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) Water Use Data Management & Analysis Specialist at our offices, in Madison, WI.
This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies.
To see all opportunities currently available at DNR, follow this link: DNR (wisc.jobs) .
Position Summary
This position serves as the department's statewide lead for water use data analysis, visualization, and analytical product development in support of Great Lakes Compact implementation. The position is responsible for leading the development, evaluation, modernization, and strategic application of statewide water use datasets, statistical analyses, geospatial tools, and data products used to support regulatory implementation, program administration, policy evaluation, and long-term resource planning.
This position serves as a statewide expert on water use analytics, statistical trend evaluation, and data visualization methodologies. The position independently develops statewide analytical approaches, establishes technical standards and procedures, and provides authoritative technical recommendations to department leadership on complex Great Lakes Compact issues, water use trends, and statewide program priorities.
The position coordinates with internal department programs, interstate and federal partners, municipalities, industries, agricultural operations, research institutions, and regulated entities to ensure consistency, accuracy, and effective application of statewide water use information and analytical products.
50% - Statewide Water Use Data Analysis and Program Leadership
• Serve as statewide lead for water use data analysis and statistical evaluation associated with Great Lakes Compact implementation.
• Serve as program expert and develop new program approaches for data trends and visualization.
• Independently conduct complex statistical, geospatial, and time-series analyses exercising expert judgment to interpret results, develop recommendations and make technical decisions that support regulatory implementation, program evaluation, policy development, and statewide water resource planning.
• Provide technical leadership and expert recommendations to program staff, department leadership and regional counterparts regarding statewide water use trends, emerging water quantity issues, and program priorities.
• Coordinate across department programs, USGS and with partner agencies across the Greak Lakes region to present and discuss complex water use analyses, address emerging water quantity issues and promote consistent data interpretation.
30% - Data Visualization, GIS, and Data Product Development
• Lead development, implementation and oversight of statewide data visualization systems, dashboards, and reporting products supporting water quantity management and Great Lakes Compact compliance, coordinating with program staff and stakeholders to establish priorities and integrate program needs.
• Provide statewide leadership in the development and implementation of standards and best practices for the visualization, interpretation and communication of water use information and analytical findings, ensure program-wide adoption and consistent application to support regulatory compliance and policy development.
• Integrate water use, environmental, hydrogeologic, and land use datasets into statewide analysis and decision-making.
• Develop public-facing and internal analytical products to improve data accessibility, program transparency, and understanding of statewide water use trends.
15% - Water Use Reporting and Data Quality Coordination
• Lead statewide initiatives to improve water use reporting accuracy, consistency, and data quality.
• Develop quality assurance and quality control procedures for statewide water use reporting systems and datasets.
• Serve as the primary statewide liaison with regulated entities and Great Lakes Region partners to resolve complex reporting and data management issues, establish consistent reporting practices and ensure high-quality data to support regulatory compliance.
• Lead projects to modernize reporting systems and improve analytical capabilities associated with water use reporting.
5% - Strategic Program Initiatives
• Lead additional Water Use Section projects related to Great Lakes Compact implementation and data improvement initiatives.
• Develop technical reports, presentations, guidance materials, and recommendations related to statewide water use trends and program implementation.
Salary Information
This position pays between $27.68 - $30.10 per hour and is in the Research Analyst- Advanced classification pay schedule and range 08-03. 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
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 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
Minimally qualified candidates will have:
- Knowledge of hydrology, geology, and environmental studies.
- Experience in data management, GIS analysis, and database maintenance.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to engage with landowners, industries, and regulatory partners.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GIS tools (such as ArcGIS or QGIS).
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
In addition, well qualified candidates will have one or more of the following:
- Experience with water use reporting, high-capacity wells, or regulatory compliance.
- Familiarity with water resource databases and automated reporting systems.
- Experience working with diverse water user groups, including agricultural, industrial, and municipal stakeholders.
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 Adam.Freihoefer@wisconsin.gov.
For technical questions and troubleshooting related to the Wisc.Jobs site, please visit Commonly Asked Questions. Keep in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am - 4:30 pm.
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 July 21 st , 2026 in order to be considered.