Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program - PW Seasonal

Overview

We need your help to protect our lakes from the spread of aquatic invasive species! Apply today to join our AIS Prevention Program team!

This position fulfills seasonal Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program objectives by providing education and watercraft inspection and basic decontamination services to recreational boaters. The position will interact with members of the public, collect and track survey information, provide boat inspection and decontamination training and communicate with other state and local government staff.

Seasonal Positions are available in the Public Works Aquatic Invasive Species Program. Length of season will vary depending on position but will fall within the 2026 season. These positions are open until filled and may be closed at any time. The Public Works Department currently has several vacancies for the 2026 Aquatic Invasive Species season:

• 6-month seasonal: 11 positions (4/13/2026 - 10/10/2026)
• 3/4-month seasonal: 3 positions (6/15/2026 - 9/19/2026)

Employees are required to work a weekly schedule at multiple sites that includes weekends, with shifts either starting as early as 5:00 a.m. or ending as late as 9:00 p.m. You are expected to work any holidays that fall within your assigned schedule.

This program is staffed 7 days per week from the 4th Saturday in April through the end of September (5am - 9pm). Training for the 6-month season begins on April 13, 2026.

Salary Information:

This position will start at Step 1 ($22.34/hour). Employees receive step increases on completion of 2080 hours in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full salary range for this position is $22.34 - $29.14/hour.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer the following benefits that help you thrive in both your career and personal life.

• Three-Month Seasonal Positions:
  • Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 1 hour of Washington State paid sick leave accrued for every 40 hours worked.
  • This position is not eligible for benefits, except as required by law.
• Six-Month Seasonal Positions:
  • 1 hour of Washington State paid sick leave accrued for every 40 hours worked
  • Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
  • Upon union eligibility, paid holidays during employment period
  • This position is not eligible for benefits, except as required by law.

This position becomes represented by the Local 1937 bargaining unit after the completion of 1040 hours working an average of at least 12 hours per week, on an annual basis. You can remove links to our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

Work is performed primarily outdoors near water bodies at both rural and urban locations for the duration of seasonal employment. Involves working independently outdoors for long hours in all types of weather. Stands or walks for extended periods of time over rough terrain when performing inspections and conducting vessel screening surveys. Some exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, noise or odors may occur.

Work is intermittently performed in an office setting which may require prolonged periods of sitting. Requires flexible working hours; including evenings, weekends and holidays. Employees are required to wear personal protective equipment, use appropriate safety equipment and follow standard safety practices.

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job including:

• Stand for long periods of time during inclement hot and cold weather
• Bend, squat, climb and reach on a frequent basis to inspect all internal compartments and surfaces of boats and trailers
• Fine finger dexterity to manipulate computer keyboard, mouse and inspection equipment
• Travel on foot to remote areas with uneven ground
• Travel and movement on a boat
• Collect and input monitoring and inspection data during inclement weather
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

• Experience working with the public on a daily basis in public outreach, customer service or similar.
• Course work in environmental science or knowledge of…