Limited Term Water Quality Specialist; LURM

Overview

This position is responsible for implementing the County’s Lake Protection and Monitoring Grant Program. Duties include providing training for Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) volunteers, AIS monitoring on county lakes, stakeholder outreach, and education on local water quality in the County. This is a grant-funded, limited-term role beginning January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2026. The position is funded for 800 hours and is envisioned to be full-time (40 hours per week) May through August, with potential for part-time (10‑20 hours per week) January through April and September through December to attend trainings, host events, and perform other grant tasks as needed.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

• Collaborate with stakeholders and state partners to disseminate information to residents, lake property owners, and other stakeholders through news articles, email alerts, and information on the county website.
• Coordinate with staff members to update the County website and/or utilize social media to reflect new information and increase awareness of AIS. Communicate to interested parties/stakeholders via email.
• Collect and report chemical, biological, or physical data on lakes and lake ecosystems, including data on water levels and lake ice extent and 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 chemical, biological, and/or physical lake data and provide training on data entry into the SWIMS database. Recruit new districts and associations to collect this data.
• Coordinate checks on WDNR AIS signage at lake/river public access sites within the county. Inventory signs at boat launches and coordinate with local lake groups where signage is lacking.
• Coordinate early detection monitoring for AIS. 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 trainer for the CBCW program and conduct volunteer training for volunteers working for local lakes.
• 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 data entry into SWIMS.
• 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 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.

High school diploma required with at least 1 year of education at an accredited college in the areas of environmental science, natural resources management, biology or geography. Previous research experience highly desired.

Valid Driver's License. Proof of minimum liability auto insurance coverage. Aquatic Invasive Species Verifier (preferred or ability to obtain).

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

This position has authority to make decisions that are within general procedures and protocols; supervision is available as required or requested. These decisions directly impact performance in the job and/or work unit within the department and information is provided with additional research and observations which contributes to the decision making process.

In relation to established procedures, protocols and policies of the County, challenges in this position…