Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist 2026-01459

Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist 2026-01459

Salary

$6,087.47 - $6,763.47 Monthly

Location

Green River, WY

Job Type

Permanent Full-time

Job Number

2026-01459

Department

Game & Fish Division

Division

Fish

Opening Date

06/03/2026

Closing Date

7/6/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Exempt

Job Classification

FWWB09

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description and Functions

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Specialist based in Green River to implement regional programming aimed at protecting Wyoming's aquatic resources and infrastructure. The primary focus of this position is to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS through proactive public outreach, watercraft inspections, and environmental monitoring.

Key responsibilities include overseeing regional watercraft inspection stations and managing the recruitment, training, and supervision of AIS inspectors and station leads. The role further entails leading local education initiatives, analyzing field data, and producing technical reports to inform conservation strategies. Additionally, the specialist coordinates with local partners to maintain rapid response plans and executes critical eradication and control efforts to ensure the continued health of the states waterways.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays

• Retirement - Pension and 457(b) plans that help you build a secure future

• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options

• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / dezzaree.schott@wyo.gov

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.

• Hires, trains, and supervises AIS Inspectors, Crew Lead, and Check Station Supervisor.
• Coordinates the daily activities, duties, and schedules of inspection stations.
• Develops watercraft inspection plans to ensure inspection at priority waters throughout Wyoming.
• Implement the border and watercraft inspection and decontamination program.
• Leads decontamination of high-risk watercraft and coordinates with law enforcement on inspection compliance and watercraft quarantine.
• Serves as a primary point of contact to the public regarding questions and complaints about watercraft inspections and/or decontamination.
• Works with the AIS coordinator and statewide personnel to disseminate outreach messages.
• Educates and informs the public regarding AIS threats and prevention, including inspection and decontamination requirements, private AIS inspector certification, monitoring activities, and threats to the states resources.
• Conducts annual monitoring for early detection of AIS on priority waters in the region.
• Conducts surveys of existing AIS and nuisance species and responds to reports from the public related to potential AIS.
• Develops and tracks the regional budget and ensures adherence to fiscal policy.
• Coordinates with partners (WYDOT, State Parks, USFS, etc.) to provide a consistent response and responsive AIS boat inspection process for the public.
• Works to develop and maintain Rapid Response Plans to prepare for the potential introduction of invasive mussels.
• Researches and identifies opportunities and implements actions to control, eradicate, and contain introduced AIS.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES:

Preference will be given to candidates with a Bachelor's degree in natural resources management or a related field, plus proven experience in aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention, monitoring, watercraft inspection/decontamination, and public outreach.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of Wyoming statutes and regulations associated with AIS, fish and wildlife, transport, and importation.
• Knowledge of aquatic invasive species biology, identification, life history, control measures, and sampling techniques.
• Knowledge of aquatic invasive species interdiction and management strategies.
• Knowledge of the complex water intake systems used in a diversity of motorized watercraft types and other types of conveyances.
• Able to properly inspect and decontaminate a wide range of watercraft and other conveyances.
• Skilled in developing and modifying work schedules involving multiple employees.
• Able to communicate (oral and written) clear and succinct project proposals, procedures, and technical reports for the public, agency employees, and scientific audiences.
• Skilled in interpersonal communication, customer service, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
• Able to effectively work in team settings and listen to partners and cooperators.
• Skilled in collaboration, coordination, and facilitation with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Skilled in the use of computers, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, GIS, etc.
• Able to develop, track, and manage budgets.
• Able to prepare and implement work plans.
• Able to operate and repair sampling equipment, including small engines, boats, 4 WD vehicles, and other similar equipment that is used by the AIS program.
• Able to conduct and oversee multiple concurrent projects and complete work in a timely manner.
• Able to conduct boat inspections and AIS monitoring under adverse weather conditions.
• Skilled in planning, organizing, and conducting training for members of the public and agency personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelors Degree (typically in Wildlife Management)

Experience:

0-3 years progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Wildlife Biologist I

OR

Education & Experience Substitution:

4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Wildlife Biologist I

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Some weekend and holiday work will be required.
• The position will require some statewide travel.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Exempt
• Wyoming AIS inspector Training will be provided to successful applicants.
• Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check prior to the appointment.
• Please include a cover letter when submitting the state application. The cover letter should include career plans and suitability for the job.
• CONTACT: For more information regarding this position, contact Josh Leonard, AIS Coordinator, at 307-343-5533 or joshua.leonard@wyo.gov.
• Must have a valid drivers license.

Supplemental Information

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.

Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job - it's a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.

Employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 11 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

Know your full value.

Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.

Explore your total compensation: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov/

WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION - Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can't find anywhere else - wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, and no state income tax.

Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!.

01

(AA) Which of the following best describes your highest completed level of education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• High School Diploma/GED/or Equivalent
• Some college Coursework, No Degree Received
• Associates Degree
• Associates Degree and additional coursework
• Bachelors Degree
• Bachelors Degree and additional coursework
• Masters Degree
• Masters Degree and additional coursework
• Doctorate Degree
• Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
• None of the Above

02

(AA) Which of the following Quarter/Semester credit hours best describes your completed college education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• 45+ Quarter hours/30+ Semester hours
• 90+ Quarter hours/60+ Semester hours
• 136+ Quarter hours/91+ Semester hours
• 180+ Quarter hours/120+ Semester hours
• 225+ Quarter hours/150+Semester hours
• N/A

03

(FWWB09) How many years of relevant work experience or transferable skills do you have related to the job description?

• No relevant experience.
• Less than one (1) year of relevant experience.
• One (1) to less than three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Three (3) to less than four (4) years of relevant experience.
• Four (4) or more years of relevant experience.

04

(AA) Describe your relevant experience below.

05

Do you have a Bachelors degree in natural resources management or a related field?

• Yes
• No

06

(A1) Where did you hear about this opportunity?

• Government Jobs @ www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Zip Recruiter
• Wyoming Workforce Center
• Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
• Career Fair
• Human Resources Division
• Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
• Current State Employee
• Other

07

(A1) If you selected Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.

08

(A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employees first and last name, and include the department they work for, if known. Please limit this response to only one employee. This employee may be eligible for a Referral Bonus.

09

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: PER WYOMING STATUTE, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for veterans preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive veterans preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application. I have read and understand the veterans preference disclosure.

• Yes
• No
• I am not a veteran

10

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veterans military service, and wish to claim veterans preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim. Indicate below your appropriate veterans preference status. By requesting veterans preference, you are certifying that you meet the statutory requirements as described in the above disclosure.

• Current State Employee
• Veteran - DD214 Attached
• Disabled Veteran (10% or more) - DD214 and Veterans Disability Determination Attached
• Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Veteran - DD214 and proof of Survivor Benefit Attached
• None of the above

11

(A2) Please be advised that an incomplete application WILL NOT be considered for employment. An attached resume is not required and is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Some State of Wyoming agencies use E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. I have read and understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Wyoming

Address Human Resource Contact Information located in the

General Description Section

Statewide, Wyoming, 82002

Phone 307-777-7188

Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm