Job ID: 10017
Location: Eau Claire;Milwaukee;Baldwin;Plymouth;Waukesha
Agency: Natural Resources
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Introduction
Exciting opportunity! The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Drinking Water and Groundwater Program has four (4) Public Water Supply Specialist positions we are looking to fill! We welcome the full range of applicants from new (or soon to be) graduates to experienced veterans in the profession.
Water Supply Specialist – Senior
We are filling three (3) positions at a “Senior” level and will be stationed in the following locations (employee’s preference):
- Eau Claire or Baldwin (1 Position)
- Milwaukee, Waukesha, or Plymouth (2 Positions)
Water Supply Specialist Project – Senior
One available position is considered a “Project” position. This position is full-time and comes with full benefits, but has a term limit ending Sept. 30, 2026. The position may involve assignments and travel to various locations throughout the state.
Are you interested in a career that serves as a critical role ensuring that clean drinking water can be provided to all Wisconsin residents? Do you enjoy solving environmental problems and working collaboratively with other people? If so, the Public Water Supply Specialist position could be for you! Our Specialists come from a wide variety of backgrounds and are an integral part of the Wisconsin DNR’s Drinking Water and Groundwater Program which is responsible for administering the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
Public Water Supply Specialists work on a wide variety of activities including, but not limited to performing drinking water system inspections, providing technical assistance to owners, certified operators, and the general public, responding to public health/environmental emergencies, analyzing and interpreting water-related data, and engaging in public outreach and education efforts. You will get the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable professionals and subject matter experts. The work is interesting and engaging, with a good balance of office and field work.
And let’s not forget about the perks and benefits that come with working for the State of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin DNR believes in work-life balance and commonly supports staff working from home or needing flexible work schedules. Here you will have access to excellent health insurance options, substantial leave time, a business casual office atmosphere, and an exceptional employee assistance program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote wellness. Plus, we’ll provide you with extensive training at all levels to help you grow in your role and career. In addition, if you work for the Wisconsin State Government you may be eligible to have your student loans forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. To learn more about the State of Wisconsin complete compensation package, please visit Employee Trust Fund’s Total Rewards Calculator!
The Wisconsin DNR is committed to protecting and managing our state’s natural resources while supporting our economy and the well-being of our citizens. If you’re interested in learning more about what it’s like to work for the State of Wisconsin, click here!
Position Summary
Public Water Supply Specialists serve as a member of the Drinking Water & Groundwater Program and are responsible for Wisconsin’s implementation of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). These positions work with public water systems to maintain their compliance with state regulations through conducting field inspections, providing technical assistance, data management, and engaging in enforcement activities in effort to protect public health. Specialists are responsible for overseeing SDWA monitoring and reporting requirements and respond to emergency situations.
Each Specialist will be assigned to a specified field headquarters or service center in either Wisconsin’s West Central Region (Eau Claire or Baldwin) or Southeast Region (Milwaukee, Waukesha, or Plymouth). Travel is required throughout the assigned area and sometimes statewide.
Public Water Supply Specialists work with a variety of stakeholders including water system owners, certified operators, well drillers, pump installers, building inspectors, government officials, and many more. Successful candidates will be able to work both in independent and team settings as well as have the ability to communicate technical topics to the general public.
Click here to view a position description.
Salary Information
Starting pay is $26.00-$33.66 per hour ($54,080 – $70,012.80 annually). Pay on appointment for current or former state employees is based on the State Compensation Plan.
This position is in Pay Schedule / Range 15-03. A 12-month probationary period may be required.
In addition, there is $0.30/hour added to your base salary for holding either of the following:
- A Department of Safety and Professional Services certification, license or registration as a Professional Geologist, Professional Hydrologist, Sanitarian, or Professional Soil Scientist; or
- Registered Sanitarian certification from the National Environmental Health Association for sanitarian positions.
No certification, license, or registration is required for any of these positions. An employee will be eligible for only one add-on regardless of how many licenses/registrations the employee holds. These add-ons remain an option whether it is held presently or acquired in the future.
Job Details
Live far away but looking to make a change? Interviews will have a virtual option, conducted via Microsoft Teams.
Employment will require the selected candidate to pass a background check. 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. All state employees must report their COVID vaccination status, whether vaccinated or not and provide supporting documentation if vaccinated. Newly hired employees will be required to submit this information within their first two weeks of employment.
The State of Wisconsin continues to follow necessary health and safety protocols for COVID. Please visit Division of Personnel Management Coronavirus – COVID-19 (wi.gov) for the most up-to-date information. Guidance may be subject to change.
Qualifications
Please make sure to specifically address the following criteria in your Letter of Qualifications and Resume, as each application will be scored based on these requirements.
Qualified candidates will have all of the following:
- Knowledge, training, or experience in a science-related field such as geology, chemistry, biology, public health, conservation, environmental science, natural resources, freshwater science, or similar field. (This can include paid or unpaid experiences, courses taken, and degrees earned.)
- Experience or training in collecting data and interpreting results.
- Experience communicating scientific information to audiences of varying technical backgrounds and understanding.
Well-qualified candidates will also have one or a combination of the following:
- Experience related with drinking water systems, including but not limited to well drilling, pump installing, and water treatment.
- Experience collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders and partners, including but not limited to the public, businesses, contractors, consultants, academic institutions, government agencies, media, and others.
- Relevant experience working and/or volunteering in science-related organizations, such as non-profit organizations, nature centers, academic institutions, consulting firms, or local, state, or federal government agencies.
How To Apply
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.
PLEASE NOTE: The job application is set to time-out after 30 minutes of inactivity. To avoid losing any updates to your application, make sure to Save often. 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.
For questions regarding the application process, please contact Vicki Treml in Human Resources at 608-419-6008 or vickil.treml@wisconsin.gov.
For technical questions and troubleshooting related to the Wisc.Jobs site, please visit Commonly Asked Questions.
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.
Deadline to Apply
All applications must be received by 11:59 pm CST on Monday, May 8th, 2023.
