The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Environmental Management, Office of Great Waters is accepting applications for a Lake Michigan Unit Manager.

This position is located in the Milwaukee Service Center.

This recruitment may be used for any similar vacancies that become available in the near future. Remote work will be available, after the initial onboarding period. The exact amount is based on program need and supervisor discretion.

The DNR is a great place to work! We are a workplace focused on diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Current employees value an important mission, work-hour flexibility, casual office atmosphere, healthy work-life balance, and working for an organization that provides training and growth opportunities. 

The DNR excels at protecting and managing natural resources while supporting the economy and the well-being of our citizenry. We are dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. The staff works in partnership with individuals and organizations to manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air, and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

As a basin supervisor this position is responsible for day-to-day management of multiple program operations within the Lake Michigan Basin. This position ensures the application of accepted team management concepts. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring consistent application of Department policy for the Lake Michigan Basin program.

For more information, please see the Lake Michigan Unit Manager position description.

Lake Michigan Unit Manager starting salary is between $43.00 - $48.15 / hour ($ 89,440.00 - $ 100,152.00) depending on qualifications. Plus, excellent benefits.

The classification is Natural Resources Basin Supervisor which is in schedule-range 81 – 02. Pay on appointment will follow the provisions of the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan.

The State of Wisconsin offers an exemplary benefits package with: 

• Generous paid time off, including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap. 
• Excellent and affordable health insurance options (starting at $34/month for single and $83/month for family coverage).
• Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
• A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.
• For more info, see our Total Rewards Calculator.

Background Checks: The Department of Natural Resources conducts criminal background checks on final applicants prior to 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.

Eligibility to work in the United States (I9 Requirement): 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 Form I-9 upon hire.

Probationary Period: A 2-year Career Executive trial period may be required.

Remote Work:  May occur as per department telework guidelines and supervisor approval.

Travel: This position covers the entire Lake Michigan basin under the jurisdiction of the State of Wisconsin. The incumbent is required to travel regularly throughout the Lake Michigan basin as well as travel across Wisconsin (largely Madison) and occasionally out of state to places like Chicago to represent Wisconsin regarding Lake Michigan issues.

Please make sure to address and describe ALL of the following qualifications in relation to your experience (by providing a detailed example) within your resume and/or letter of qualifications to be considered for this position. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.

Minimally qualified candidates will have each of the following qualifications:

• Leading a team of environmental science or regulatory professionals (e.g., training/coaching/mentoring others, providing constructive criticism, motivating others, etc.) 
• Experience leading project development and implementation of large-scale environment-related projects (e.g., multiple work units, business entities, jurisdictions, etc.)
• Collaborating across organizations or groups from a wide variety of backgrounds to accomplish natural resource goals. (e.g., federal, tribal, state and/or local governments; academia; non-profit organizations, etc.)
• Experience acting as a liaison or representative for a large program, particularly in high-level forums and management teams.

In addition, highly qualified candidates will have one or more of the following qualifications:

• Experience in project management (including planning, designing, and construction implementation) of ecological restoration projects in the Great Lakes.
• Experience developing and administering policies, regulations and guidance regarding water quality management, habitat protection principles, TMDLs, surface waters, and the Area of Concern programs (e.g., drafting, analyzing, public participation, implementation).
• Formal supervisory experience (e.g., hiring, dismissing, disciplining employees, evaluating performance).
• Experience in budget development and management, approving expenditures, and tracking resource utilization for a large program.
• Administering and/or implementing environmental science policies, regulations, and/or guidance within state and/or federal regulatory frameworks. 

The steps to apply online are quick and easy! Your application materials, including your resume and letter of qualifications, are used during our evaluation process to determine your eligibility for further consideration. It is critically important that your application materials clearly describe your experience related to the stated job qualifications. Please review our helpful tips for developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included. Be advised that there will be no opportunity to change your application materials once you have clicked “Submit.”

If viewing this posting on an external site (such as indeed.com, etc.), please visit Wisc.Jobs and search for this Job ID: 19375 to complete your application for this posting.

The State of Wisconsin is committed to fostering a fair, equitable, and consistent selection process that is based on merit and utilizes sound competitive selection procedures.

The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Questions related to the job and how to apply can be directed to Ulas Karagoren at ulas.karagoren2@wisconsin.gov or 608 266-2197. For general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance, please see the Wisc.Jobs Frequently Asked Questions page.

All applications must be received by 11:59 pm central on Monday, December 8, 2025.