot decontamination equipment, cleaning agents, and occasional contact with aquatic organisms.

The position requires standing for extended periods, performing repetitive tasks, and safely operating vehicles and decontamination equipment.

Occasional lifting of materials and maintenance activities such as cleaning, landscaping, and facility upkeep are also required.

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed.

Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Employees may occasionally work extended hours, weekends, or holidays depending on seasonal workload and inspection station needs.

Travel requirements: Frequent travel to and from various watercraft inspection and decontamination stations throughout the region. Travel is typically within an assigned area but may occasionally extend to other parts of the state for training, meetings, or to support program operations.

Customer Interactions: Interacts with the public at mandatory check stations for trailered watercraft and decontaminations of infested AIS watercraft and occasionally is confronted with citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

One (1) year of experience as a Natural Resource Worker 2. (Definition of Natural Resource Worker: Under close supervision and as a member of an organized crew, performs unskilled forest, agriculture, and/or aquatic land management labor.)

And

Valid driver’s license.

Option 2:

Two (2) years of college level work in a natural resource science.

And

Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Your application must include the following:

• A COMPLETED online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note:

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work.

If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States.

For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran).
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.

Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.

All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.

We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.

Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job number #2026-02247.

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