AIS Interdiction Specialist

State of Utah; Utah; On-site; USD 32,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Utah is seeking an AIS Interdiction Specialist to lead the interdiction program in the southeastern region, focusing on Lake Powell area. The role demands coordinating a team of wildlife technicians, working with law enforcement and partner agencies, and implementing outreach and decontamination strategies.

The position is in‑office in Utah, with primary field time around Lake Powell. A valid driver’s license is required, and experience with aquatic invasive species, especially quagga

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Experience with AIS, specifically quagga mussels.
• Supervisory skills demonstrated in prior roles.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, train, and assist a team of wildlife technicians; coordinate with partners to decontaminate equipment.
• Conduct interviews for and hire seasonal employees.
• Develop and implement statewide AIS outreach, interdiction, and decontamination strategies with partners.
• Assist with other statewide aquatics projects as assigned.
• Attend meetings with coordination/management groups regarding AIS interdiction.
• Attend training sessions to improve skills and communicate findings.
• Maintenance of facilities and equipment.

Skills

Supervisory skills

AIS experience

Valid driver's license

Leadership experience

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Handyman skills

WID 1/2/3 certifications

Job description

Job Title: AIS Interdiction Specialist

FT / PT Status – Full time

Benefits Eligibility – Yes Salary – $23.07 - $36.59 Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office Application Deadline – 10 -21-26

• This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Job Description

The employee will implement the Utah Department of Natural Resource’s (UDNR) invasive mussel action plan within an assigned region in order to keep aquatic invasive species (AIS) from becoming established in Utah, and containing existing AIS to locations where they have become established within Utah. The primary focus of the action plan involves outreach and interdiction efforts to identify suspect boats and other water-related recreational equipment contaminated with AIS including decontamination of that equipment. The employee will be the lead biologist tasked with coordinating and implementing all duties related to the AIS interdiction program in the assigned area. They will work with and supervise the activities of multiple, seasonal wildlife technicians assigned to the project, including coordination with law enforcement and other biologists. The assigned region for this position is the southeastern region and Bullfrog Marina of Lake Powell. The incumbent should plan to spend the majority of their time (approximately 90%) dedicated to AIS interdiction efforts at Lake Powell, due to the active AIS threat that Lake Powell presents.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, train, and assist a team of wildlife technicians, and coordinate with contracted partners to identify and decontaminate watercraft & associated equipment that may contain aquatic invasive species.
• Conduct interviews for and hire seasonal employees
• Develop and implement statewide aquatic invasive species outreach, interdiction, and decontamination strategies. Work with local, state, and federal partner agencies.
• Assist with other statewide aquatics projects as assigned by immediate supervisor
• Attend assigned meetings with coordination/management groups regarding AIS interdiction.
• Attend various training sessions and meetings to improve skills, coordinate work, and communicate key findings with other individuals and agencies.
• Maintenance of facilities and equipment.

Qualifications

Minimums

• Valid driver's license.
• Experience with AIS, specifically quagga mussels.
• Supervisory skills.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree or higher.
• Experience working with quagga mussel, or other aquatic invasive species issues.
• Moderate handyman skills, with the ability to identify and fix mechanical equipment.
• Advanced working knowledge of aquatic invasive species inspection and decontamination procedures.
• Leadership experience, specifically hiring, firing, training, creating work schedules, etc.
• Experience creating and implementing management plans with partner agencies.
• WID 1, 2, & 3 certifications.

Supplemental Information

• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, climbing, bending, and kneeling
• Being able to work in extreme heat conditions
• Able to travel over uneven and steep terrain

About The Role

Location – Hwy 276-1 Ranger Road, Bullfrog, Utah

Background Check Required –No

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – AX

Why You Should Join Our Team

Benefits

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah , click here . Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency

For more information about working for the Department of Natural Resources please click here .

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].