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 is hiring a Wetland Mapping Specialist LTE (Limited Term Employee) at our office in Madison, WI.

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies. 

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

Under general supervision, this position will lead wetland mapping in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF) through a DNR and US Forest Service partnership.  This position requires advanced knowledge of ESRI desktop GIS data editing, raster data processing and quality assurance tools. In addition, this position requires the ability to synthesize and interpret imagery, soils, LIDAR-derived digital elevation models (DEMs) and hydrography geospatial data to map wetland boundaries and classify wetland types following National Wetland Inventory (NWI) and WI Wetland Inventory (WWI) standards.

90% Perform wetland mapping

•      Acquire, maintain and enhance geospatial data used in wetlands mapping including imagery, soils, LIDAR-derived digital elevation models (DEMs), culverts and previously mapped wetlands data.

•      Process DEM data to derive hydrological flow networks using tools such as the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF) and Arc Hydro Tools.

•      Map wetlands following Wisconsin Wetland Inventory Standard Operating Procedures (SOP

•      Classify wetlands and riverine polygon data following FGDC and Cowardin standards.

•      Develop and maintain geospatial data, documentation, and metadata following established standards 

•      Develop new methods to improve the efficiency of wetlands mapping.

10% Organizational Responsiveness

•      Manage data and GIS systems in compliance with all applicable DNR data, application, and documentation standards. 

•      Participate in job-related training and organizational meetings as assigned by supervisor.

•      Follow all general and position-related safety requirements.

This position pays between $28.00 - $30.15 per hour and is in the IS Data Services-Senior classification in pay schedule and range 07-34. 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.

Required qualifications:

•      Experience performing geospatial data development, editing and cartography using Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcGIS Pro or ArcGIS Desktop software.

•      Experience performing quality control and quality assurance checks on geospatial data using desktop GIS tools.

•      Experience documenting technical procedures for GIS or IT tools. 

Preferred qualifications:

•      Knowledge of FGDC and  Cowardin wetlands classification standards.

•      Experience with image processing and analysis techniques using ESRI desktop GIS extensions including Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst and Image Analyst.

•      Experience with automating GIS processes using Python or other scripting languages.

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 laurence.cutforth@wisconsin.gov

For technical questions and troubleshooting related to the Wisc.Jobs site, please visit Commonly Asked Questions. Keep in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm. 

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 November 3rd, 2025, in order to be considered.