STO 15R - Aquatic Invasive Species Inspector

Government of British Columbia; Dawson Creek; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial government in British Columbia is seeking an Aquatic Invasive Species Inspector to prevent invasive mussels by inspecting watercraft and educating the public. Successful candidates will receive training and will be responsible for issuing prevention orders. The role involves physical demands and outdoor work, requiring a valid driver’s license and first aid certification. Positions begin in spring 2026 with full-time on-site requirements across various locations in BC.

Benefits

Room and board accommodations during training

Training by the Conservation Officer Service

Competitive benefits

Qualifications

• Degree, Diploma or Certificate in a related program or equivalent experience.
• A valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence is required.
• Occupational First Aid (OFA) level 1 certification needed.
• Pass a Criminal Record Check and Enhanced Security Screening.

Responsibilities

• Inspect watercraft at inspection stations for compliance.
• Educate the public on invasive mussel prevention.
• Issue decontamination orders for high-risk watercraft.

Skills

Ability to inspect watercraft

Public outreach and education

Physical fitness for fieldwork

Adaptability to work in various weather

Education

Degree in natural resource law enforcement or related field

Tools

Hot-water high-pressure washers

Job description

The Team

The BC Invasive Mussel Defence Program consists of a team of trained inspectors whose goal is to prevent the introduction of invasive mussels into BC. The program’s prevention efforts are focused on inspecting watercraft, monitoring lakes, educating the public and coordinating actions with neighbouring jurisdictions. For general information on BC’s invasive mussel prevention program, visit the following site: Reporting invasive species.

The Role

The Aquatic Invasive Species Inspector plays a key role supporting this strategy by inspecting watercraft at provincial inspection stations to ensure compliance with established protocols and legislation, providing outreach and education to the public, and issuing mussel prevention orders or performing decontaminations pertaining to high‑risk watercraft. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to gain work experience in the natural resource sector that is delivered in close collaboration with BC’s Conservation Officer Service (COS). Staff will receive several days of training by the COS in relevant Compliance and Enforcement (C&E) techniques, and will also interact with other provincial and federal enforcement agencies in their area.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements

• Degree, Diploma or Certificate in a related, recognized post‑secondary program such as natural resource law enforcement, natural resource/environmental sciences, criminology, administrative law, or regulatory compliance and enforcement program involving inspections and investigations; or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.

Applicants Must:

• Possess a valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence (or equivalent) by commencement of the position. To be considered, your driver’s licence must have no more than 9 points in the last five‑year period. A copy of the driver’s abstract will be required for successful candidates who pass the assessment process.
• Possess valid Occupational First Aid (OFA) level 1 by commencement of position.
• Successfully complete the Criminal Record Check and Enhanced Security Screening requirements of the BC Conservation Officer Service.
• Participate in and successfully pass the training requirements provided during program orientation and training.

Applicants Must be Willing and Able to:

• Perform physically demanding work and be capable of performing the duties of the job including: working in and around trailered boats, climbing onto and under boats, lifting signs, stands and sandbags in and out of a vehicle, and operating a variety of equipment, including hot‑water high‑pressure washers.
• Conduct field work which will include travel (sometimes overnight) and outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Work a schedule that includes weekends and holidays, afternoons and night shifts (some stations are 24‑hour operations), and often additional hours beyond the normal day to meet operational requirements.

For questions regarding this position, please contact [e-mail].

About this Position

This posting is to create an eligibility list to fill future temporary auxiliary positions located in Cranbrook, Dawson Creek, Fernie, Golden, Mission, Penticton, Surrey, and Valemount, BC. Auxiliaries who were laid off after working last year as an Auxiliary Aquatic Invasive Species Inspector and are interested in working again this year do not need to apply to this posting as they will be recalled. All successful applicants must attend training from May 5 to 12, 2026. For applicants outside the Lower Mainland, but within the province of BC, the Ministry will provide room and board accommodations to attend the training.

The positions will approximately start on April 6 or May 4, 2026. These positions have full‑time on‑site requirements. A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required. Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

Working for the BC Public Service

The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Indigenous (First Nations [status or non‑status], Inuit or Métis) applicants originating from the land now known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

The BC Public Service is an award‑winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, great learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development options. For more information, visit What the BC Public Service Offers.

How to Apply

Your resume and/or cover letter must clearly show that you meet the education and experience requirements. Highlight the required qualifications and support them with specific examples, such as your responsibilities, projects you’ve worked on, or accomplishments. Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation.

Cover Letter: NO – Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES – Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.

Questionnaire: YES – You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.

Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position‑related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit Technical Assistance page of MyHR.