Job Details

Introduction

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently hiring three (3) Agricultural Runoff Management Specialists ( Wastewater Specialist - Seniors) to join their team in the Bureau of Watershed Management.

The headquarter locations available include Baldwin, Eau Claire, La Crosse, and Wausau DNR service centers. Other headquarter options may be available, depending on workspace availability and business need. At the time of application, please select your preferred headquarter location(s).

These positions allow for telework in accordance with the Departments telework policy and can be discussed in further detail during the interview stage. Telework availability is based on business need and is subject to change.

Find a meaningful and rewarding career with the DNR! The DNR excels at protecting and managing natural resources while supporting the economy and the well-being of our residents. We strive to hire, develop, and retain a talented workforce representative of the people of Wisconsin we serve. We offer training and career growth opportunities, a comprehensive benefits package, and are searching for people with diverse backgrounds to join our dynamic and team-oriented environment.

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar permanent, project, and/or LTE vacancies.

Position Summary

These position's primary responsibilities are to administer the Animal Waste Program, as delineated in Wisconsin Administrative Codes NR 120, 151, 153, 154, and 243. Duties include administering the WPDES permit process by receiving and reviewing completed applications, drafting and issuing permits, developing Environmental Assessments, conducting compliance inspections and providing educational information to large farming operations, as well as other customers. These positions will also investigate the potential violations of the four prohibitions concerning the discharge of pollutants to groundwater and surface waters of the state from animal management operations with less than 1,000 animal units.

These positions are supervised by the Watershed Management Supervisor, in the Bureau of Watershed Management. These positions are non-supervisory.

For more information, please view the full position description .

Note: the position description is identical for each position. However, location and geographic scope will differ, based on headquarter location.

Salary Information

Starting pay is between $34.00 - $36.91 per hour depending on qualifications and experience.

These positions are in the Wastewater Specialist - Senior classification (Pay Schedule/Range 15-03. A 12-month probation period may be required.

These positions are not represented by a collective bargaining unit. Pay on appointment will follow the provisions of the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan.

The State of Wisconsin offers an exemplary benefits package with:

• Generous paid time off , including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap.
  
• Excellent and affordable health insurance options (2026 rates start at $45/month for single and $111/month for family coverage).
  
• Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
  
• A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
  
• A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.
  
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services .
  

For more info, see our Total Rewards Calculator.

Job Details

Probation: A 12-month probationary period may be required.

Background Checks: The Department of Natural Resources conducts criminal background checks on final applicants prior to 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.

Eligibility to work in United States: 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 Form I-9 upon hire.

Remote Work: Based on an assessment of the goals and work activities, this position may be eligible for remote work. Remote work approval is based on individual circumstances and is subject to supervisor approval and DNR remote work policies. Approval is subject to change without notice based on business needs.

Physical/ Environmental Factors: Please see the Position Description linked in the Position Summary section for a full description of the physical and environmental factors of this position.

Travel: Routine travel within the assigned geographic area is expected along with occasional overnight travel for wastewater program assistance to other regions, meetings and training.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed below will be evaluated in the first step of the selection process and should be clearly described in your resume/letter of qualifications.

Required qualifications include experience in ALL the following criteria:

• Experience addressing or resolving conflict regarding controversial environmental issues
  
• Experience related to natural resources management, water management, soil science, or agriculture
  

Preferred Qualifications Include:

• Experience investigating environmental complaints related to discharge of pollutants, such as a manure spill, including answering public questions regarding spills, violations, limit exceedances, etc.
• Nutrient management planning (i.e., reviewing or preparing plans for the application of nutrients and setbacks to waterways, using Snap Plus or relevant planning software, etc.)
• Assessing and enforcing environmental compliance principles, procedures, and administrative code
• Experience working in a Clean Water Act or National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting program
• Experience interpreting and applying regulations
• Professional experience working on agricultural pollution abatement activities

How To Apply

Note: If you are viewing this posting on an external site, please visit Wisc.Jobs (search Job ID 19844) to complete your application.

To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume and a letter of qualifications as part of the application process. It is important that these materials clearly illustrate how your qualifications relate to the qualifications of this job. Please review this additional guidance on developing your resume and letter of qualifications (including a template) as you prepare to apply.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance.

• Technical issues: if you encounter issues submitting your on-line application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), please email the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at ...@wisconsin.gov or call (608) ###-#### (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm).
  
• Position questions: if you have questions about the position or this recruitment (e.g. projected start date, skills needed, etc.), please email Terra at ...@dwd.wisconsin.gov .
  

Please note that once you submit your application, you will not be able to update your materials.

What happens next? A panel will review your application materials to determine your eligibility for further consideration in the selection process. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process, which is typically an interview.

DWD values a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. central standard time on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.