LTE Wild Rice Liaison and Technical Specialist (Madison or Spooner)

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 is hiring an LTE (Limited Term Employee) - Wild Rice Liaison and Technical Specialist. This position can be stationed in Madison or Spooner, WI.

Based on an assessment of the goals and work activities, this position may be eligible for telework. This assessment does not convey approval to telework or the exact percentage of telework. Telework is subject to supervisor approval based on individual circumstances and department telework policies and may be changed without notice based on business needs.

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies.

Position Summary

The Wild Rice Technical Advisor provides technical support for the America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC) Grant for Intergovernmental Collaboration for Manoomin (Wild Rice) Stewardship in Wisconsin. DNR received the ATBC Manoomin grant in 2024. DNR, the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, and academic institutions are collaborating on this project. The project purpose is to further the central role of wild rice in culture and wildlife health through intergovernmental collaboration.

Project goals include:

• Strengthening relationships among the DNR, tribal organizations, and tribal nations;

• Conducting strategic research regarding manoomin stressors;

• Developing and piloting outreach and education materials;

• Providing education about the modern and traditional value of manoomin; and

• Developing detailed implementation actions to guide wild rice sustainability projects.

The Wild Rice Technical Advisor will work with a broad range of DNR programs and staff and representatives from the project collaborators. The Technical Advisor will support technical aspects of this collaborative projects. This position reports to the DNR Conservation Grants Section Manager but will work closely with the DNR Tribal Liaison in the Office of the Secretary.

Geographic Scope and Travel Requirements: This position can be located in DNR's Central Office in downtown Madison or the DNR Service Center in Spooner, WI. Occasional travel for meetings will be needed.

Responsibilities:

20% Provide project management for the Intergovernmental Collaboration for Manoomin grant. Tasks include developing and implementing tools and systems to track grant milestones, promoting collaboration among the project partners, monitoring and evaluating project progress, identifying issues for DNR leadership, and similar tasks.

20% Facilitate routine status meetings among project collaborators to track progress, check-in on project milestones, review grant deliverables, and other topics as identified by DNR or the project collaborators.

20% Work closely with DNR programs and project collaborators to develop detailed implementation actions to guide wild rice sustainability projects, including, but not limited to, implementation of the Strategic Analysis of Wild Rice Management in Wisconsin.

15% Support internal DNR programs and project collaborators on development of the project strategic research agenda, including clear articulation of research questions, identification of suitable academic partners, and related tasks.

10% Support DNR programs and project collaborators on development of wild rice outreach materials. Support project collaborators on education and outreach efforts regarding the importance of wild rice, purpose of grant-funded strategic research, and related topics.

10% Collaborate closely with the Federal Grant Specialist to implement the above responsibilities and ensure compliance with all terms and conditions of the applicable federal grant, including performance reporting.

5% Other duties as assigned.

Salary Information

This position pays between $30.00 - $35.00 per hour and is classified as a Program and Policy Analyst - Advanced in pay schedule and range 07-03. Compensation will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan.

Job Details

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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to work with professional staff who have a broad range of expertise.

• Attention to detail.

• Demonstrated commitment to high-quality customer service.

• Experience prioritizing and managing a diverse workload.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with Native American organizations and/or Tribal nations.

• Experience working on projects related to wild rice.

• Experience managing projects with multiple collaborators.

• Experience managing contracts or grants.

• Experience interpreting complex rules and policies; specifically grant terms and conditions or federal regulations.

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.

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For any position-related questions, please feel free to contact Jennifer.Gihring@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 .

Deadline to Apply

Applications must be received by 11:59pm, Central Time, on August 18 th , 2024 in order to be considered.