Authorized Level 2 Watercraft Inspector - Law Compliance Rep 1

About the role

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire multiple permanent seasonal Authorized Level 2 Watercraft Inspectors located in Bemidji with an anticipated season of mid-April through the end of October. These positions provide service to the State of Minnesota by educating the public about harmful invasive species, inspecting watercraft for aquatic invasive species and assisting watercraft users with decontamination of their watercraft.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and decontaminate watercraft and water-related equipment according to DNR protocols so that equipment meets compliance with aquatic invasive species laws and regulations.
• Use computers or tablets proficiently to participate in online meetings or trainings and gather survey data during inspections and decontaminations.
• Assist conservation officers as assigned by the Regional Watercraft Inspection Supervisor so that check stations are operated efficiently, and violation reports are timely and accurate.
• Maintain mechanical equipment so that the unit(s) are kept in safe working condition, and down-time due to break downs are kept at a minimum.
• Complete administrative duties as assigned in a timely manner so that the needs of the program are met.

Requirements

• Knowledge & skill in - Strong human relations and negotiation skills sufficient to interact with watercraft operators in a professional, tactful, yet persuasive manner that can achieve voluntary compliance.
• Communications skills sufficient to effectively explain the law, requirements and procedures; to listen well and respond appropriately; to answer questions, and to inform operators of the consequences of non-compliance.
• Knowledge of natural resource management issues and environmental and biological processes sufficient to educate watercraft users about aquatic invasive species and to correctly identify a variety of invasive species in order to determine compliance or corrective action.
• Excellent communication skills necessary to prepare clear, concise inspection reports documenting non-compliance, and to relay information to watercraft inspection program supervisors and law enforcement.
• Ability to - Maintain professional, calm and helpful demeanor in all circumstances, sufficient to represent the Department of Natural Resources positively.
• Operate and maintain medium to heavy equipment using proper Personal Protective Equipment and following safety procedures.
• Gather data through observation and asking questions sufficient to prepare and provide accurate reports that could serve as basis for legal or corrective action.
• Effectively manage assigned workload by working independently with minimal supervision, sufficient to complete work duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• To be considered, you must meet ALL of the following qualifications:
• Knowledge of a variety of types of watercrafts.
• 3 or more months experience conducting inspections for compliance with statutes, regulations or licensing requirements.
• An Associates or a Bachelor's degree in the areas of Law Enforcement, Natural Resource Management, Biology, Ecology or closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience applying statutory requirements to factual situations with a regulatory entity.
• Experience performing routine maintenance and repair of small and large equipment and tools.
• Experience in towing and maneuvering a variety of trailers.

Skills

• Strong human relations and negotiation skills.
• Effective communications skills.
• Knowledge of natural resource management issues and environmental and biological processes.
• Ability to operate and maintain medium to heavy equipment.
• Ability to gather data through observation and asking questions.
• Ability to manage assigned workload independently.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years).
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.