Position: Lead Watercraft Inspector
Supervisor: HPCD Resource Technician
Location: Helena, Montana
Duration: April 21st - October 19th
Pay: $21-$22/hr DOE
Openings: 1

Wage/Benefits/Hours: This is a temporary, seasonal position starting at $21.00/hour - $22.00/hour depending on experience and qualifications. This is a part-time appointment; the site lead is expected to work 35 - 40 hours a week. Hours are irregular and flexible, the site lead is expected to be available for weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays. This position is expected to run from April 21st, 2026 - October 19th, 2026. Temporary employees at High Plains Conservation District (HPCD) are not eligible for annual leave, sick leave, or health benefits.

Position Overview: This position is an opportunity to live and work in Helena, MT as the Lead Watercraft Inspector at the Highway 12 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection station. The Lead Watercraft Inspector assists HPCD management with scheduling, station personnel management, and responds to unforeseen challenges to the station. The site lead will be the initial point of contact for the station as situations arise and will coordinate with MT FWP, station staff, and HPCD management accordingly to ensure smooth operation of the Highway 12 AIS Station. 

Watercraft Inspectors regularly interact with the public, inspect vessels for AIS, and perform decontamination of vessels when necessary. Watercraft Inspectors need to physically be able to complete inspections and decontaminations with or without a reasonable accommodation.  This may require standing for long periods of time, crouching, crawling under boats, and climbing into boats. Inspectors will be inspecting many types of watercraft and using hot water pressure washers, attachments, and other mechanical equipment to perform decontaminations. 

This position may require long days working in inclement weather conditions. Watercraft inspection stations are often located in remote locations without access to amenities. Inspectors are responsible for supplying both food and water daily, as well as proper attire for the weather. A uniform will be provided. Inspectors frequently work without supervision and are expected to work independently. 

Hours of site operations will vary with the length of daylight hours. Schedules will vary and include weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays. Inspectors are responsible for their own transportation to the watercraft inspection station or duty station. The watercraft inspection station is located west of Helena on Highway 12. 

Mandatory training will be held on April 21st-22nd, 2026. Site lead training is TBD.

The station will open April 25th, 2026 and remain open until October 19th 2026. 

Job Duties: 

• Lead station staff and solve problems as they arise at the station.
• Work with HPCD management to create monthly schedules for station staff.
• Facilitate refilling of on demand water throughout the season.
• Work with staff to maintain inventory of supplies (handouts, paper, equipment, propane, etc.) and communicate station needs to FWP/HPCD.
• Coordinate with staff and on-call staff to ensure the station is staffed in the event of short notice schedule conflicts.
• Attend Bi-monthly FWP site lead regional meetings.
• Must have excellent customer service skills and enjoy working with the public. 
• Must be responsible, dependable, work as part of a team, and follow Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks AIS protocol.  
• Communicate information to the public on the importance of AIS and inspection stations to protect Montana’s waters.  
• Applicants should be able to communicate effectively, work independently and self-motivate, but also collaboratively as a team member.  
• Must conduct themselves professionally with the public, co-workers, and supervisor in high emotion situations.  
• Follow FWP AIS protocol and procedures for various conditions and all watercraft types. 
• Run the station for long periods in various weather conditions.  
• Conduct efficient interviews, inspections and decontaminations.  
• Use hand-held tablets to perform interviews, document AIS observations, and provide boaters with receipt for inspection/decontamination.
• Expected to troubleshoot issues with mechanics, data tablets, and basic station operations.    
• Staff are required to be on time and present for all scheduled shifts, submit their time for payroll, and are responsible for the organization/cleanliness of their stations.  
• Regularly adhere to HPCD uniform policies.
• Use common sense regarding safely operating machinery, and conducting daily operations.  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Available to work for the full field season.
• Experience in a leadership role.
• Familiar with microsoft/google software, especially calendars and excel. 
• Quick-thinking and responsive to unexpected challenges.
• Willingness to respond to situations via phone, text, or email outside of scheduled hours.
• An interest in natural resource work, water quality, or AIS work.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Able to lift 50 pounds. 
• Must have reliable transportation to and from the station. 
• Customer service skills that equip applicants to interact with the public. 
• Friendly, positive attitude.
• Comfortable working outside for long periods of time in a variety of weather conditions.
• Valid drivers license, state ID, or federal ID
• Familiar with using mobile devices such as smartphones, iPads, tablets, etc. 
• Able to work a flexible work schedule with varying hours.
• At least 18 years old.
• Ability to be punctual and on-time for scheduled shifts at the station.

Preferred Qualifications:

• College coursework in natural resources or a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Plant Biology, Outdoor Recreation, Management, Human Resources, etc. 
• Familiar with boat anatomy and boat trailers.
• Previous AIS work experience. Knowledge of Montana AIS laws or FWP AIS protocol. 
• Knowledge of small engines and mechanical maintenance. 
• Experience managing schedules or personnel with varying availability. 
• Human resources experience. 

About the District: High Plains Conservation District (HPCD) is located in Great Falls Montana and is a soil and water conservation district servicing Cascade County. Our mission is to promote the wise use and management of the natural resources of Cascade County. HPCD provides services that encourage people to value and enhance the resilience and function of land and water for present and future generations. HPCD works with a wide variety of agencies, partners, landowners, and the public to deliver on the ground projects, education initiatives, and landowner assistance programs. HPCD entered into a partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) to run the Highway 12 AIS Station in 2026. 

About the Area: Helena is the capital of the State of Montana. Residents have access to a fun and exciting downtown area including a walking mile, farmer’s markets throughout the summer, music events, and plenty of shops, restaurants, and breweries. There is ample opportunity for outdoor recreation in Montana, and Helena is surrounded by fantastic public land opportunities with great trail access. There is a ski hill just outside of town, and some of the best fishing waters in the state are located within an hour of the city. Don’t miss this opportunity to live in the beautiful state of Montana and spend a summer exploring, gaining experience, and having a positive impact on our waterways!

To Apply: To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references via email to Jake Atkinson at hpcdtech@cascadecd.com. Applications are received on a rolling basis. HPCD reserves the right to close the job opening at any time. 

Position Contact:For any questions about the position, High Plains Conservation District, or the Highway 12 AIS Station, please contact:

  Jake Atkinson, Resource Technician, (406)403-2644, hpcdtech@cascadecd.com 

High Plains Conservation DIstrict is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.