Emerging Contaminants Research Scientist

Position Summary

The Emerging Contaminants Research Scientist position is accountable for conducting and directing self-initiated research, coordinating multi-faceted and multi-disciplinary research related to the occurrence, fate, transport, and human health impacts of emerging contaminants in groundwater that may include PFAS, microplastics, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. The scientist will provide statewide technical expertise by reviewing existing research and publications, identifying gaps, and designing studies through self-initiated and collaborative work. This role includes solely developing study designs, coordinating data collection, implementing advanced statistical analyses, and preparing comprehensive reports to inform policy and management. The scientist will diligently contribute to peer-reviewed publications, represent the department at professional conferences, and provide expert consultation and technical guidance to research and policy stakeholders. The position requires strong interdisciplinary collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including scientists, regulatory agencies, and university partners, on complex research challenges. The scientist will work closely with other department staff, including Water Quality Program, to advance strategic and applied research goals. Responsibilities also include developing grant proposals, directing long-term research planning, and securing funding to sustain research initiatives. The incumbent will conduct training sessions, facilitate technology transfer, and serve as a resource for emerging contaminant research, thus enhancing the department's scientific capabilities and promoting public awareness and policy integration on both state and national levels.

For more information, please see the Position Description.

Salary Information

Starting pay for this position is between $40.86 to $46.59 per hour (or $85,000 to $96,907 annually), in addition to excellent benefits. This position is included in the classification Natural Resources Research Scientist - Advanced within Pay Schedule/Range 15-03.

The State of Wisconsin offers an exemplary benefits package with:

• Generous paid time off, including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap.
• Excellent and affordable health insurance options (starting at $34/month for single and $83/month for family coverage).
• Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
• A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.
• For more info, see our Total Rewards Calculator.

This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit. Pay on appointment will follow the provisions of the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan.

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 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.

Probation: A 12-month probationary period may be required.

Reference Check: References are not required at the time of application but will be required upon successful completion of the interview process.

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.

Driver License Requirement: The selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment and meet the requirements of the State of Wisconsin Fleet Vehicle Policy. The candidate must be at least 18 years of age with 2 years driving experience. Candidates with three (3) or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two (2) years, or who have an OWI/DUE violation within the past year are not eligible to drive state vehicles.

Travel: Some travel is required.

Qualifications

Please make sure to describe and provide detailed examples within your resume and/or letter of qualifications for EACH of the following qualifications you meet.

Required qualifications include experience in ALL the following criteria:

• Education, training, or experience in hydrogeology, environmental engineering, or related fields (e.g.: hydrology, geochemistry, environmental science, civil or chemical engineering with an environmental emphasis)
• Experience conducting and/or directing multi-disciplinary natural resource research studies or projects including hypothesis formulation, methods determination, data collection, data analysis and interpretation, and reporting.
• Experience using programming languages, such as R, Python, SAS, or MATLAB for data analysis and visualization

In addition, preferred qualifications include any of the following criteria:

• Experience working on projects related to groundwater quality, focused on hydrogeologic and chemical processes governing the fate and transport of contaminants in groundwater.
• Experience applying analytical and numerical groundwater modeling solutions, such as MODFLOW, to analyze and address complex hydrologic challenges
• Experience publishing journal articles and/or peer reviewed technical reports in the field of hydrogeology

How To Apply

If viewing this posting on an external site (such as indeed.com, etc.), please visit Wisc.Jobs and search for this Job ID: 18075 to complete your application for this posting. Current state employees, including those with Career Executive status, must apply through STAR ESS. Former permanent classified state employees must apply through Wisc.Jobs.

The steps to apply online are quick and easy! Your resume and letter of qualifications are used during our evaluation process to determine your eligibility for further consideration. Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. It is critically important that your application materials clearly describe your experience related to the stated job qualifications. Please review our helpful tips for developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included. References are not required at the time of application but will be required upon successful completion of the interview process. Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make any updates to the application or any materials submitted.

For technical troubleshooting related to the Wisc.Jobs site, please view the Frequently Asked Questions. For questions regarding the application process, please contact Rebekah Gaumitz in Human Resources at ... or ....

Disabled veterans: The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability.If you are a qualified veteran, please visit theVeterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

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 11:59 pm central on September 2, 2025.