Fisheries Biologist

Introduction 

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, is accepting applications for several Fisheries Biologist positions.  Positions are headquartered in Baldwin, Bayfield, Black River Falls, Florence, Green Bay, and Wautoma. 

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 vacancies (permanent, project or Limited Term). 

Position Summary 

This position supports the planning and delivery of a comprehensive, professional fisheries management program within the assigned geographic area. Working closely with the Field Unit Supervisor and Senior Fisheries Biologist, this role assists with biological surveys, data entry and analysis, and preparation of technical reports. Responsibilities also include supporting stream and lake habitat projects, land management and access development, equipment and facility maintenance, public outreach and education, and coordination of limited-term staff. Additional administrative and field support duties are performed as needed. 

To learn more, please review the position description.  

Salary Information 

Starting pay is between $30.00 and $34.79 per hour, depending on qualifications, plus an exemplary benefits package:  

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. 

Public service is rewarding! This position may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. 

Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see an estimate of the total value of our competitive benefits package! 

The classification title for this position is Fisheries Biologist (schedule 15, range 04). A 12-month probationary period will be required. This position is not represented in a collective bargaining unit and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

Pay will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of appointment. Starting pay may vary for current state employees. 

Job Details 

Travel: Substantial interstate and statewide travel are required. Travel rarely involves an overnight stay. 

Remote work:  Remote work may be available for a portion of the work week after the initial onboarding period. Employees with approved remote and hybrid-remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin.  High-speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work. Remote work options are subject to change. 

Criminal histories: We also consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Finalists for this position may be required to allow DNR to conduct a background check or other checks to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled. For positions with access to sensitive federal tax information, FBI fingerprinting may also be required. 

Eligibility to work in United States: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e. a US citizen or national or a lawful permanent resident) at the time of appointment. DNR does not sponsor visas and is not an eligible OPT employer for those with F1 visas. This is not a contract position. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant completing the I-9 upon hire. 

Qualifications 

You need to have the following education, training or experience: 

Collecting and identifying fish species, population status, angler harvest, and/or habitat data. 

Operating, maintaining, and following safety protocol of the various equipment necessary to perform fish sampling techniques, such as vehicles, boats, outboard motors, trailers, fish electroshocking equipment, fish collection nets, flow and conductivity meters, and/or various equipment needed for habitat management. 

Assisting with the planning of biological surveys of waters, and/or planning and conducting aquatic habitat restoration and management projects.  

Any of the following education, training or experience would be nice to have: 

Drafting plans and reports, such as: fisheries survey/habitat reports, fisheries management plans, environmental assessments, other plans required to meet goals and objectives, etc. 

Entering data and conducting summaries and statistical analysis of fisheries data, such as: fish age and growth, mortality, exploitation, reproduction, condition, size-structure, abundance, etc. 

Reviewing permit applications for aquatic ecosystem impacts and/or drafting such permit applications for fisheries projects.  

 How to Apply 

 Note: If you are viewing this posting on an external site, please visit Wisc.Jobs (search 19458) 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 wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov or call (608) 267-1012 (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 Deb at DJTJobs@dwd.wisconsin.gov or call (608) 266-1024.  

 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 a virtual interview.  

 DNR 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 

Application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (central time) on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.