Lakeshore and Havenwoods State Parks - Seasonal LTE ; Milwaukee

Introduction

We are dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

The Wisconsin DNR has multiple LTE (Limited Term Employee) positions available at our Lakeshore and Haven woods State Parks, in Milwaukee, WI.

• Park Ranger
• Assistant Naturalist Guide

These positions may also fill future similar roles, such as those on the Hank Aaron State Trail, as they become available. Positions will begin in spring 2026, work through the summer, and end in the fall.

The Park Ranger is primarily responsible for facilitating customer service, facility and grounds maintenance, and public safety within state‑designated parks, forests, trails, and other lands managed by the Wisconsin State Park System.

• 30% – Perform grounds maintenance activities, perform repairs on park structures, conduct routine building cleaning, safely operate and maintain park equipment, maintain trails and water distribution systems. Support education programs by providing interpretive services such as guided hikes.
• 25% – Assist with the visitor assistance program, maintain public use areas, operate department camping reservation systems, monitor recreation facilities, maintain detailed reports, records, and statistics. Educate property visitors about user conduct rules and arboretums.
• 25% – Perform land management activities, provide resource protection rule information to visitors, resolve visitor service issues.
• 20% – Conduct revenue activities (collect funds from self‑pay stations, distribute fee violation notices, etc.), disseminate information to the public, and maintain records.

These positions conduct interpretive and education programs to interpret property natural and cultural resources, teach outdoor skills, and encourage resource stewardship.

• 30% – Conduct property interpretive and environmental education programs for users.
• 30% – Conduct nature hikes and programs to educate users on the property’s natural features, flora, fauna, wildlife, and environmental issues.
• 15% – Develop and/or assist in developing education/naturalist programs for the property, prepare information about the natural and human history, and may assist in conducting teacher‑training classes.
• 15% – Develop and prepare exhibits that highlight the property and participate in public relations programs.
• 10% – Establish and improve slide programs, visuals, hands‑on displays.

These positions pay between $15.00 – $16.00 per hour and are paid under pay schedule and range 05‑64 (Park Ranger) and 18‑00 (Assistant Naturalist Guide LTE). Compensation depends on experience and will follow the State Compensation Plan.

This is a Limited Term Employment (LTE) position and will not automatically lead to permanent state employment or be entitled to the same benefits as permanent employees.

• Offer a great opportunity to gain experience and learn about careers at the WI Department of Natural Resources.
• Provide opportunities for individuals to enhance their resumes with skills learned on the job.
• May accommodate flexibility for part‑time or full‑time work hours and seasonal schedules. Work schedules are dependent on business needs.
• Allow individuals to hold multiple LTE appointments concurrently, provided each is bona fide different, and allows up to 1,039 hours in a twelve‑month period.

• Background Checks
  :
  The Department of Natural Resources conducts criminal background checks on final applicants prior to a job offer. A criminal charge or conviction does not necessarily disqualify a candidate.
• Eligible to work in the U.S.:
  Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. The DNR does not sponsor visas.
• Residency Preference
  :
  State law requires first preference to qualified WI resident candidates. Out‑of‑state residents may be considered when a…