LTE Conservation Biologist (Rhinelander)

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 an LTE (Limited Term Employee) – Conservation Biologist at our office in Rhinelander, WI.

This position is expected to work full-time (40 hours per week) for 6 months.

Under the direction of the Field Ecologist, plan, schedule, and work independently or with a crew on all aspects of on-going field projects related to property management and stewardship of state lands. These projects include, but are not limited to, vegetation surveys, invasive species control, natural community restoration, habitat assessments and inventories for rare and listed flora and fauna, and infrastructure maintenance (e.g., boundary posting). This position requires an ability to navigate independently in the field, travel throughout assigned work area, and work irregular hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and occasional work away from the assigned work area for up to 5 days (1-2 times/year). A willingness to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions, including work in aquatic systems, is required.

Specific duties include:

50% - Improve and restore natural communities and rare species populations on State Natural Areas and other departmental lands, including but not limited to the use of herbicides and some power equipment (chainsaws, brush cutters). As time allows, assist Field Ecologist with habitat assessment surveys (i.e., presence/absence and abundance of both invasives species and native indicator species) to identify and prioritize future work opportunities on State Natural Areas.

30% - Plan and complete non-game wildlife surveys within working area and submit reports to the Natural Heritage Inventory; data collected may be presence/absence, relative abundance or confirmed nesting locations of a variety of species ranging from small mammals to herps.

15% - Plan, schedule, and complete SNA site inspections and evaluations of current property management work using department systems for tracking this work

5% - Duties as assigned

This position pays $20.02 per hour and is in pay schedule and range 15-04. 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.

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.

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.

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.

A qualified applicant will have:

• Knowledge of the principles of restoration ecology & management techniques
• Experience or coursework in in botany, wildlife ecology, biology, or related natural resources field
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with project supervisors, co-workers, contractors, internal and external partners, and the public

A well-qualified applicant will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, wildlife ecology, biology, or related natural resources field
• Expert knowledge of Wisconsin’s remnant plant communities, rare and listed plants and animals
• Experience using and navigating a canoe
• Experience with MS office and GIS software

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 Joseph.Henry@wisconsin.gov.

For technical questions and troubleshooting related to the Wisc.Jobs site, please visit Commonly Asked Questions.

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 April 3rd, 2024 in order to be considered.