AIS Site Lead Worker

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

The knowledge skills and abilities of this position are normally attained through a high school diploma or equivalency. Must have a valid drivers license.

Preference is given to those candidates who can commit to working the entire season.

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.

Resume

Cover Letter

References

Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on January 20^th 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Special Information:

This position may be eligible for a statutory base pay increase of $1.00 an hour effective July 1 2026.

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be releases to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement paid vacation sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

The Fisheries Division develops programs and budgets to manage for aquatic resources. The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Bureau is managed and coordinated by staff within the Department headquarters. Implementation of programs are accomplished by the respective AIS coordinators. The AIS Watercraft Inspector - Roving Site Lead position assists the AIS Area Supervisors the AIS Prevention Specialist and the AIS Prevention Coordinator in carrying out specified lead inspector duties and tasks at watercraft inspection stations to prevent the movement of AIS and educate the public on AIS and best prevention practices.

This announcement looks to fill one seasonal position. This position will work at watercraft inspections stations across Montana. A department vehicle is provided and overnight travel is required.

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement paid vacation sick and holidays.

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.

Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

Specific Job Information:

A Job Overview: Assist AIS Prevention Management team to maintain consistency and quality control across the state.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

55% Risk Assessment

Using different inspection/decontamination practices for containment of positive and suspect waterbodies the incumbent performs decontaminations on various types of watercrafts. This includes removing drain plugs draining and drying compartments and flushing boat motors. The incumbent correctly categorizes watercraft coming through the station to assess if the vessel needs immediate on-site decontamination can be directed elsewhere or potentially held and decontaminated later.

35%- Leader Responsibilities/QAQC

The incumbent coaches and leads staff on protocols and procedures communicates work tasks establishes work pace and demonstrates proper work methods. The incumbent must understand reasons and uses for data and equipment to ensure peers do work properly. The incumbent resolves basic problems (i.e. data entries Wi-Fi issues equipment) and refers challenges up the chain of command. They recommend process and procedural changes to AIS Prevention Management team-to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the workflow. They document and report observations on quality control and quality assurance successes and shortcomings for follow up by AIS Prevention Management team.

10%- Inspection Station Set-up. Take-Down

Assists with the installation and removal of the station daily. This includes the placement of roadway signs and activation of electronic reader boards and set up of traffic cones shelter and other gear.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working conditions involve outdoor work often in inclement weather. Watercraft inspection stations are often located in remote locations without access to amenities. Inspectors are responsible for supplying both food and water on a daily basis in most locations as well as proper attire for the weather. Incumbents frequently work without an onsite supervisor.

Ability to properly prepare for long hours exposed to the elements with often only primitive outdoor shelters (canopy)

Must be physically able to lift various signage and equipment throughout the day and on a daily basis. May be required to lift/drag/push/pull up to 601bs.

Must be able to routinely utilize strength dexterity coordination; ability to climb bend stoop squat reach and crawl in and around various types of watercraft on a frequent basis. May require standing sitting walking crouching bending twisting kneeling and walking on uneven surfaces for long periods of time.

Ability to properly prepare for long hours exposed to the elements with often only primitive outdoor shelters (canopy)

Able to camp outdoors for several days (in variable weather conditions)

Able to work with potentially hostile uncooperative people on a frequent basis

Able to have constant contact with the public co-workers and supervisory staff

This position may require travel 100% of the time.

Schedule may include extended weeks which may be 8 days on and 6 days off.

Teamwork

This competency describes a persons ability to work with others collectively pursuing a common goal regardless of personal preferences. It is the ability to cooperate with all team members valuing each ones insight and skills.

Public Service

This competency delineates a person has willingness to serve the public to acknowledge that the citizens of Montana are our customers in addition to protecting the States resources this encompasses a persons attitude towards the public and the way that they treat the public in their daily professional life.

People Skills

This competency illuminates a persons ability to get along with others in a productive and positive manner. It encompasses a persons ability to demonstrate awareness for others feelings and concerns and their capability of building stable helpful work relationships.