Aquatic Ecology Research Technicians (LTE)

Description

Position Summary:
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is hiring three seasonal LTE (Limited Term Employee) Aquatic Ecology Research Technicians to work in the Waterfowl and Wetland Research Program. 

These appointments are expected to work approximately 40 hours per week beginning in mid-April through mid-October (1,039 maximum work hours for the appointment). Successful applicants will be based primarily out of Rhinelander, WI or Crex Meadows Wildlife Area (Grantsburg, WI). Low-cost temporary housing is available at University of Wisconsin Trout Lake Research Station, Kemp Natural Resources Station, or at Crex Meadows. 

These positions pay $23.32 per hour and are the Natural Resources Research Technician classification in pay schedule and range 06-13. Compensation will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan. 

The Aquatic Ecology Technicians will work with scientists within the Waterfowl and Wetland Research Program to continue field work on a project investigating the impacts of Canada Goose and Trumpeter Swan herbivory on wild rice growth, resilience, and restoration efforts. The technicians will work at wild rice waterbodies across northern Wisconsin to monitor wild rice study plots, monitor goose and swan activity, and document signs of herbivory across the growing season.   

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 Duties:
45% - Wild rice study plot monitoring
-Establish wild rice study plots according to protocols at selected waterbodies
-Navigate to wild rice study plots using a vehicle, canoe/kayak, and GPS, compass, and maps
-Maintain study plot infrastructure, field equipment, and vehicles
-Measure wild rice characteristics and document waterfowl herbivory
-Collect data in the field and enter data electronically

20% - Waterfowl surveys
-Use binoculars, spotting scopes, and/or trail cameras to record behavioral observations and activity of geese and swans at selected waterbodies
-Follow all survey protocols
-Collect data in the field and enter data electronically

15% - Aquatic plant surveys
-Conduct surveys to document presence and abundance of aquatic plant species
-Follow all survey protocols
-Collect data in the field and enter data electronically

15% - Other duties as assigned
-These may include collecting and storing swan and goose fecal samples for diet analysis, maintaining trail cameras and classifying photos, finding and monitoring goose and swan nests, collecting sediment cores to count wild rice seeds, and testing mitigation strategies

5% - Communication and report writing
-Communicate regularly with supervisors and provide updates
-Contribute to an end of season report on field activities

Qualifications:

Special Requirements:
1. Residency: To be considered for this position, you must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin. See details in full job posting, https://wj.wi.gov/16560
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. 

Additionally, 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 of 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:

• Formal academic training in wildlife ecology, wetland ecology, ornithology, botany, or a related field
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors for long hours in sometimes inclement weather (including extreme heat and cold)
• Ability to load on a vehicle, carry, launch, and paddle a canoe or kayak and work within it for extended periods of time
• Ability to navigate on land and water using a GPS, compass, and maps
• Bird identification and behavioral observation skills and ability to use binoculars and a spotting scope
• Ability to identify aquatic plants
• Able to demonstrate past competency conducting field work in remote environments
• Methodological attentiveness such as detailed data collection and implementation of protocols
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work well both independently and in small teams with a focus on safety
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to consistently lift loads of 50 pounds
• Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience conducting bird surveys and wild rice or aquatic plant monitoring surveys
• Experience using trailers and motorboats
• Understanding or knowledge of the cultural significance of wild rice, ecology of wild rice, harvesting practices, and other aspects of wild rice management

Salary Information:

These positions pay $23.32 per hour and are the Natural Resources Research Technician classification in pay schedule and range 06-13. 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. 

How to apply:
Applications must be submitted online. To view the full job posting and to apply, visit https://wj.wi.gov and search for Job ID 16560. Applications must be received by 11:59pm, Central Time, on January 30th, 2025 in order to be considered.

For any position-related questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Amy Shipley, email: amy.shipley@wisconsin.gov.