We are dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations; DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

The Wisconsin DNR Office of Applied Science is hiring 3 seasonal LTE (Limited Term Employee) – Aquatic Ecology Research Technicians to work in the Waterfowl and Wetland Research Program. 

These positions are expected to work approximately 40 hours per week beginning in mid-April through mid-October (1,039 maximum work hours for the appointment). 

The successful candidates will be based primarily out of Rhinelander, WI or Crex Meadows Wildlife Area (Grantsburg, WI). Low-cost temporary housing is available at University of Wisconsin Trout Lake Research Station, Kemp Natural Resources Station, or at Crex Meadows. 

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies. 

To see all opportunities currently available at DNR, follow this link: DNR (wisc.jobs).

The Aquatic Ecology Technicians will work with scientists within the Waterfowl and Wetland Research Program to continue field work on a project investigating the impacts of Canada Goose and Trumpeter Swan herbivory on wild rice growth, resilience, and restoration efforts. The technicians will work at wild rice waterbodies across northern Wisconsin to monitor wild rice study plots, monitor goose and swan activity, and document signs of herbivory across the growing season.

45% - Wild rice study plot monitoring

-Establish wild rice study plots according to protocols at selected waterbodies

-Navigate to wild rice study plots using a vehicle, canoe/kayak, and GPS, compass, and maps

-Maintain study plot infrastructure, field equipment, and vehicles

-Measure wild rice characteristics and document waterfowl herbivory

-Collect data in the field and enter data electronically

20% - Waterfowl surveys

-Use binoculars, spotting scopes, and/or trail cameras to record behavioral observations and activity of geese and swans at selected waterbodies

-Follow all survey protocols

-Collect data in the field and enter data electronically

15% - Aquatic plant surveys

-Conduct surveys to document presence and abundance of aquatic plant species

-Follow all survey protocols

-Collect data in the field and enter data electronically

15% - Other duties as assigned

-These may include collecting and storing swan and goose fecal samples for diet analysis, maintaining trail cameras and classifying photos, finding and monitoring goose and swan nests, collecting sediment cores to count wild rice seeds, and testing mitigation strategies

5% - Communication and report writing

-Communicate regularly with supervisors and provide updates

-Contribute to an end of season report on field activities

These positions pay $23.32 per hour and are the Natural Resources Research Technician classification in pay schedule and range 06-13. Compensation will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan. 

This is a Limited Term Employment (LTE) position and will not automatically lead to permanent state employment or be entitled to the same benefits as permanent employees. 

More about LTE positions:

1) Offer a great opportunity to gain experience and learn about careers at the WI Department of Natural Resources.

2) Provide opportunities for individuals to enhance their resumes with skills learned on the job. 

3) May accommodate flexibility for part-time or full-time work hours and seasonal schedules. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. 

4) Allow individuals to hold multiple LTE appointments concurrently. If both LTE positions are at the same agency, the positions must be bona fide different positions. Each individual LTE position allows for maximum of 1039 hours in a twelve-month period.

Special Requirements:

1) Residency: To be considered for this position, you must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin.

A Wisconsin resident is a person who:

a. Has established a residence, as defined in s. 6.10(1), in this state not less than 10 days earlier; 

b. Has resided in this state for not less than a total of one year out of the immediately preceding 5 years; 

c. Is eligible to register to vote in this state; or 

d. Is the spouse of a person meeting the requirements of par. (a), (b), or (c).” s.230.03(12), Wis. Stats.

2) Background Checks: The Department of Natural Resources conducts criminal background checks on final applicants prior to a job offer. Please note that a criminal charge or conviction on your record will not necessarily disqualify you from state employment. In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, the DNR does not discriminate on the basis of arrest or conviction record.

3) Eligible to work in U.S.: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. The Department of Natural Resources does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility I-9 form upon hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The DNR is an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

In addition to the required qualifications below, the selected candidate must be eligible to drive a state vehicle and meet the following criteria:

• Have a valid driver’s license
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a minimum of two years licensed driving experience
• Have not had three (3) or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two (2) years
• Have no OWI/DUI violations within the past year

Required Qualifications:

• Formal academic training in wildlife ecology, wetland ecology, ornithology, botany, or a related field
• Ability and willing to work outdoors for long hours in sometimes inclement weather (including extreme heat and cold)
• Ability to load on a vehicle, carry, launch, and paddle a canoe or kayak and work within it for extended periods of time
• Ability to navigate on land and water using a GPS, compass, and maps
• Bird identification and behavioral observation skills and ability to use binoculars and a spotting scope
• Ability to identify aquatic plants
• Ability to demonstrate past competency conducting field work in remote environments
• Methodological attentiveness such as detailed data collection and implementation of protocols
• Excellent organizational and time management skills 
• Ability to work well both independently and in small teams with a focus on safety
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to consistently lift loads of 50 pounds
• Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Preferred:

• Prior experience conducting bird surveys and wild rice or aquatic plant monitoring surveys
• Experience using trailers and motorboats
• Understanding or knowledge of the cultural significance of wild rice, ecology of wild rice, harvesting practices, and other aspects of wild rice management

Click the “Apply for Job” button and follow the directions. You will be able to save your application as many times as needed and make edits up until the point you submit your application. Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make any updates to the application or any materials submitted.

Please note that the Wiscjobs system will time you out after 30 minutes of activity, so be sure to save your work often to avoid having to re-start the application process.

For any position-related questions, please feel free to contact amy.shipley@wisconsin.gov.

For technical questions and troubleshooting related to the Wisc.Jobs site, please visit Commonly Asked Questions.

Your resume and letter of qualifications are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.

Applications must be received by 11:59pm, Central Time, on January 30^th, 2025 in order to be considered.