AIS Interdiction Specialist

State of Utah; Vernal (UT); On-site; USD 32,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Utah is seeking an AIS Interdiction Specialist to lead the wood mussel interdiction program within Uintah, Duchesne, and Daggett counties. The role focuses on outreach, interdiction, and decontamination of watercraft and equipment contaminated with aquatic invasive species.

The incumbent will supervise seasonal Wildlife Technicians, coordinate with law enforcement and biologists, and report on program outcomes. Travel and weekend work may be required in summer months.

Qualifications

• Willingness to travel as needed to perform duties.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Willing to work weekends and holidays, especially in summer.
• Supervisory experience is required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement all regional interdiction duties for the AIS program.
• Hire, train, and supervise seasonal Wildlife Technicians in the field.
• Serve as statewide instructor for the Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) program and stay updated on protocols.
• Act as primary regional contact for state/federal partners, conservation officers, biologists, and park managers.
• Prepare annual reports summarizing interdiction and outreach efforts.
• Participate in statewide AIS program meetings and provide management summaries.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Willing to travel

Valid driver’s license

Weekend/holiday availability

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Job description

AIS Interdiction Specialist

FT / PT Status - Full-time

Benefits Eligibility - Yes

Salary - $23.07 - $36.59

Remote Work / In-Office - In-office

Application Deadline - 11-13-26

• 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 incumbent 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.

They will be working primarily within Uintah, Duchesne, and Daggett counties as the regional AIS expert.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Coordination: Coordinate and implement all regional interdiction duties for the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program.
• Personnel Management: Hire, train, and supervise seasonal Wildlife Technicians while applying Human Resources policies and forms in the field.
• Training & Instruction: Serve as statewide instructors for the Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) program and maintain continual training on updated protocols.
• Partner Coordination: Act as the primary regional point of contact for State and Federal partners, law enforcement (conservation and parks officers), fellow biologists, and Utah State Parks managers to gather data and discuss program implementation.
• Reporting: Complete annual reports summarizing all interdiction and outreach efforts.
• Program Management & Meetings: Participate in statewide AIS program meetings and provide management summaries and recommendations to the AIS coordinator.
• Budget Tracking: Monitor regional AIS budget efforts and track all spending.

Qualifications

Minimums

• Willing to travel when needed.
• Valid Drivers license.
• Willing to work weekends and holidays, especially in the summer.
• Supervisory skills.

Preferences

• Bachelors degree or higher.
• Experience working with Quagga Mussel or other aquatic invasive species issues.
• Trained in WID 1, 2 and 3 or be willing to be acquire training.
• Supervisory experience and good organizational skills.
• Previous managerial experience in the public or private sector.
• Possesses some knowledge of watercraft and their systems.

Supplemental Information

• Work Schedule: Variable, typically Fri-Tues, 8-10 hrs/day Risks which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g., working around operating machines, working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc.
• May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.
• Risks found in potentially dangerous or unusual environmental stress situations, e.g. working in extreme outdoor weather conditions, working in and around boats, trailers, etc.
• Work requires physical exertion.
• May require the ability to stand; walk over rough and slippery surfaces; bend, stoop, stretch, reach, crouch or crawl in restricted areas, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.)

About The Role

Location - DNR Vernal Complex, 318 N Vernal Ave

Background Check Required - No

Drug Test Required - No

Schedule Code - AX

Why You Should Join Our Team

The incumbent will be responsible for AIS duties in some of the most beautiful scenery of Utah, including the Ashley National Forest, Flaming Gorge, Green River, and surrounding counties of Daggett, Duchesne, and Uintah. Lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation during days off as access is nearby. Some opportunities to work with aquatic and terrestrial biologists during periods of downtime. Schedule is relatively flexible, especially during off-season (fall and winter).

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].