Watercraft Decontaminator
JOB DESCRIPTION
Watercraft Decontaminator
SOLANO COUNTY WATER AGENCY
HOURLY WAGE RANGE
$26.96 per Hour
JOB TYPE: Temporary, 6-Month Term
CLOSING: Until Filled (multiple positions available)
Application will be reviewed as they come in. The deadline to apply is March 9th, 2026.
LOCATION: Vacaville/Lake Berryessa, CA
Watercraft Decontaminator Position
This is a paid temporary position screening and decontaminating watercraft wishing to launch at Lake Berryessa. Staff conduct boat screenings, public education, biological inspections and watercraft decontaminations for invasive species (including but not limited to golden, quagga, and zebra mussels) for boats wishing to launch at Lake Berryessa. This position interacts directly with members of the public through oral communication in an outdoor setting on a daily basis (Typically 20-50 people per day). This position requires commuting from the Vacaville, CA to the decontamination facility located at Lake Solano. This position will not exceed 40 hours/week or 1000 hours in a year from the hire date and weekly hours may fluctuate due to public demand. Required hours are primarily Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from approximately 7:00AM to 4:00PM as well as additionally scheduled weekday shifts, meetings, and training.
On-the-job training is provided for this position.
Employment Duration: April 1st,2026 – October 1st, 2026
(Position duration may be adjusted for some individuals dependent on Water Agency needs)
Staff are expected to work holidays and holiday weekends (including but not limited to Presidents Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day), and additional weekends/weekdays as instructed. From the months of May - August staff hours may reach near 40 hours per week.
Essential Job Functions:
- Approximately 90% Field, 10% Office
- After achieving Watercraft Decontamination certification, conduct watercraft screenings, and decontaminations for invasive aquatic species.
- Educate boaters on invasive aquatic species and how to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species.
- Organize and maintain decontamination equipment and supplies.
- Update a database that tracks boat movements throughout the western United States via mobile applications on assigned IPad and IPhone platforms.
- Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Passing a pre-employment physical that meets the criteria of the job description will be a condition of employment.
- Staff must complete the Watercraft Decontamination certification training within 30 days of employment. The course is paid for and is offered through the Solano County Water Agency.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills as well as the ability to work under pressure.
- Must be comfortable working in pairs, and on a team.
- Must be mechanically inclined and able to troubleshoot faulty equipment.
- Must be willing to work under trailered boats and in tight spaces.
- Must be able to work in hot weather and inclement, rainy, weather.
- Reliable transportation and valid CA Driver’s license.
- Good driving record as evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) years duration.
- Availability during employment durations listed (Some exceptions may be approved based on school schedules).
- Willingness to have a relatively consistent schedule (minimum of 12 hours per week, maximum of 40 hours per week) and perform other tasks as assigned by SCWA staff.
Preferred but not required:
- Mechanical or trade experience.
- Prior experience with boats.
- Basic use of power tools, hand tools and electrical equipment.
- Environmental education and outreach experience.
- Prior experience in customer service such customer service industry, retail, or other.
ABILITY TO:
- Perform maintenance and rudimentary repair of equipment.
- Exercise safe work practices at all times and under various conditions.
- Perform manual labor in inclement weather.
- Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
- Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in the field and in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform heavy physical work, operate heavy equipment, operate varied hand and power tools; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to perform work and to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull heavy materials and objects up to 50 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees partially work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to potentially hazardous physical substances. Employees mostly work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, dust, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Watercraft Decontaminators are temporary positions ($26.69 per hour). Medical, dental, vision, vacation leave, and retirement benefits are not provided. Staff will receive up to 40 hours of sick leave within a calendar year, which is accrued at 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. There is a 90-day waiting period before sick leave can be used. Staff will be required to drive to their primary reporting locations, and mileage will be provided for work-related driving.
HOW TO APPLY: Please submit your online application, cover letter, resume, and 3 references at:
https://secure.onehcm.com/ta/SCWA.careers?CareersSearch
For questions regarding the position, please contact:
Drew Gantner
(707) 455-4450