Vilas County is hiring a Lake Monitoring & Protection Technician

This is a temporary mid-level position responsible for implementing the Vilas County Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan and Land & Water Resources Management Plan throughout the 2026 summer field season.  The candidate must possess the skills necessary to accomplish tasks independently with minimal oversight or work cooperatively as part of a team.  All duties and responsibilities of the position are performed under the guidance of the Land and Water Conservation Committee and the County Conservationist. 

Duties:

• Assist Department staff with prevention, monitoring of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and lake/stream/wetland health in priority waterbodies. Projects include (but are not limited to): Clean Boats Clean Waters boat inspections; Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detection Monitoring; shoreline monitoring for wetland invasive species; stream monitoring; biological control work; decontaminating boats at landings using a trailered hot pressure washer; and assisting where needed for other field data collection.
• Coordinate and/or lead AIS-related educational campaigns such as AIS Snapshot Day, the Drain Campaign, and the annual Landing Blitz.
• Assist with training volunteers and paid workers for lake and stream monitoring efforts, such as the Citizen Lake Monitors, Clean Boats Clean Waters Inspectors, and Water Action Volunteers.
• Responsible for properly maintaining and calibrating all field and monitoring equipment before and after use.
• Responsible for decontamination of boats, gear, and field equipment by using approved methods.
• Follow field safety protocols for working along roadways and in water: ie high visibility vests, life jackets, use of dive flags, etc.
• Process voucher specimens of plants and suspected AIS as needed.
• Assisting with performing/coordinating repairs to boats and equipment.
• Assist with providing educational outreach to lake organizations or community groups such as workshops, online communications, press releases, and phone calls/emails/in-person inquiries from the public.
• Enter data collected into Excel spreadsheets/DNR SWIMS database/other platforms as required.
• Assists in the administration of department records by maintaining grant logs and updating lists.
• Attend trainings as required.
• All other duties as time allows or as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Basic understanding of aquatic invasive species and/or AIS monitoring protocols.
• Progression toward an undergraduate degree in a natural resource management field or similar
• Must possess a strong background in written and verbal communications and the ability to speak publicly in front of groups; ability to deliver news messages using all public media formats
• Possess a comfort level utilizing databases and spreadsheets
• Ability to organize daily tasks, coordinate volunteer activities, and accurately enter data.
• Possess knowledge of invasive species management issues and their solutions.
• Ability to operate modern computer hardware, software, and peripheral devices.
• Possess basic understanding of operating GPS devices and GIS software.
• Strong willingness to learn and a drive to complete the tasks that are assigned in a timely manner.
• Problem-solving skills; and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Field activities may require work in rough, wet or hilly terrain, on the water, or in the water (wading and snorkeling).
• Must be willing to operate outboard motor watercraft and have/obtain WI Boater Safety Certification.
• Proficiency with canoeing is preferred.