The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Safety and Protection is seeking to fill a Recreation Warden vacancy in the Rhinelander Office. This position is responsible for Recreation Warden Duties in Oneida, Langlade, Forest, Florence and Marinette Counties. This territory can be viewed on this detailed map: Team Map
This position offers the State of Wisconsin’s excellent benefits package, which includes 3.5 weeks of paid time off to start, 9 paid holidays, accrued sick leave, multiple insurance options and an exceptional retirement plan! Also, working for Wisconsin State Government may make you eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
The DNR excels at protecting and managing natural resources while supporting the economy and the well-being of our citizens. Click here to see what working for the State of Wisconsin is all about!

This posting may be used to fill future similar vacancies.

This position is responsible for coordinating a comprehensive recreational safety, training, and enforcement program within the assigned administrative area. The program consists of specialized areas focused on hunting and off-highway vehicles (ATV, UTV, OHM, snowmobile, boats) as well as other outdoor recreational activities. Recreation Wardens will provide expertise, training, and assistance in hunting, boating, snowmobile, ATV/UTV/OHM (off highway vehicles) accident investigations, including specialized training in accident investigations for field wardens and county/municipal recreational patrols. They will also be responsible for enforcing natural resource, state properties and environmental protection laws.

To learn more, please review the position description.

Starting pay will be between $31.00 and $44.00, depending on experience, plus excellent benefits. We anticipate a 2% pay rate increase on 6/30/2024, which would bring the starting rate to $31.62 - $44.88.

The classification title for this position is Safety Specialist Warden (schedule 05, range 63). A 24-month probationary period may be required. This position is not represented in a collective bargaining unit. 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.

Candidates must meet Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board certification requirements as a current law enforcement officer or eligible for certification through State of Wisconsin Department of Justice reciprocity.

Additionally, appointment may be subject to successful completion of the following: physical fitness assessments, background investigation, psychological testing, drug screen and medical screen.

Upon appointment, all applicants must possess certification in ATV, Boating, and Snowmobile Safety and possess a valid driver’s license with no OWI convictions within one year, and no more than two moving violations or at-fault accidents within the past two years.

The person hired to this role must live within 50 miles of their assigned administrative office, which is anticipated to be in Rhinelander. An office in a different location within the counties of Oneida, Langlade, Forest, Florence, or Marinette (or up to 10 miles outside the county border) may be considered, depending on employee preference, space availability, and other business needs. Current department policy also allows for some telework based on the demands of the position.

Most of the work of this position requires travel due to the nature of the work, frequently for 100 miles or more. Long distance travel, with overnight stays may be required up to 40 times per year. Weekend and night work hours will also be required.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. The DNR does not sponsor work visas, thus, in compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.

Qualifications marked with an asterisk (*) below will be evaluated in the first step of the selection process. Additional qualifications may be evaluated in subsequent steps.

You need to have the following:

• Must meet Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board certification requirements as a current law enforcement officer or eligible for certification through State of Wisconsin Department of Justice reciprocity.
• Experience with outdoor recreation (e.g. participation in outdoor hobbies like boating, ATV/UTV operation, snowmobiling, etc. and/or certification, training, or education in outdoor recreational activities).
• Experience collaborating with interagency customers, or internal and external customers or partners, working with teams, groups, or organizations, etc.

Any of the following experience would be nice to have:

• Experience educating, enforcing, and investigating natural resources and/or recreational vehicle laws.
• Training and experience in crash and/or shooting incident investigations.
• Experience teaching, training, guiding, mentoring, or coaching others (professionally).
• Education in natural resources/natural sciences, outdoor recreation, or related field.

Note: If you are viewing this posting on an external site, please visit Wisc.Jobs (search 14110) 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 (limited to two pages) 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 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.govor 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 Lisa at LKBJobs@dwd.wisconsin.gov or call (608) 266-9310.

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.

DNR is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For complete information on veterans hiring programs that may benefit you, please visit the Employment page on WDVA's website.

Application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (central standard time) on Monday, May 13th, 2024.