Emerging Contaminants Expert (Water Quality Program)

Introduction The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Environmental Management is hiring an Emerging Contaminants Expert for statewide management of the Emerging Contaminants program in the Water Quality (Wastewater and Water Resources) Program. This position has statewide responsibility and can be headquartered in Madison, Fitchburg, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Waukesha or Spooner dependent on available office space and the location of the candidate. Remote work may be available, after the initial onboarding period, up to 60% of the work week! We strive to hire, develop, and retain a talented workforce representative of the people 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. 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 are dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. We work in partnership with individuals and organizations to manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air, and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities. Position Summary As the Emerging Contaminants Expert, this position has statewide responsibilities for policy expertise and program coordination for the emerging contaminants program. This includes providing policy development and expertise and coordination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) program elements. Using sound and contemporary scientific principles in the areas of wastewater, PFAS, and emerging contaminants, this position will be responsible for evaluating information available to determine the concentrations of these chemicals in effluents, biosolids, and other residuals from industrial and municipal wastewater facilities that will prevent adverse impacts to fish & aquatic life, wildlife, and humans in support of the Department's water pollution control program. For more information, please see the Position Description . Salary Information Starting salary for this position is between $76,960 - $83,200 annually ( $ 37.00 - $40.00 / hour) depending on qualifications. This position is included in the classification Wastewater Specialist - Advanced within Pay Schedule / Range 15 - 03. This position is 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 (starting 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.
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Job Details Travel: The geographic area of responsibility for this position is statewide. The position will require occasional statewide travel with periodic overnight stays. This position may require limited out-of-state travel. Probationary Period: A 12-month probationary period may be required. Future vacancies: This recruitment may be used for any similar vacancies that become available in the near future. Physical / Environmental Factors: Please see the job description linked in the position summary section. 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 the 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 telework policies. Approval is subject to change without notice based on business needs.

Qualifications

Your letter of qualifications and resume 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 . Please describe the below qualifications in your letter of qualification and resume to be considered for this position: Minimally qualified candidates will have ALL of the following:

• Training and/or experience in chemistry or biological sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, water resources management, environmental science, or other environmental studies.)
• Experience interpreting and/or applying state or federal requirements (e.g., policies, administrative codes, statutes).
• Experience with project management (e.g. organizing, planning and setting appropriate work priorities and management of overall workload responsibilities.)
• Experience writing and presenting technical information to audiences of various knowledge or expertise of the content.

In addition, highly qualified candidates will have a combination of the following:

• Formal education (bachelor's or master's degree) in natural resources, biological sciences or a related field (e.g., biology, chemistry, water resources management, environmental science or other environmental studies).
• Experience related to developing, evaluating, or implementing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or other emerging contaminant program elements such as water quality standards, permit limits or monitoring requirements, sampling methods, or data submittals.
• Education, training or experience in the principles and practices of emerging contaminant chemistry as it relates to effluents, biosolids, and surface waters, and their effects on fish and aquatic life, wildlife and humans.
• Education, training or experience of federal and state regulations and policies related to PFAS and other emerging contaminants.

How To Apply The steps to apply online are quick and easy! Your resume and letter of qualifications are used during our evaluation process to determine your eligibility for further consideration. Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. It is critically important that your application materials clearly describe your experience related to the stated job qualifications. Please review our helpful tips for developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included. References are not required at the time of application but will be required upon successful completion of the interview process. Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make any updates to the application or any materials submitted. If viewing this posting on an external site (such as indeed.com, etc.), please visit Wisc.Jobs and search for JOB ID: 20682 to complete your application for this posting. Current state employees, including those with Career Executive status, must apply through STAR ESS. Former permanent classified state employees must apply through Wisc.Jobs. For technical troubleshooting related to the Wisc.Jobs site, please view the Frequently Asked Questions . For questions regarding the application process, please contact Vicki Treml at [email protected]. Disabled veterans: Qualified veterans with a 30% or more service-connected disability are eligible for non-competitive appointment to permanent positions in classified civil service under s 230.275 WI Stats. Please apply online with your qualifications and resume outlining how you meet the required qualifications for the position along with your DD-214 and documentation of your service-connected disability rating (dated within 12-months) and email the HR contact listed in this announcement for notification that you are applying under this provision. Current State employees are not eligible for non-competitive appointment. The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Deadline to Apply All applications must be received by 11:59 pm central standard time on Monday, April 27, 2026. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job