Engineer - Entry, Senior or Advanced

State of Wisconsin; Rhinelander (WI); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 3.5 weeks

9 paid holidays

Excellent retirement plan

Job summary

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hiring a Construction Management Engineer (Wastewater Engineer) at the Entry, Senior or Advanced level. This role focuses on field oversight of wastewater treatment plants and drinking water systems under CWFP/SDWLP in the Northern Region.

Remote work may be available after onboarding; pay includes a PE license incentive. Eligible positions include a 12-month probationary period and state benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related engineering field by appointment.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility.
• Experience in design and construction oversight of wastewater facilities.
• Familiarity with state and federal loan procedures for infrastructure programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide field oversight of design and construction of wastewater treatment plants and water systems to protect public health and environment.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal loan procedures and regulations.
• Coordinate with communities and projects within CWFP/SDWLP and related loan programs.

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil/environmental/mechanical/electrical engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

4+ years of engineering experience

Job description

Introduction

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hiring a Construction Management Engineer (Wastewater Engineer) at the Entry, Senior or Advanced level dependent upon candidate qualifications, in the Division of External Services. This position is part of the Environmental Loans program which provides low-interest loans to municipalities for water infrastructure projects.

This position could be stationed in the DNR Office’s in Rhinelander, Spooner, Woodruff, Ashland, or Wausau WI dependent upon space availability and location of the selected candidate.

Remote work may be available for a portion of the work week, after the initial onboarding period.

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

The DNR is a great place to work! We are a workplace focused on diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Current employees value work-hour flexibility, casual office atmosphere, healthy work-life balance, and working for an organization that provides training and growth opportunities.

The DNR excels at protecting and managing natural resources while supporting the economy and the well‑being of our citizenry. 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.

This position offers the State of Wisconsin’s excellent benefits package, which includes at least 3.5 weeks of paid time off, 9 paid holidays, accrued sick leave, multiple insurance options and an exceptional retirement plan! To learn more about the State’s complete compensation package, please visit the Total Rewards Calculator.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for implementing field oversight responsibilities of the Clean Water Fund Program (CWFP), the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP), and other loan programs of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in the Northern Region.

The responsibilities include oversight in the design and construction of wastewater treatment plants and community drinking water systems to ensure these activities protect public health, welfare and the environment through compliance with state and federal statutes and regulations; and to assure compliance with applicable state and federal loan procedures to protect the investment of public money.

For more information, please see the Wastewater Engineer Entry, Senior or Advanced position descriptions.

Salary Information

Starting pay for Entry level is $32.77 to $37.31 per hour (or $68,161.60 to $77,604.80 annually), in addition to excellent benefits and in pay schedule/range 14-14.

Starting pay for Senior level is $38.00 to $45.75 per hour (or $79,040 to $95,160 annually), in addition to excellent benefits and in pay schedule/range 14-13.

Starting pay for Advanced level is $46.00 to $52.09 per hour (or $95,680 to $108,347.20 annually), in addition to excellent benefits and in pay schedule/range 14-13.

In addition, there is $1.00 per hour (or $2,080 annually) added to your base salary for holding a Professional Engineer (PE) license, whether it is held presently or acquired in the future. A PE is not a requirement for this position. This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit. Pay on appointment will follow the provisions of the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan. A 12-month probationary period may be required.

Job Details

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. Eligibility to work in the 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. 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. Travel: Routine travel within the region is expected along with occasional overnight travel within the state for meetings and training.

Qualifications

To be minimally qualified applicants must meet (and provide appropriate documentation) of at least one of the below requirements:

• Have graduated or will graduate by time of appointment from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field such as electrical, mechanical, civil or environmental engineering; OR
• Registration as a Professional Engineer as determined by the Department of Safety and Professional Services per s. 443.04, Wis. Stats.; OR
• A specific record, issued by the professional engineering section of the Department of Safety and Professional Services, showing 4 years or more of experience in engineering work of a character satisfactory to the professional engineering section and satisfactory completion of the fundamentals of engineering exam; OR
• Have equivalent professional training and practical experience so as to be deemed a professional engineer as defined in Department of Safety and Professional Services per s. 443.01, Wis. Stats. and also deemed to be qualified to engage in professional engineering practice as determined by the Department of Safety and Professional Services per s. 443.03, or 443.04, or 443.05, Wis. Stats.

The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Deadline to Apply

All applications must be received by 11:59pm central on Monday, August 24th, 2026.