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 has two LTE (Limited Term Employee) Natural Resources Research Technician positions available in Rhinelander, Wisconsin:

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

This posting may be used to fill future similar vacancies.

Position Summary

Position 1,

The Office of Applied Science within the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hiring a Wildlife Research Technician to assist with fieldwork to monitor bear reproduction in Wisconsin and other projects within the Large Carnivore and Elk Research Program. The Wildlife Research Technician will serve as a core Bear Crew member, conducting den assessments and surveys aimed at collaring and monitoring sows. The Wildlife Research Technician will also be responsible for project coordination and crew management. Fieldwork will occur from November to early April and requires extensive travel with overnight stays across bear range (northern half of the state). The position will be based out of Rhinelander, WI and can begin as soon as June 3 .

While the position will be largely focused on the bear reproduction project, the individual may also contribute to other projects within in the large carnivore and elk program.

Description of goals/duties:

50% Field work

• Driving long distances to conduct den assessments and surveys

• Assessing dens to collect information to determine whether they can be included in the bear denning survey

• Locate bear dens of collared individuals using VHF

• Conduct denning surveys following protocols and standard operating procedures for field data collection, including protocols for chemical immobilization

• Training with our state veterinarian on project protocols for chemical immobilization of bear that are in torpor, including use of a syringe pole and drug dosage protocols

45% Project Management

• Manage den assessment logistics, including following up with individuals who report bear den locations, coordinating with landowners and local biologists to schedule and conduct assessments

• Manage den survey logistics, including scheduling surveys, booking hotels, coordinating with landowners and local biologists

• Overseeing equipment, including assessment needs prior to fieldwork, cleaning and maintaining gear

• Manage and coordinate data collection and field crew assignments

5% - Support of other projects, as assigned.

Position 2,

The Office of Applied Science within the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hiring a Wildlife Research Technician to assist with data processing and analysis for a study evaluating bear abatement actions aimed at reducing corn damage in Wisconsin and contribute to other large carnivore and elk projects. The Wildlife Research Technician will manage and process data, largely spatial layers and aerial survey images of corn fields. Data processing will include georeferencing, digitization, and classification of aerial images in ArcPro. The Wildlife Research Technician will also be responsible for data entry for a bear reproduction project and other projects, as necessary. Data processing and analysis work will occur throughout the year, but primarily May - November. The position will be based out of Rhinelander, WI and can begin as soon as June 3.

Description of goals/duties:

80% Management and processing of spatial data

• Organizing and maintenance of aerial photos and spatial layers

• Georeferencing aerial images

• Digitizing field edges and corn damage by bears

• Prepare and summarize spatial data for future analyses

• Create GIS maps of spatial data for reporting writing and communication strategies with cooperators

15% Management and processing of non-spatial data

• Entry of non-spatial data into databases for various large carnivore and elk projects

• Implement data quality control/assurance protocols, monitor protocol effectiveness

5% - Support of other projects, as assigned

Salary Information

These positions pay $22.86 per hour and are classified as NR Research Technician in pay schedule and range 06-13.

Compensation will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan.

Job Details

Limited Term Employment: 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.

Residency Requirement: In order to be considered for this position, you must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin.

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.

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

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 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:

• Experience collecting and entering field data following scientific protocols

• Strong spatial analysis skills using ArcMap or ArcPro, including georeferencing, digitization, and making maps

• Experience with data management and metadata creation

• Ability and willingness to sometimes work long hours in harsh weather conditions

• Ability to organize and manage large-scale field research, specifically related to wildlife

• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with chemical immobilization of bears or other large mammals

• Experience with 4-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and trailering

• Strong interpersonal skills for communicating and working effectively with program managers, fellow technicians/volunteers, state agency personnel, and private landowners

• Proficiency with data wrangling and analysis using R

• B.S. in Wildlife Science, Biology, GIS, or related field

• Ability to lift at least 100 lbs

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 Jennifer.PriceTack@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 .

Deadline to Apply

Applications must be received by 11:59pm, Central Time, on May 16 th , 2024 in order to be considered.