Water Resources Management Specialist

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

La Crosse, WI, USA 🇺🇸

Introduction

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 an LTE – Water Resources Management Specialist located at our Resource Monitoring Station in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Position Summary

This is a full-time seasonal position (lasting approximately 6 months) with the Wisconsin DNR Long Term Resource Monitoring Program in La Crosse, WI.  This position assists with water quality monitoring, backwater sedimentation, and winter limnology surveys. This position is primarily field-based, but will also require laboratory work, data entry, data processing and general maintenance.  Candidates with strong common sense, boating skills on the Mississippi River or other large rivers, and mechanical and equipment repair skills are preferred.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2021, the ability for candidates to perform limited computer-based work from home is preferred. Passing a Federal background check is required to work in the Federal facility where offices are located. The selected candidate must be able to drive a state vehicle.  Candidates with three (3) or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two (2) years, or who have an OWI/DUI violation within the past year are barred from driving state vehicles. 
 

70% – Field work
Assist in collection of water quality samples, backwater sedimentation surveys and other field data using established protocols.  This position requires extended periods of work outside and on boats, sometimes under difficult conditions or inclement weather.
 
10% – Equipment Preparation and Maintenance 
– Prepare, maintain and calibrate water quality instruments, other sampling equipment, and boats.
– Maintain and prepare sampling gear, boats, trucks and other equipment as assigned.
– Maintain logs and records, and procure supplies.
 
10% – Data Management and Reporting 
– Enter data into spreadsheets, SWIMS and/or other databases
– Develop data summaries or graphics as assigned.
 
10% – Other and Organizational Duties
– Participate in job-related training and meetings.
– Complete administrative requirements such as time reporting, etc.
– Conduct all activities in accordance with the WQ Bureau and Department safety guidance.
– Other duties as assigned.

Salary Information

$17.00 per hour

Job Details

This is a Limited Term Employment (LTE) position. LTE positions do not automatically lead to permanent state employment or enjoy the same benefits as permanent employees; however, these positions do offer valuable work experience and an opportunity to learn more about career opportunities with the Department of Natural Resources and the State of Wisconsin.  

LTE employees are limited to working 1039 hours per position within a twelve-month period.

In order to be considered for this position, you must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin.

All state employees are required to report their COVID vaccination status, whether vaccinated or not, and must provide supporting documentation if vaccinated. Newly hired employees will be required to submit this information within their first two weeks of employment.

The Department of Natural Resources conducts criminal background checks on final applicants before they can be offered a position.  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.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire.  The DNR does not sponsor work visas, thus, in compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.

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.

Qualifications

Required:
1. Experience operating motorized boats on large navigable waterways and backing trailers 
2. Valid driver’s license and able to meet requirements to operate a State vehicle
3. Proficient in use of Office products (e.g., Word, Excel, Access, data management systems, Internet applications and use of e-mail).
4. Mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting motors, electronic equipment, and maintaining sampling gear
5. Demonstrated ability to work productively as part of a team and manage conflict in a constructive manner
6. Able and willing to work long hours (10+ hours per day) outdoors in extreme weather conditions (e.g., winter monitoring from airboat) when required to accomplish time-limited tasks

Preferred:
1. Experience with other specialized equipment and software, such as ice augers, vertical elevation survey equipment or methods (e.g., RTK GNSS), data loggers, graphics packages, GIS applications (e.g., ArcMap), and GPS 
2. Ability to work independently and be self-motivated and punctual.
3. Must be able to work on a variety of tasks with little supervision.
4. Excellent organizational skills

How To Apply

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 Alicia Carhart at [email protected].

If you have any difficulty applying (for example: signing in or uploading a resume), please reach out to [email protected]. Wisc.Jobs help is available Monday-Friday, 7:45am – 4:30pm – 608-267-1012 or [email protected].  

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.

Deadline to Apply

Applications must be received by 11:59pm, Central Time, on October 24th in order to be considered.


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IHE Delft Institute for Water Education - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development