Introduction

Come join our team!

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection works hard to protect and promote Wisconsin’s agricultural industries and consumers. As an agency, we strive to serve the people of Wisconsin assuring: safe, wholesome food; consumer protection and fair business practices; animal and plant health; a clean environment; and strong agriculture and commerce. To successfully attain these goals, we recognize our success hinges on the diverse, high quality, dedicated staff we employ.

What We’re Seeking: DATCP is recruiting for a Public Information Officer (Communications Specialist- Senior) to fill an employment opportunity with the Communications Team in the Office of the Secretary.

Where We Are Located: DATCP is located in the Prairie Oaks State Office Building situated on Madison's southeast side. We are only minutes away from the Beltline Highway, Interstate 90 and Highway 51 for quick access to local restaurants, retail and service locations.

Telecommuting Option: This position may have the ability to telecommute up to 6 days per 2-week pay period! An approved telecommuting agreement is required before an employee may telecommute. Approval of the employee’s telecommuting agreement and work schedule will vary based on the operational needs of the Division. All DATCP employees who telecommute are required to live in Wisconsin.

This position offers the State of Wisconsin’s excellent benefits package, which includes 19.5 days of paid time off to start, 9 paid holidays, accrued sick leave, multiple insurance options and an exceptional retirement plan!

By working for Wisconsin State Government, you may also be eligible for thePublic Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Please click the link for details.

Click here to check out what working for the State of Wisconsin is all about!

This posting may be used to fill future similar vacancies.

Position Summary

This position works with other department communications staff in the development and administration of comprehensive communications programs and strategies for the agency. This position is responsible for supporting at least one and possibly more than one division, to be determined by the Communications Director. In this capacity the position is also responsible for coordinating a variety of news releases, media advisories, social media posts, and informational/educational activities. These programs and materials are utilized to inform and serve a wide variety of groups, including the news media, consumers, businesses, schools, interest groups, trade groups, and the general public. The work further involves serving as a liaison to department staff and other state, federal, and local agencies to coordinate media and informational activities. The position also manages special event public information efforts, or serves as a technical resource (e.g., project leader for topics such as integration of new communications technology into agency practices, etc.).

Public Information Officer (Communications Specialist- Senior) Position Description

Salary Information

The classification for this position is Communications Specialist - Senior which is in schedule-range 07-04 with starting pay of $29.00 to $34.00 per hour ($60,320 to $70,720 annually). This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit. A 12-month probationary period is required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan.

Job Details

DATCP does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the selected applicant being able to provide documentation of eligibility to work in the United States.

The State of Wisconsin continues to follow necessary health and safety protocols for COVID. Please visit Division of Personnel Management Coronavirus - COVID-19 (wi.gov) for the most up-to-date information. Guidance may be subject to change.

A criminal background check will be performed on the selected applicant prior to an offer of employment.

Possession of a valid driver's license, or the ability to provide one’s own transportation for work purposes, is required.

Travel is required for up to 10% of this position’s duties.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified candidates will have each of the following:

Experience with writing, editing and proofreading a variety of publications on behalf of an organization (i.e., press releases, talking points, etc.).
Experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the news media, internal staff, public and industry officials and/or the general public as an organization’s spokesperson.
Experience working with a variety of computer applications and means for distributing program information (i.e., GovDelivery, Canva, Adobe, basic graphic design tools, social media applications, etc.).

In addition, highly qualified candidates will have one or more of the following:

Bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university in communications or a related field.
Experience utilizing public communications principles, techniques, and/or strategies (i.e., creating a communication and/or outreach plan, evaluating efficacy, modifying communication as needed, etc.)
Experience navigating complex issues that may be controversial in nature that may impact the general public (i.e., issues that are politically sensitive).

It is critically important your application materials clearly describe your experience related to the stated criteria. The job experts who evaluate your application materials must be able to make an accurate assessment regarding your qualifications. Applicants who do not meet at least the minimum qualifications or who do not clearly identify minimum qualifications will be ineligible to continue in the selection process.

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: #13149 to complete your application for this posting.

DATCP is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. For complete information on veterans hiring programs that may benefit you, please visit the Employment page on WDVA's website.

To be considered for this position, you will need to create an account in Wisc.jobs (if you don’t already have one) and apply online via the “Apply for Job” button listed on the top right of the announcement page. You will be required to upload a current resume and a letter of qualifications that clearly describes your qualifications and experience as they relate to the qualifications listed in this job posting. For more applicant resources, including tips on how to write a resume and letter of qualifications, click here.

Your resume and letter of qualifications will be evaluated by one or more job experts. Candidates who are deemed eligible will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process where vacancies exist, starting with those candidates who are deemed most qualified.

For general WiscJobs user information and technical assistance, please see the Commonly Asked Questions. Please address questions regarding this position and/or the application process to Jensen Peterson at jensen.peterson@wisconsin.gov (608) 224 - 4764.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply for this position is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024.

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