LTE Forestry Research Field Coordinator (Rhinelander)

State of Wisconsin; Rhinelander (WI); On-site; USD 33,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Wisconsin, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hiring an LTE Forestry Research Field Coordinator in Rhinelander, WI. The role coordinates field crews, trains staff, and supports data collection for multiple forestry studies across Wisconsin.

Responsibilities include leading field crews, coordinating equipment and data collection, and communicating with project leaders. Some overnight travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Experience collecting data for research projects.
• Experience leading field crews in challenging field conditions.
• Strong communication to relay updates to project leaders.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily/weekly field work and data collection across studies.
• Train and lead field crews in project implementation.
• Ensure field work meets study timelines.

Skills

Forestry data collection

Field crew leadership

Data collection techniques

Navigation with GPS/map

MS Word/Excel/Outlook/PowerPoint

ArcGIS

Education

Forestry or environmental sciences degree

Tools

ArcGIS

GPS

MS Office

Job description

LTE Forestry Research Field Coordinator (Rhinelander)

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 is hiring an LTE (Limited Term Employee) Forestry Research Field Coordinator at our offices in Rhinelander, WI.

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies.

To see all opportunities currently available at DNR, follow this link: DNR (wisc.jobs) .

Position Summary

This position will be a member of the Forest Ecology & Management Team, within the Forest Economics and Ecology section, which has a heavy focus on applied research to understand and improve the health and management of Wisconsin’s forest resources. This position will coordinate daily and weekly field work activities and train and lead field crews in project implementation and data collection for a wide variety of forest ecology research studies across Wisconsin. Current studies the incumbent will work on include but are not limited to an assisted migration study in collaboration with USFS to determine viable techniques to combat climate change impacts on our forests, a study of deer impacts on forest regeneration, a managed old growth study, and studies to understand the impacts of invasive species on forests.

The highly applied and collaborative nature of the Forest Ecology & Management Team requires a field research coordinator with experience collecting data for a wide range of research purposes, using a wide range of techniques. Experience leading and training crews in difficult field conditions is desired. The successful candidate will have strong communication skills to train and manage field crews, and to relay updates, issues, and other pertinent information to project leaders who may not be available for regular field work.

The position is based at the Wisconsin DNR Forestry Headquarters in Rhinelander, WI. Some overnight travel is required.

70% Coordinate seasonal field crews

• Assist in hiring seasonal field crews
• Train field crews on techniques used for project implementation and data collection
• Lead field crews in project implementation and data collection
• Ensure field work is completed such that study timelines are met

15% Oversee equipment ordering and maintenance

• Maintain equipment such as chainsaws, tree corers, and various electronic data loggers
• Maintain an inventory of supplies for each study
• Order equipment and supplies, as needed

10% Communicate with project leaders and partners

• Regularly provide updates to project leaders in efficient and timely manner
• Coordinate with partners about property access and use
• Coordinate with partners about shared field work responsibilities

5% Other duties, as assigned

Salary Information

This position pays between $24.15 - $27.68 per hour and is in the Forestry Specialist classification in pay schedule and range 15-03. Compensation will be set in accordance with 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.

More about LTE positions:

1) Offer a great opportunity to gain experience and learn about careers at the WI Department of Natural Resources.

2) Provide opportunities for individuals to enhance their resumes with skills learned on the job.

3) May accommodate flexibility for part-time or full-time work hours and seasonal schedules. Work schedules are dependent on business needs.

4) Allow individuals to hold multiple LTE appointments concurrently. If both LTE positions are at the same agency, the positions must be bona fide different positions. Each individual LTE position allows for maximum of 1039 hours in a twelve-month period.

Special Requirements:

1) Residency: To be considered for this position, you must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin.

A Wisconsin resident is a person who:

a. Has established a residence, as defined in s. 6.10(1), in this state not less than 10 days earlier;

b. Has resided in this state for not less than a total of one year out of the immediately preceding 5 years;

c. Is eligible to register to vote in this state; or

d. Is the spouse of a person meeting the requirements of par. (a), (b), or (c).” s.230.03(12), Wis. Stats.

2) Background Checks: The Department of Natural Resources conducts criminal background checks on final applicants prior to a 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.

3) Eligible to work in U.S.: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. 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 I-9 form upon hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The DNR is an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Qualifications

In addition to the required qualifications below, the selected candidate must be eligible to drive a state vehicle and meet the following criteria:

• Have a valid driver’s license
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a minimum of two years licensed driving experience
• Have not had three (3) or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two (2) years
• Have no OWI/DUI violations within the past year

Required Qualifications:

• Proficiency in forestry research data collection techniques and methods
• Proficiency in navigation using compass, GPS, and paper maps
• Experience with data collection for research purposes

Experience as a member of a field crew

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Experience using ArcGIS and GPS

Preferred Qualifications:

• Educational background in forestry, environmental, geographical, or natural sciences.
• Experience leading field crews in forestry (or related field)
• Chainsaw certification

Deadline to Apply

Applications must be received by 11:59pm, Central Time, on September 7 th , 2026in order to be considered.