Limited Term Water Quality Specialist; LURM

Overview

This position is responsible for implementing the County’s Lake Protection and Monitoring Grant Program, including training Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) volunteers, conducting Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) monitoring on county lakes, stakeholder outreach, and educating residents and lake owners about local water quality.

The program is funded for 1 year beginning January 1, 2026 and will expire on December 31, 2026. The position is funded for 800 hours and is envisioned as full‑time (40 hours per week) May through August, with potential part‑time (10–20 hours per week) January through April and September through December for trainings, events, and other grant tasks.

• Collaborate with stakeholders and state partners to disseminate information to residents, lake property owners, and other stakeholders through news articles, email alerts, and the county website.
• Coordinate with staff to update the county website and use social media to reflect new information and increase awareness of AIS; communicate with interested parties via email.
• Collect and report chemical, biological, or physical data on lakes and lake ecosystems, including water levels and ice extent/duration, as requested by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR); enter data into the state Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System (SWIMS) database.
• Identify lake districts and associations collecting lake data, provide training on SWIMS data entry, and recruit new districts and associations to gather this data.
• Coordinate checks on WDNR AIS signage at lake/river public access sites within the county; inventory signs at boat launches and work with local lake groups where signage is lacking.
• Coordinate early detection monitoring for AIS and assist with “meander” surveys on county lakes; connect individuals with information and resources when new species are found.
• Coordinate the CBCW watercraft inspection program and annual AIS Snapshot Day for the county; become trained as a CBCW trainer and conduct volunteer training for local lake volunteers.
• Provide AIS outreach and education to local partners and AIS stakeholders.
• Provide technical assistance to a grantee or grant applicant for AIS prevention and control.
• Recruit new Secchi Disk monitors and train them on SWIMS data entry.
• Support and expand implementation of the Purple Loose strife Biocontrol Program in the county, working with WDNR and other partners for reporting and tracking associated with the program.
• Promote and assist with Organisms in Trade (OIT) pathway to implement the Wisconsin AIS Management Plan.
• Attend trainings and webinars to stay up to date on statewide information; complete AIS Verification Testing to become a certified AIS verifier.
• Demonstrate a commitment to county safety and risk management efforts.

Education and/or Experience – High school diploma required; at least 1 year of college education in environmental science, natural resources management, biology, or geography. Previous research experience highly desired.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations – Valid driver’s license; minimum liability auto insurance coverage;
Aquatic Invasive Species verifier (preferred or ability to obtain).

Interactions and Communications – Provides specialized information and/or recommendations to others regarding an area of expertise.

Decision Making – Authority to make decisions within general procedures and protocols; supervision available as required.

Thinking and Problem Solving – Challenges tend to be diverse but are typically covered by precedent or established practice.

Tools & Equipment Used

• Telephone, water quality testing equipment, copy machine, topographic maps, online mapping software/GIS, Secchi disk, personal computer/printer, aerial photos, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel).

The work environment involves wet and/or humid conditions, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, and extreme heat. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Occasionally required to climb or balance. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and rarely lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

• Formal Walworth County electronic application
• Education & experience review
• Verification of driver’s license
• Oral department interview
• Reference check
• Background check
• Post offer physical exam
• Drug screen