Water Quality Monitoring Technical Leader and Waterbody Assessments Coordinator positions, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is hiring for two positions responsible for planning and assuring WDNR’s surface water Clean Water Act implementation monitoring. There is one application process for both positions.  If you are interested in being considered for either or both positions, we encourage you to apply! The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM CST on Monday November 11th, 2024. Find more information and apply at wisc.jobs and search for Job ID 15849.

The Water Quality Monitoring Technical Leader is a high-level monitoring scientist position responsible for planning and assuring implementation of WDNR’s surface water resources monitoring (Clean Water Act implementation monitoring). The position provides key leadership for statewide problem-solving for monitoring-related issues, including the foundation for and integration of science-based natural resource management and policy with internal and external partner programs statewide. This scientist will have lead responsibility for all phases of development and implementation of the surface water resources monitoring program including statistically valid experimental designs, efficient and accurate field methodologies, high-level statistical analyses, high-quality program guidance and publications, as well as effective formal and informal communications and presentations within DNR, to partners, and to the public.

The Waterbody Assessments Coordinator position serves as the Statewide Waterbody Assessments Coordinator for the Water Quality Program. A biennial report (the “Integrated Report”) is mandated in the Clean Water Act (CWA, 1972) which requires an assessment of states’ waters and subsequent report out to US Congress. The report includes a comprehensive list of “impaired waters” (CWA section 303(d)), and general condition assessments of all waters for which the state has sufficient data (CWA 305(b)). Specific responsibilities for this position include coordinating the development and submittal of the biennial Integrated Report, advancing the Waterbody Assessments Program through routine program evaluation, and developing administrative rules, guidance, and policy for Water Quality Standards. This position requires an understanding of water quality standards and the effect of pollutants on surface water quality (especially as related to adverse effects on humans and wildlife) in order to identify and clearly communicate the condition assessment of Wisconsin’s aquatic ecosystems.