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's Office of Applied Science is hiring an LTE (Limited Term Employee) Waterfowl and Wetland Research Analyst at our Science Operations Center, 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).

Current projects within the Waterfowl and Wetland Research Program include:

• Evaluating impacts of waterfowl herbivory on wild rice restoration and conservation
• Using stable isotope methods to determine origins of waterfowl harvested in Wisconsin
• Evaluating the impacts of wetland habitat management on waterfowl and priority SGCN wetland bird species
• Quantifying PFAS levels in Wisconsin waterfowl

The successful applicant will work directly with the Waterfowl Research Scientist to manage and edit spatial data, conduct statistical analyses, contribute to study design, collect data in the field, and contribute to communication of research products, including preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.

This position provides scientific support for the Office of Applied Science waterfowl and wetland research program. Primary duties include statistical and spatial analysis of waterfowl and wetland data. This includes the collection of field data, management and manipulation of data sets, development and implementation of statistical models, and communication of research findings. Working under general supervision, this position supports the research program to meet priority research needs and communicate findings to agency partners and the public.

45% Manage Spatial and Remote Sensing Layers

• Manage and edit spatial layers that inform waterfowl and wetland conservation
• Manipulate spatial layers and extract data for landscape analyses
• Produce maps for research planning and communication
• Collect data in the field

30% Statistical Analysis

• Manipulate and analyze waterfowl and wetland bird and wetland habitat data using a range of models and tools, e.g., spatial capture-recapture, survival analyses, occupancy models, home range analyses, abundance models, integrated population models, generalized linear mixed models. 

20% Research Collaboration and Communication 

• Collaborate with team members to collect data in the field
• Develop and deliver presentations for various audiences
• Lead and contribute to writing and development of peer-reviewed manuscripts and reports

5% - Other duties as assigned

This position pays between $27.68 per hour and is in pay schedule and range 08-03. 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

• Demonstrated professional experience applying skills in spatial data manipulation and management using ArcGIS Pro and preferably Program R
• Demonstrated professional experience manipulating data and conducting quantitative analyses using Program R
• Demonstrated experience with scientific communication (e.g., writing scientific reports, giving research presentations, or publishing peer-reviewed papers)
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, management, and field techniques
• Experience conducting field work in unfavorable conditions

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. degree in wildlife ecology or a related field
• Experience with waterfowl and wetland bird data collection techniques
• First author or co-author on peer-reviewed publication(s), published or in review
• Knowledge of wetland ecosystems, management, and field techniques, including wetland bird identification
• Knowledge of environmental toxicology
• Experience with both frequentist and Bayesian analytical approaches

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. 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 July 13^th, 2026 in order to be considered.