Fisheries Technician (Rhinelander, Woodruff, Ashland)

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) Fisheries Technicians. These positions will be stationed at our offices in Rhinelander, Woodruff or Ashland, 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).

These positions are responsible for providing technical support for the fisheries management program. The primary duties include assisting fisheries biologists with conducting fish surveys. Additional responsibilities may involve data entry and equipment maintenance. The successful applicant may be stationed in either Ashland, WI or in Oneida County (Rhinelander) or Vilas County (Woodruff), depending on their preference, and will assist crews in both counties.

60% Assist fisheries supervisor, biologist, and technicians with spring, summer and fall surveys. Individual will be required to participate daily in fisheries surveys using various assessment materials including fyke nets, electrofishing gear, seines, and creel methods. The person will be required to accurately record data in the field following established protocols

30% Will be required to accurately and efficient process data collected and enter survey data into the appropriate databases. Individual will be responsible for the collection and preparing of scales, spines, and otoliths for age interpretation. Maintain gear used to conduct fisheries surveys at the direction of fish team members. Includes maintaining nets, electrofishing gear, boats, outboard motors, and other equipment.

10% Shall perform other tasks as necessary to meet project and planning needs.

These positions pay $16.98 per hour and are in pay schedule and range 06-12. 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.

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.

In addition to the required qualifications below, 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 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

Minimum Qualifications:

• Previous volunteer or work experience in fisheries
• Ability and willingness to work in inclement weather
• Knowledge of Wisconsin fish species

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of or experience in equipment maintenance

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For any position-related questions, please feel free to contact royce.zehr@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 March 10th, 2025 in order to be considered.