AIS Interdiction Specialist

About the job

Day-to-day responsibilities of this position: The incumbent will implement the Utah Department of Natural Resource’s (UDNR) invasive mussel action plan within an assigned region in order to keep aquatic invasive species (AIS) from becoming established in Utah, and containing existing AIS to locations where they have become established within Utah. The primary focus of the action plan involves outreach and interdiction efforts to identify suspect boats and other water-related recreational equipment contaminated with AIS including decontamination of that equipment. The incumbent will be the lead biologist tasked with coordinating and implementing all duties related to the AIS interdiction program in the assigned area. They will work with and supervise the activities of multiple, seasonal wildlife technicians assigned to the project, including coordination with law enforcement and other biologists. The assigned region for this position is the Southeastern Region and Bullfrog Marina of Lake Powell. The incumbent should plan to spend the majority of their time (approximately 90%) dedicated to AIS interdiction efforts at Lake Powell, due to the active AIS threat that Lake Powell presents. Supervise, train, and assist a team of wildlife technicians, and coordinate with contracted partners to identify and decontaminate watercraft associated equipment that may contain aquatic invasive species. Conduct interviews for and hire seasonal employees Develop and implement statewide aquatic invasive species outreach, interdiction, and decontamination strategies. Work with local, state, and federal partner agencies. Assist with other statewide aquatics projects as assigned by immediate supervisor Attend assigned meetings with coordination/management groups regarding AIS interdiction. Attend various training sessions and meetings to improve skills, coordinate work, and communicate key findings with other individuals and agencies. Maintenance of facilities and equipment This position requires time spent at the waters of the Southeastern Region, as well as Lake Powell-Bullfrog. It will be required to spend most, if not all, weekends at Lake Powell. The incumbent will be expected to spend weekends and a vast majority of their time at Lake Powell-Bullfrog.