Authorized Level 2 Watercraft Inspector - Law Compliance Rep

Job Details

Working Title: Authorized Level 2 Watercraft Inspector

Job Class: Law Compliance Representative 1

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job
• Location:
  
  Maplewood State Park
• Telework Eligible:
  No
• Full/Part Time:
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary:
  Seasonal
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/26/2026
• Closing Date: 03/18/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit:
  Ecological and Water Resources
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift
• Days of Work:
  Varies - Holiday and Weekend availability required
• Travel Required:
  
  No
• Salary Range: $20.32 - $27.24 / hourly; $42,428 - $56,877 / annually
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area:
  Maplewood State Park
• FLSA Status:
  Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
  Yes

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) permanent seasonal Authorized Level 2 Watercraft Inspector located at Maplewood State Park. The anticipated season is mid‑April through the end of October. The position educates the public about harmful invasive species, inspects watercraft for aquatic invasive species (AIS), and assists users with decontamination. Citizens receive training and education about the prevention of AIS transport.

• Inspect and decontaminate watercraft and water‑related equipment according to DNR protocols so that equipment meets compliance with aquatic invasive species laws and regulations.
• Use computers or tablets proficiently to participate in online meetings or trainings and gather survey data during inspections and decontaminations.
• Assist conservation officers as assigned by the Regional Watercraft Inspection Supervisor so that check stations are operated efficiently, and violation reports are timely and accurate.
• Maintain mechanical equipment so that the unit(s) are kept in safe working condition, and downtime due to breakdowns is kept at a minimum.
• Complete administrative duties as assigned in a timely manner so that the needs of the program are met.

This position requires the incumbent to physically crawl and/or climb under/around/into watercraft and trailers to visually inspect, to do the same while pulling hoses and operating high‑pressure, hot water decontamination equipment, and to load/unload/lift/carry high‑pressure/hot water equipment weighing up to 75 pounds, using proper personal protective equipment and following safety procedures.

To be considered, you must meet ALL of the following qualifications:

• Strong human relations and negotiation skills sufficient to interact with watercraft operators in a professional, tactful, yet persuasive manner that can achieve voluntary compliance.
• Communications skills sufficient to effectively explain the law, requirements and procedures; to listen well and respond appropriately; to answer questions, and to inform operators of the consequences of non‑compliance.
• Knowledge of natural resource management issues and environmental and biological processes sufficient to educate watercraft users about aquatic invasive species and to correctly identify a variety of invasive species in order to determine compliance or corrective action.
• Excellent communication skills necessary to prepare clear, concise inspection reports documenting non‑compliance, and to relay information to watercraft inspection program supervisors and law enforcement.

• Maintain a professional, calm and helpful demeanor in all circumstances, sufficient to represent the Department of Natural Resources positively.
• Operate and maintain medium to heavy equipment using proper personal protective equipment and following safety procedures.
• Gather data through observation and asking questions…