Field Operations Director

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hiring two (2) Field Operations Director positions within the Division of Environmental Management to oversee and ensure statewide consistency directing the field implementation of all policy, planning, personnel and budgeting activities. One of these positions oversees the Air Management Program and the other the Water Resources Program. 

The headquarter location for the Air Management Field Operations Director may be in Madison or Milwaukee, depending on space availability and the location of the selected candidate.

The headquarter location for the Water Resources Field Operations Director may be in Madison, Milwaukee, Eau Claire or Green Bay, depending on space availability and the location of the selected candidate.

Remote work may be available for up to 60% of the work week, after the initial onboarding period!

This recruitment may be used for similar vacancies that become available in the near future. Therefore, when you apply, please select all locations you are interested in working.

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 working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. The staff works 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. 

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.

Position Summary

These are career executive positions, and each are members of their corresponding program management team assisting the Program Director as a leader and strategist in developing and ensuring consistent implementation of a comprehensive statewide program. These positions monitor statewide program metrics relating to field implementation and ensure that those metrics are being achieved or corrective measures are taken to address those not being met. They directly supervisor program field supervisors statewide. 

In the absence of the Bureau Program Director, this position has the full authority of the Director position and represents the department in external contacts with the Governor's Office, the legislature, local government leaders, federal agencies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), regional and national air pollution management-related organizations (Air Program) or Clean Water Act related organizations (Water Resources program), and a wide variety of public groups, private businesses, and associations. 

The Air Management Field Operations Director assures that state and federal air pollution control laws are met.  For more information, please see the Position Description. 

The Water Resources Field Operations Director assures that state and federal water resources laws are met. For more information, please see the Position Description. 

Salary Information

Starting pay for these positions is between $50.43 to $56.74 per hour (or $104,894.40 to $118,019.20 annually), in addition to excellent benefits. Pay on appointment will follow the provisions of the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan.

These positions are included in the classification of Natural Resources Manager within Pay Schedule/Range 81-01. These positions are not represented by a collective bargaining unit. 

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.
• For more info, see our Total Rewards Calculator.

Job Details

Travel: These positions require regular travel throughout the state and may occasionally travel nationally.

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.

Reference Check: References are not required at the time of application but will be required upon successful completion of the interview process.

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.

Probation: A two-year Career Executive trial period will be required. 

Future Opportunities: This recruitment may also be used to fill future similar positions. 

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. Employees with approved remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin.

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 resume and letter of qualifications to be considered for this position:

Required qualifications include experience in ALL of the following: 

• Leading a team (e.g., overseeing the work of others, i.e., team building, motivating others, training/coaching/mentoring others, providing constructive criticism, work planning, etc.)
• Natural resources management with a focus on either air quality or water resources
• Communicating, both verbally and through written correspondence, with a variety of stakeholders (e.g., state and federal agencies, organizations, regulated entities, the public, etc.) 

In addition, preferred qualifications include a combination of the following:

• Experience supervising a team in a formal position (e.g., hiring, dismissing, evaluating performance, discipline, etc.) 
• Experience developing policy and/or budgets
• Experience or training in Air permit or compliance requirements
• Experience or training in water quality monitoring and assessment
• Experience in water resources protection planning or restoration
• Experience in aquatic invasive species management or aquatic plant management

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 this Job ID: 21934 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.