Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Operations Supervisor/Decontamination Technician

Role Responsibilities

We have several exciting opportunities to join the AIS program for the 2025 watercraft inspection season. If you are comfortable approaching new people, can handle pressure well, are able to work outdoors for long hours and enjoy working with the public, this may be the job for you! 

AIS Operations Supervisor/Decontamination Technicians are responsible for directly supervising seasonal staff and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the watercraft inspection station, in addition to:
•    Working with other AIS Leadership Team members to train and mentor seasonal Watercraft Inspectors.
•    Setting, communicating, and modeling expectations for your team, ensuring watercraft inspectors follow operational procedures.
•    Creating and updating a 24/7 station work schedule.
•    Participating in a 24/7 on-call rotation, acting as a contact for all seasonal inspection staff across the province.
•    Resolving conflicts with members of the public and within your team.
•    Promptly following up with high-risk and quarantined watercraft in southern Alberta, conducting full decontaminations as necessary.

This position will also perform the duties of a Watercraft Inspector, which involves:
•    Interviewing watercraft owners to determine the risk the conveyance poses to Alberta’s waterbodies. 
•    Thoroughly inspecting the interior and exterior of various types of watercrafts for the presence of AIS.
•    Educating the public about the threat of AIS, particularly invasive mussels.
•    Communicating with and providing “Clean Drain Dry” outreach materials to the public with the aim to change boater behavior and reduce the spread of AIS.  
•    Towing and backing up trailers and operating a high-pressure hot water decontamination unit for cleaning boats.
•    As an appointed Fishery Guardian, issuing Quarantine Orders for AIS fouled or suspected fouled watercraft.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

How Competencies will apply to this role:

Build Collaborative Environments: You will lead and support staff to collaboratively work together to meet the objectives of the AIS Program.

Creative Problem-Solving: You have an ability to assess options and implications for troubleshooting technical problems and to inform decisions regarding watercraft quarantine. You can confidently work on the fly to address any issues that arise at your inspection stations.

Agility: You demonstrate an ability to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities and effectively supervise in a changing environment. The ability to work at other stations and under variable environmental conditions is required.

Drive For Results: You are independent, self-motivated, and highly organized to work without daily supervision and successfully deliver this component of the AIS program.

Qualifications

Required:   
•    A completed two-year diploma in Natural Sciences, Natural Resources or a related field.
•    A valid Class 5 Driver’s License (or equivalent).
•    Current First Aid certification (CPR Level C).
•    Criminal Records Check.

Equivalences may be considered: Additional related education considered in lieu of experience on a one-for-one basis.

Assets:
•    Experience with or demonstrated training in aquatic invasive species and an in depth understanding of the Alberta Aquatic Invasive Species Program.
•    Experience with maintenance on small equipment, such as pressure washers, and watercraft knowledge gained through boating or other experience.
•    Certification in Level II or Level III Watercraft Inspections and Decontamination from the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission. 
•    Demonstrated experience communicating in conflict and high-pressure situations.
•    Knowledge and experience with Government of Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Program.
•    Previous supervisory experience.

Applicants are encouraged to clearly demonstrate the above assets in their resume or cover letter.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This competition is for two full-time temporary positions, each with a duration of up to nine months, based in Edmonton and Calgary.

These positions require a flexible schedule, including travel, shift work, and weekends, potentially throughout the spring and into late fall. Work will be required outside of regular business hours, including weekends and shift work.

Final candidates must pass a criminal records check.

Any costs associated with obtaining required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Please submit your cover letter and updated resume, including clear and concise specific examples that demonstrate how your qualifications meet the advertised requirements and competencies.  

Resume Guidelines:
Employment Experience:
•    Indicate the duration of employment (month, year).
•    Specify the employment status (e.g., casual, part-time, or full-time).
•    Example: Youth Worker, Jan 2006 - June 2009, Part-time (three 8-hour shifts/week).

Post-Secondary Education:
•    Specify your major and the length of the program.
•    Indicate the year of graduation.
•    Example: Bachelor of Social Work, 4-year Degree (Graduated 2017).

Any costs associated with obtaining required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees:
•    Working for the Alberta Public Service – https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) – https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information –  https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-human-resource-directives.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool - https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreements.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.