TEMPORARY Watercraft Inspector & Decontaminator Lead and NON Lead - Vallecito Reservoir

Temporary Watercraft Inspector & Decontaminator

This is a temporary position (9 months or less) paying $19.50-$20.50 per hour employment starts 04/27/2026 through 10/31/2026. To apply, please submit only your application (without attachments such as resumes or cover letters). This announcement will remain open until filled. This posting is for both LEAD and GENERAL Watercraft Inspector & Decontaminator. In supplemental questions please specify which you are applying.

The mission of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources is to develop, preserve, and enhance the state's natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future citizens and visitors. In an effort to build diversity and inclusion we welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) mission is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado's natural resources.

Description of Job

This posting is for both LEAD and STAFF Watercraft Inspector & Decontaminator. In supplemental questions please specify which you are applying. Perform boat inspector and decontaminator responsibilities according to state regulations and standard protocols at Vallecito Reservoir near Durango, Colorado in La Plata County. Non-Lead Inspector: Perform boat inspector and decontaminator responsibilities according to state regulations and standard protocols at Vallecito Reservoir near Durango, Colorado in La Plata County. Work will either be completed independently or in pairs to inspect boats launching and leaving the reservoir, with respect to invasive species such as zebra/quagga mussels. Provide public outreach on the aquatic invasive species topic by providing printed material to those visiting the reservoir. The position will report directly to the boat ramp. Boat inspection training will be provided. Early morning, evening, weekend, and holiday work required. Lead Inspector: Perform boat inspector and decontaminator responsibilities according to state regulations and standard protocols at Vallecito Reservoir near Durango, Colorado in La Plata County. Ramp lead boat inspector will be responsible for providing on the job training to inspection staff, create schedules and make sure all shifts are covered during operational hours, collect and verify accurate time keeping records for payroll purposes, work with supervisor to resolve challenges with staff and customers, and recommend hiring/firing of employees to area lead. Additional responsibilities include ensuring inspection station staff are following standardized protocols, ensuring that data entry is being performed accurately and completely by all inspection station staff, maintaining inventory of all required supplies, performing basic maintenance & troubleshooting on power washer/decontamination unit, and providing public outreach on aquatic invasive species. Early morning, evening, weekend holiday work is required.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Basic requirements: Reliable transportation and ability to work weekends, holidays, early morning and late evenings. Good communication skills, both written and verbal. Reliable and timely. Ability to self-motivate and work independently.

• Pursuant to the DNR-120 Fleet and Driving Standards Administrative Directive, any worker who will be expected to drive a State-owned vehicle is responsible for maintaining a safe driving record and a valid driver license prior to driving any State-owned vehicle.
• To be compliant with the new fleet vehicle policy, Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) will be pulled for review for workers who:
• Have an assigned State fleet vehicle
• Are required to operate a vehicle as part of the position
• Utilize a State fleet vehicle as a pool vehicle

Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with boats, trailers, power washers, small engines and/or heavy equipment. Excellent customer service skills and/or experience working with the public.