AIS Prevention Specialist

Montana; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An aquatic management agency in Montana is looking for an AIS Prevention Specialist to manage watercraft inspection operations and staff. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least two years of experience in aquatic invasive species management. The successful candidate will ensure efficient inspection operations and deliver strategic training. This position offers health benefits and requires residency in Montana.

Benefits

Health, dental, and life insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

Retirement benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of job-related experience, including staff supervision.
• Experience managing a watercraft inspection program.
• Strong supervisory and staff management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage AIS watercraft inspection station supervisory staff.
• Coordinate seasonal watercraft inspection staffing.
• Ensure watercraft inspection training is effective and efficient.
• Support data management and outreach efforts.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Communication skills, both verbal and written

Administrative skills

Supervisory skills

Budgeting skills

Ability to manage several large complex projects

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, Fish and Wildlife Management or Aquatic Ecology

Tools

Excel

MS Word

Access

Job description

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 October 19, 2025. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Special Information:

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be releases to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 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).

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.

You must reside in Montana (or move to Montana) to accept this position.

Specific Job Information:

The AIS Prevention Specialist manages the AIS watercraft inspection station supervisory staff and ensures the implementation of AIS prevention and watercraft inspection considerations are integrated into on the ground operations following the statewide fisheries management plans and operations. The AIS Prevention Specialist is responsible for implementing prevention actions identified in the Montana Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan (ANS plan) and ensuring all aspects of the AIS Prevention and watercraft inspection program are as effective and efficient as possible. This position is also responsible for rapid response preparedness using the Incident Command System for new AIS detections in the state.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

• The AIS Prevention Specialist is responsible for ensuring on the ground operations of the AIS Prevention Program operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. This position supervises 5 regional AIS supervisors who employ up to 200 seasonal staff to operate watercraft inspection stations around the state. The AIS Prevention Specialist supports watercraft inspection operations including:
• Coordinating seasonal watercraft inspection staffing: Working closely with the Human Resources Division and the station supervisors, coordinate and ensure all needed paperwork is completed in a coordinated and timely manner related to hiring, disciplinary action, end of year termination and payroll.
• Coordinating vehicle needs: Ensure that all motor pool needs, and reporting requirements are timely and complete.
• Coordinating equipment maintenance: Ensure watercraft inspection wash units and other equipment are operational and are properly maintained. Support regional supervisors to facilitate equipment maintenance and repair needs.
• Coordinate logistics: Coordinate with station supervisors and partner watercraft inspection stations to provide needed materials and maintenance. Responsible for field requisitions for the purchase or contracting of required activities and services.
• Coordinate watercraft inspection training: between AIS Supervisors, partners and inspection staff to ensure efficient and effective training around the state. Develop and implement strategies to improve watercraft inspection training. Coordinate training schedule and assist with training.
• Support data management: Ensure integration of watercraft inspection data app for data collection. Monitor data to identify issues. Periodically compile data reports to update AIS Prevention Coordinator on watercraft inspection status. Instruct supervisors on monitoring data from stations to aid in identifying issues at inspection stations.
• Supports AIS outreach: In cooperation with the Com Ed Division, identify and participate in AIS outreach events and activities. Present at AIS outreach events / opportunism around the state.
• In coordination with the AIS Prevention Coordinator, develop and implement strategies to improve watercraft inspection training to improve quality control and station operation.
• Prepares for AIS rapid response: Develops AIS rapid response plans for high-risk AIS species in coordination with AIS Prevention Coordinator. Response plans utilize the Incident Command System (ICS) framework for plan development. Coordinate appropriate ICS training for AIS watercraft inspection supervisor staff.
• Following direction of the AIS Prevention Coordinator, prioritizes and implements prevention related aspects of the Montana ANS Management plan. Implements strategies to maximize effectiveness of prevention portions of the ANS plan to ensure effective and efficient watercraft inspection and prevention activities in Montana.
• In coordination with the AIS Monitoring Coordinator, develop strategies to integrate AIS monitoring into the Regional AIS Supervisor's operations. Assists with AIS monitoring as needed.
• Manages AIS Prevention staff and operations: Manages and supports watercraft inspection supervisors to accomplish goals of operational AIS prevention program.
• Clearly define staff priorities and goals to ensure effective and efficient operations. Continually evaluate quality control at stations and implement strategies to improve oversight and adherence to protocols at the stations. Evaluate station management and operation to continue to improve consistent scheduling, inspection quality, station oversight, and customer service for the boating public. Develop and implement strategies to improve station operation and quality control. Coordinate with Human Resources staff and FWP regional offices to ensure efficient and effective prevention operations state-wide. Coordinates and supports watercraft inspection supervisors on human resource related activities (hiring, personnel issues), station logistics, training, scheduling, professional development, guidance and oversight.

Supervision:

This position supervises 5 AIS area supervisors who manage or oversee up to 200 seasonal staff operating watercraft inspection stations around the state. Physical and Environmental Demands:

Working conditions involve outdoor work, at times in inclement weather. Employee may encounter hazardous working conditions requiring long hours in the field. Travel to meetings, including out of-state travel, will require extended travel away from home.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with other local, state, and federal agencies, non-government organizations, and the general public
• Administrative skills
• Supervisory skills
• Budgeting skills
• Ability to manage several large complex projects at once
• Communication skills, both verbal and written
• Understanding of the ecological interrelationships of aquatic organisms
• Ability to apply advanced principles of biological science to determine the distribution and potential impacts of AIS facilitation and listening skills and an ability to compile many opinions and priorities into a workable comprehensive action plan
• Understanding of Montana laws associated with fish and wildlife transport and importation

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology, Fish and Wildlife Management, Aquatic Ecology, or closely related field and at least 2 years of job-related experience to include Aquatic invasive species management, fish and wildlife management, watercraft inspection management, and staff supervision. Computer software training required, including Excel, MS Word, and Access. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Position requires experience managing a watercraft inspection program and strong supervisory and staff management skills.