Environmental Enforcement Section Manager (Career Executive)

The State of Wisconsin is hiring an Environmental Enforcement Section Manager to oversee compliance and enforcement within the Environmental Enforcement Program. This role involves managing projects, directing policy initiatives, and coordinating with various agencies. The position has statewide responsibilities and can be based in multiple locations, with remote work available after onboarding. The salary ranges from $95,680 to $106,080 annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package.
Introduction

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hiring an Environmental Enforcement Section Manager to administer and ensure consistent implementation of the statewide compliance, secondary enforcement within the Environmental Enforcement Program of the Investigations Bureau within the Public Safety and Resource Protection (PSRP) Division .

The Division is dedicated to protecting, enhancing and promoting public safety and the State's natural resources through enforcement, education, and community involvement, and encourages everyone to be stewards of our natural resources on behalf of future generations.

This position has statewide responsibilities and may be headquartered in Eau Claire, Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, or Spooner depending on business needs, supervisor approval and the location of the selected candidate.

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

Find a meaningful and rewarding career with the DNR! The DNR excels at protecting and managing natural resources while supporting the economy and the well-being of our residents. We strive to hire, develop, and retain a talented workforce representative of the people of Wisconsin we serve. We offer training and career growth opportunities, a comprehensive benefits package, and are searching for people with diverse backgrounds to join our dynamic and team-oriented environment.

Position Summary

This Environmental Enforcement Section Manager is responsible for working directly alongside and managing enforcement and compliance projects with professional science and engineering staff across the department. This position administers and ensures consistent implementation of the statewide stepped enforcement process for compliance, secondary enforcement, and investigations within Wisconsin.

The responsibilities of this section manager include:
• Directing long-range planning and policy initiatives
• Open record requests and fulfillment coordination
• Conducting budget and operational planning and implementation
• Allocating staff resources to support cross division program stepped enforcement
• Directing team operations and supervising employees
• Assessing and enhancing program efficiency and effectiveness using sound science and application of applicable state statutes and administrative codes
• Coordinating primary compliance, secondary enforcement, and investigative activities with other department programs and their section chiefs, other state agencies, local government, and the federal government and fostering and managing relationships with these partners and customers.
For more information, please see the Position Description .

Salary Information

Starting pay for this position is between $95,680 to $106,080 annually ($46.00 to $51.00 per hour), in addition to excellent benefits. This position is included in the classification Natural Resources Program Manager within Pay Schedule/Range 81-02.

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

Travel: Periodic statewide travel is required, including occasional overnight stays. Travel outside of the state may be occasional.

Future vacancies: This recruitment may be used to fill future similar positions .

Probation: A two-year Career Executive trial period may be required.

Background Checks : We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Finalists for this position may be required to allow DNR to conduct a background check or other checks to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled. For positions with access to sensitive criminal justice information, FBI fingerprinting may also 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.

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.

Qualifications

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here .

Please thoroughly describe the below qualifications in your resume and letter of qualifications to be considered for this position:

Minimally qualified candidates will have experience in each of the following:
• Environmental quality regulation or environment enforcement
• Project management (e.g. coordinate work of others, monitor progress, coordinate project communications, creating expectations and deliverables, etc.)
• Participating on a team to develop policies, guidance, or standard operating procedures
• Collaborating with and communicating / presenting technical, scientific or investigative topics, both verbally and through written correspondence to diverse stakeholders such as federal, state, county, local and tribal government officials, corporations, government employees, conservation groups, etc.
In addition, highly qualified candidates will have a combination of the following experience:
• Supervision of a team (two or more employees) including hiring, dismissing, performance management, discipline, etc.
• Implementing and overseeing budget and operational plans
• Working with WI DNR Environmental Management and External Services division's Environmental Protection programs such as waste, air, or water management.

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: 18307 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 Vicki Treml in Human Resources at vickil.treml@wisconsin.gov or (608) 266-6910.

Disabled veterans: Qualified veterans with a 30% or more service-connected disability are eligible for non-competitive appointment to permanent positions in classified civil service under s 230.275 WI Stats. Please send your letter of qualifications and resume outlining how you meet the required qualifications for the position listed above in the job announcement along with your DD-214 and documentation of your service-connected disability rating (dated within 12-months) to the HR contact listed in this announcement for information on how to apply under this provision. Current permanent State employees are not eligible for non-competitive appointment.

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 Monday, July 21, 2025.