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 two LTE (Limited Term Employee) – Wastewater Specialists at our offices, in Madison and Fitchburg, 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).
Position Summary
Position 1 – Madison
This position is located in the Wastewater Program and is responsible for plan review of proposed sanitary sewer extensions, wastewater treatment facility modifications, and small wastewater holding tanks, including projects seeking Clean Water Funds, as well as data management and maintenance within the Wastewater Plan Review Database. This position will report to the Central Office Wastewater Section Manager.
60% – Review and approve plans and specifications for sanitary sewer extensions, wastewater treatment facility modifications, and small wastewater holding tanks (<20,000 gallons)
A1. Review projects as assigned by the Wastewater Section Chief for completeness and compliance with administrative code design requirements.
A2. Follow-up with municipal officials, regional planning commissions, DSPS, and engineering firms to obtain all required information and address non-compliant aspects of plans.
A3. Issue approval letters and prepare documents for record retention.
20% – Review and approve facility plans for sanitary sewer extensions and wastewater treatment facility modifications that are seeking Clean Water Funds
B1. Review facility plans for conformance with NR 110, including WEPA/NEPA compliance, flow projections, and conformance with regional plans
B2. Follow-up with municipal officials, regional planning commissions, DSPS, Environmental Loans staff, and engineering firms to obtain all required information and address any non-compliant aspects of the plans
B3. Issue approval letters and prepare documents for record retention
10% – Manage and enhance wastewater databases by uploading project information, contact information, and other related data.
CB1. Develop and maintain electronic files and ensure that the DNR plan review database is current.
CB2. Work with Plan Review Coordinator to identify and implement database improvements.
10% – Other wastewater assignments, as assigned by Wastewater Section Chief
DC1. Attend section meetings and trainings, as assigned.
DC2. Other tasks as assigned by the Wastewater Section Chief.
Position 2 – Fitchburg
This position is located in the Wastewater Program and is responsible for protecting, maintaining, and improving state water quality by reviewing wastewater facility data and reports to determine permit compliance, performing calculations where necessary, and preparing approval letters and documentation for record retention. This position will also review and approve plans and specifications for proposed sanitary sewer extensions, wastewater treatment facility modifications, and small wastewater holding tanks. This position will report to the Southcentral Region Wastewater Field Supervisor.
45% A. Technical and scientific review of facility submitted data and reports to determine if facilities are meeting permit conditions and water quality is being protected
A1. Technical review of water quality standards variance reports to ensure proper measures are being implemented to reduce pollutants
A2. Technical review of Compliance Maintenance Annual Reports (CMARs) to ensure wastewater treatment facilities are being properly operated.
A3. Technical review of land application reports and soil test reports to ensure that sludge is being applied at rates that do not exceed allowable limits and conditions are in place to support treatment of pollutants via plant uptake
A4. Technical review of wastewater treatment monitoring results and performing calculations where necessary to determine facility compliance or if enforcement action is warranted
45% B. Statewide Review of Design Plans: Review and approve plans and specifications for sanitary sewer extension, wastewater treatment facility modifications, and small wastewater holding tanks (<20,000 gallons)
B1. Review projects as assigned by the Wastewater Section Manager for completeness and compliance with administrative code design requirements.
B2. Follow-up with municipal officials, regional planning commissions, DSPS, Environmental Loans staff, and engineering firms to obtain all required information and address any non-compliant aspects of the plans
B3. Issue approval letters and prepare documents for record retention
10% C. Conduct administrative duties including file maintenance and other work as assigned.
Salary Information
These positions pay $22.00 per hour and is in pay schedule and range 15-04. Compensation will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan.
Job Details
These are Limited Term Employment (LTE) positions 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.
Qualifications
Minimally qualified candidates will have:
1. Basic understanding of water quality and wastewater engineering
2. Ability to evaluate and analyze scientific data
2. Training in math including algebra; training in chemistry
3. Technical writing skills and ability to communicate with technical and public audience.
4. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including use of databases
Well-qualified applicants will have:
1. Completion of coursework in environmental or wastewater engineering
2. Experience working in the environmental engineering field (including internships, work study, or lab work)
3. Experience in a regulatory setting
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 Lisa.Creegan@wisconsin.gov.
For technical questions and troubleshooting related to the Wisc.Jobs site, please visit Commonly Asked Questions. Keepin 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.
Deadline to Apply
Applications must be received by 11:59pm, Central Time, on June 3rd, 2025 in order to be considered.
