LTE Water Use Hydrogeologist; Madison

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.

This position is responsible for providing professional geologic, hydrogeologic, and data analysis expertise in carrying out the Water Use Section’s program responsibilities. The person in this position functions as part of a statewide team and is responsible for implementing the high capacity well portion of the state water quantity management program. The role includes technical analysis of high capacity well applications to assess impacts, and gathering, processing, and interpreting large data sources to support groundwater quantity projects and disseminate information to the Water Use Section and the public.

60% – Provide hydrogeologic expertise in interpreting water‑quantity related impacts of high‑capacity wells.

• Evaluate, analyze, interpret, and document site‑specific information associated with high‑capacity well reviews, including geological and hydrogeological interpretation, groundwater quality data, status of other wells on applicant’s property, and property historical withdrawal data.
• Use appropriate analytical and numerical tools and data to evaluate and document technical reviews of high‑capacity well applications to assess impacts and complex interactions with wells and surface water resources.
• Use and develop tools to evaluate the status of groundwater resources and potential impacts from proposed and existing groundwater withdrawals.

20% – Water Quantity Monitoring Data Collection, Management, and Analysis.

• Support statewide collection of water‑quantity data at springs, streams, lakes, and wells, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Maintain and organize field data to meet department standards.

20% – GIS & Data Management Support.

• Develop and oversee GIS tools to support organization, visualization, and analysis of water use data.
• Evaluate data using geostatistics, statistics, or time‑series analysis techniques.
• Use geospatial data and tools for spatial analysis and mapping of water resources, including water withdrawal reporting across the state.
• Aggregate, organize, QA/QC, and document internal hydrologic and geological datasets.
• Access and review external datasets from hydrological databases, climate records, satellite imagery, and sensor data; provide access to the Water Use team as needed.
• Integrate environmental and land‑use data with water use records to enhance decision‑making.
• Georeference and digitize existing data products.