/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 areintegrated into on the ground operations following the statewide fisheries management plans and operations. The AIS Prevention Specialist is responsible for implementing prevention actionsidentified 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 efficientas 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 5regional AIS supervisors who employ up to 200 seasonal staff to operate watercraft inspection stationsaroundthestate.TheAISPreventionSpecialistsupportswatercraftinspectionoperationsincluding: • Coordinating seasonal watercraft inspection staffing: Working closely with the Human Resources Division and the station supervisors, coordinate and ensure all needed paperwork iscompleted in a coordinated and timely manner related to hiring, disciplinary action, end of year termination and payroll. • Coordinatingvehicleneeds:Ensurethatallmotorpoolneeds,andreportingrequirementsaretimelyandcomplete. • Coordinating equipment maintenance: Ensure watercraft inspection wash units and other equipment are operational and are properly maintained. Support regional supervisors to facilitateequipment 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 thepurchase 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 toimprove 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 PreventionCoordinator on watercraft inspection status. Instruct supervisors on monitoring data from stations to aid in identifying issues at inspection stations. • SupportsAISoutreach:IncooperationwiththeComEdDivision,identifyandparticipateinAISoutreacheventsandactivities.PresentatAISoutreachevents/opportunismaroundthestate. • IncoordinationwiththeAISPreventionCoordinator,developandimplementstrategiestoimprovewatercraftinspectiontrainingtoimprovequalitycontrolandstationoperation. • 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 CommandSystem (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 maximizeeffectiveness of prevention portions of the ANS plan to ensure effective and efficient watercraft inspection and prevention activities in Montana. • IncoordinationwiththeAISMonitoringCoordinator,developstrategiestointegrateAISmonitoringintotheRegionalAISSupervisor'soperations.AssistswithAISmonitoringasneeded. • Manages AIS Prevention staff and operations. Manages and supports watercraft inspection supervisors to accomplish goals of operational AIS prevention program. Clearly define staffpriorities 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 thestations. Evaluate station management and operation to continue to improve consistent scheduling, inspection quality, station oversight, and customer service for the boating public. Developand implement strategies to improve station operation and quality control. Coordinate with Human Resources staff and FWP regional offices to ensure efficient and effective preventionoperations 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 statePhysical 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, includingout of-state travel, will require extended travel away from home. *Knowledge,****Skills****and****Abilities:* Stronginterpersonalskills Ability to work collaboratively with other local, state, and federal agencies, non-government organizations, and the general public Administrativeskills Supervisoryskills Budgetingskills Ability to manage several large complex projects at once Communication skills, both verbal and written Understandingoftheecologicalinterrelationshipsofaquaticorganisms AbilitytoapplyadvancedprinciplesofbiologicalsciencetodeterminethedistributionandpotentialimpactsofAISFacilitation 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 arenormally attained through a Bachelors of ScienceDegreein Biology,FishandWildlifeManagement,Aquatic Ecology,orclosely relatedfieldandatleast2yearsofjob-related experience toincludeAquaticinvasivespecies management,fishandwildlife management, watercraftinspectionmanagement, andstaffsupervision.Computersoftware trainingrequired, includingExcel, MSWord,andAccess.Othercombinationsofeducationandexperiencewillbeconsideredon acase-by-casebasis.Positionrequiresexperiencemanagingawatercraftinspectionprogram andstrongsupervisoryandstaffmanagement skills. **Title:** *AIS Prevention Specialist* **Location:** *Helena* **Requisition ID:** *25142250*