LTE Water Quantity Monitoring Specialist (Madison)

Position Summary

This position is responsible for the statewide coordinating and implementing the DNR’s statutory responsibilities to inventory Wisconsin’s water quantity resources, including springs, lakes, streams, and groundwater, as part of the Great Lakes Compact. The role leads the collection, management and analysis of field data, coordination with department staff, and working with nonprofits and government agencies and institutions. The specialist will coordinate the monitoring strategy while working directly with private and public landowners and state and federal agencies and institutions to gather water quantity data.

Responsibilities

• Manage the statewide collection of water quantity data at springs, streams, lakes, and wells, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Maintain and organize field data to meet department standards.
• Deploy mapping tools and field equipment to support data tracking and reporting.
• Analyze water quantity data to address complex water resource issues.
• Lead statewide springs monitoring and other water quantity monitoring programs, evaluating and refining the program effectiveness and implementation.
• Work directly with private landowners to explain monitoring efforts, gain site access, and address concerns about water levels and use.
• Provide guidance on water quantity trends and how they may affect wells, irrigation, and local water availability.
• Lead collaboration with nonprofits, department staff, and state and federal officials on water quantity monitoring projects.
• Ensure all collected data is properly recorded and managed.
• Lead development of reports on water quantity trends for internal and external use.
• Lead additional water use projects as assigned.

Salary Information

This position pays between $23.00 - $26.60 per hour and is in the Water Resources Management Specialist-Senior classification in pay schedule and range 15-03. 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.

Special Requirements

• Residency: 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.
• Eligible to work in U.S.: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire.

Qualifications

• Experience collecting, managing and analyzing water quantity data.
• Strong communication skills to work with private landowners and answer water quantity questions.
• Knowledge of wells, streamflow, and groundwater monitoring.
• Ability to organize and maintain field data according to department standards.
• Experience with GIS tools or databases for mapping and tracking water data and data collection.
• Experience working with farmers, private well owners, and landowners on water-related issues.
• Familiarity with state water use regulations and the Great Lakes Compact.

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.

Deadline to Apply

Applications must be received by 11:59pm, Central Time, on July 21st, 2026 in order to be considered.