Watercraft Inspector

Position

This is a paid temporary position screening and inspecting Watercraft at Lake Berryessa which may qualify as an internship for college students. Staff conduct boat screenings, biological inspections for invasive species (including but not limited to quagga and zebra mussels), provide water quality and invasive species education to Lake Berryessa users, and write weekly and a seasonal final report. This position interacts directly with members of the public through oral communication in an outdoor setting on a daily basis (Typically 50-100 people per day). This position requires commuting from the Vacaville, CA office to various assigned destinations in Napa, CA along Lake Berryessa. This position will not exceed 40 hours/week or 1000 hours in a year from the hire date. Required hours are primarily Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from approximately 6:00AM to 2:00PM and/or 10:00AM to 6:00PM as well as additionally scheduled weekday shifts, meetings, and trainings.

Employment Duration: April 17, 2023 - October 6, 2023

(Position duration may be extended for some individuals dependent on Water Agency needs)
The ideal candidate will be available to participate in 2 6-hour days of mandatory virtual trainings occurring April 4 – April 5, 2023 or April 18 – April 19, 2023.

Staff are expected to work holidays and holiday weekends (including but not limited to Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day), and additional weekends/weekdays as instructed. From the months of May-August staff hours may reach near 40 hours per week.

HOW TO APPLY: Please submit your online application, cover letter, resume, and a list of 3 references.

Essential Job Functions:

• Approximately 90% Field, 10% Office
• After achieving Mussel Inspector I certification, conduct watercraft screenings, and inspections for invasive aquatic species.
• Educate boaters on invasive aquatic species and how to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species.
• Organize and maintain an inventory of program materials and supplies.
• Organize and manage data and photos collected each week.
• Prepare weekly and final reports with summaries of the data collected.
• Create public outreach material including but not limited to regular social media postings
• Update a database that tracks boat movements throughout the western United States via mobile applications on assigned IPad and IPhone platforms.
• Create a professional final report on all program data collected with coworkers; present summary to partner agencies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits for Watercraft Inspection Interns:

• Resume and cover letter workshop.
• Enhanced presentations skills (Intern’s present final data to partner agencies).
• Professional growth in teamwork, leadership, data management, and public relations.
• Certifications through a recognized government agency.
• Increased knowledge of invasive species and the ability to recognize and identify them in other fields.
• Mileage reimbursement

COMPENSATION:

Watercraft Inspectors are temporary positions ($24.44 per hour) limited to 1,000 ours in a fiscal year (July-June). Medical, dental, vision, vacation leave, and retirement benefits are not provided. Staff will receive up to 24 hours of sick leave within a calendar year, which is accrued at 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. There is a 90-day waiting period before sick leave can be used. Staff will be required to drive to their primary reporting locations, and mileage will be provided for work-related driving.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Staff must complete the Level I Inspection certification training within 30 days of employment. The course will be offered through the Solano County Water Agency.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills as well as the ability to work under pressure.
• Must be comfortable working alone, with a partner, and on a team.
• Must be able to work in extreme heat and inclement weather.
• Reliable transportation and valid CA Driver’s license.
• Good driving record as evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) years duration.
• Availability during employment duration listed.
• Willingness to have a relatively consistent schedule (minimum of 12 hours per week, maximum of 40 hours per week) and perform other tasks as assigned by Agency staff.

Preferred but not required:

• Current student in the process of an undergraduate degree or a recent graduate student that graduated within the last year.
• Focus of study or declared major in: environmental science, environmental planning, engineering, watershed science, biology, ecology, horticulture, soil and water science, landscape design, architecture, public relations or similar field.
• Prior experience in customer service such as service industry, retail, or other.
• Environmental education and outreach experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in the field and in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium physical work; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or tablet. Position listed above bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work and perform inspections. Watercraft Inspection Intern must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Inspectors partially work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to potentially hazardous physical substances. Interns also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Interns may interact with upset members of the public.