Watercraft Inspector (Variable Hours)

JOB LOCATION

City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
 
Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Watercraft Inspectors protect Aurora's drinking water supply at the Aurora and Quincy Reservoirs through thorough inspections and Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) education.

The 2026 season runs from March 15 through November 30 (dates provided by you and not found in the sources), requiring computer-based data collection and strict adherence to cash-handling procedures.

Candidates must have a high school diploma, a valid Colorado driver's license, and the interpersonal skills to handle stressful situations with diplomacy. You will obtain a Level I State of Colorado ANS certification through in-house training to ensure visitor compliance with state and local laws. This physically demanding outdoor role involves working in weather extremes, navigating rugged terrain, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Must be 18 years old at the time of hire 

The hiring rate for this role is $18.50/hour.

This is classified as VHNE (Variable Hour Non-Benefit Employee), where the selected candidate will work less than 29 hours per week. This position does not provide medical benefits. This position earns sick leave in accordance with the Healthy Families and Workplace Act. The City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first-come, first-served basis; as soon as we determine we have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice. 

** This job announcement is for collecting candidate applications for current and future Watercraft Inspectors. Applicants will be contacted only when a position need is identified, and their qualifications match the position's needs. ** 

The selected applicant(s) will undergo the following conditions: 

• Background Check (if over 18)
• MVR

Position overview:

Watercraft Inspectors protect Aurora's drinking water supply and provide exceptional customer service through watercraft inspections and Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) education contacts with recreational boaters at Aurora and/or Quincy Reservoirs.

Both reservoirs supply drinking water for the City of Aurora and have special restrictions regarding access and recreational use. This position is generally supervised by Park Ranger Staff.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Obtaining a Level I State of Colorado ANS certification through a state certified in-house training.
• Provide information to visitors regarding park regulations, general boating and safety practices, state of Colorado Boating regulations, policies and preventive education regarding the spread of ANS through recreational boating.
• Watercraft Inspectors perform inspections, collect and record information through a computer based survey and communicate comments and questions to appropriate supervising staff.
• Position is required to follow established cash handling policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or designee.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education:

• High School Diploma/GED. Related work experience may be substituted for education requirements. College coursework and/or a BS/BA degree in Ecology, Biology, Fishery Management, or related degree is preferred.

Experience:

• Experience desired includes working independently with minimal supervision, performing work duties outside of an office setting, and public speaking/interaction representing a public agency in a professional and positive manner.

Preferred Qualifications:

• None

Knowledge:

Knowledge of current aquatic ecology issues, invasive species threats, and/or experience in boating practices, boating safety and wildlife/environmental laws.

Skills:

• Strong customer service & interpersonal skills, problem-solving, computer data entry, cash and credit card handing.

Abilities:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and citizens
• Handle sensitive or stressful situations with tact and diplomacy
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Interpret applicable state and local laws, ordinances, and policies
• Present natural resource related programs using computer presentation software. 

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Must possess a valid Colorado driver's license and show evidence of a favorable driving record.
• This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Essential Personnel:

When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift and carry 25-50 pounds on an occasional basis,
• Travel on foot through rugged terrain, sit, walk and stand for intermittent periods of time. 
• On a frequent basis, the employee must bend, kneel, squat, climb stairs, and reach overhead. 
• Stretching and dexterity will be required on an occasional basis. 
• May occasionally use eye and/or ear protective wear. 
• Must have the manual coordination and vision to see and feel for small objects, operate a personal computer, and view video display terminal frequently. 
• Must be able to communicate on a two-way emergency radio and telephone.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed at a desk and in the field.
• Some exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, or odors may occur. Exposure to weather extremes will occur.
• Frequent interruptions to planned work activities will occur.

Equipment Used:

• Position is required to use a PC, cash register, and credit card machine. Some hand tool use required to conduct inspections.  
• May operate motor vehicles, all terrain vehicles, powerboats, and motorized and/or handheld parks maintenance equipment.

The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.

For Veterans preference:  Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
           
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer.  We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants.  It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
                                         
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace.  A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
 

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. 

Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.  

Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.