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 a dual LTE (Limited Term Employee) – Wildlife Biologist / Wildlife Technician Advanced located at our DNR Service Center in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

This dual LTE appointment is comprised of two 20-hour positions for an expected work schedule of 40 hours per week. The intention is to hire one candidate on both positions. See below for more information on the positions.

Wildlife Biologist

This position will focus on public outreach and disease sampling in the 5-county CWD surveillance area in the Wisconsin Rapids Area. Duties will include working with DNR staff and conservation partners to facilitate sampling of hunter harvested deer in Adams, Juneau, Marathon, Portage, and Wood counties. This position will serve as the lead coordinator for CWD outreach efforts. This position will also coordinate with other CWD Biologists in the District, the CWD sampling center in Poynette and with the local Wildlife Biologists and Technicians.

60% - Coordinate the collection of deer tissue samples in the targeted surveillance area to provide hunter service testing in the Wisconsin Rapids Area. Develop and maintain a network of cooperative stations and self-service kiosks to collect CWD samples. Provide those cooperators with necessary equipment and training. Monitor and ensure quality control of data from all CWD samples collected within the assigned area. Perform tissue extraction following all lab and safety protocols.

20% - Coordinate and participate in weekly and monthly planning sessions with local and District DNR staff. Continually seek to modify operations to reduce costs and create efficiencies for customers and internal operations.

15% - Procure materials and supplies necessary for CWD sampling, determine needs for specialized equipment, write up specifications for purchase, locate vendors and obtain supplies by purchase or rental.

5% - Complete core Wildlife Management Program duties as assigned.

Wildlife Technician Advanced

This position works as a Public Access Liaison for the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) and Turkey Hunting Access Program (THAP) within the wildlife program. The objective of the Wisconsin VPA-HIP is to provide public access for wildlife-dependent recreation including hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife observation through voluntary lease agreements with private landowners. THAP provides public access for spring turkey hunting through similar voluntary agreements. The Public Access Liaison will also help provide financial and technical assistance to landowners who enroll in VPA-HIP to manage wildlife habitat on their property.

25% - Work closely with local WI DNR staff, Farm Bill Biologists, and other conservation partners to promote enrollment in VPA-HIP and THAP. Independently identify priority habitat and properties adjacent to existing DNR public access lands to target via outreach for enrollment into VPA-HIP and THAP. Visit potential sites to determine their wildlife habitat and recreational potential. Contact and meet with interested landowners to discuss VPA-HIP and THAP enrollment.

25% - Provide financial and technical assistance to VPA landowners for wildlife habitat improvements,including conservation farming, wetland restoration, grassland restoration, and forest management.

20% - Administer public access leases and habitat management agreements for VPA-HIP and THAP in assigned service area, including utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) to create maps, assess habitat, and determine program eligibility.

20% - Post VPA property boundaries utilizing GPS, topographic/aerial maps, ATVs, and 4x4 trucks.

10% - Monitor VPA property usage, survey users, and report success of program to VPA Coordinator.

These positions pay between $15 - $17 per hour and are in pay schedule and range 15-04 (Wildlife Biologist) and 06-14 (Wildlife Technician Advanced). For current and eligible former State employees, compensation will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan.

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 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.

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.

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For any position-related questions, please feel free to contact Ryan.Haffele@Wisconsin.gov.

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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 May 17th, 2023 in order to be considered.