The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) works hard to promote and protect Wisconsin’s agricultural industries and consumers. DATCP strives 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. We recognize that success as an agency hinges on the diverse, high quality, dedicated staff we employ.
DATCP currently has an opening for an Assistant Legal Counsel (Attorney) position within the Office of the Secretary. This position is located at the Prairie Oaks State Office Building situated on Madison’s southeast side and nestled atop a beautifully wooded and scenic hilltop venue. Our employees enjoy ample, low-cost parking at the facility. We are only minutes away from the Beltline Highway, Interstate 90 and Highway 51.
This job may be eligible for partial telecommuting. All DATCP employees that telecommute are required to work within the State of 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!
Position Summary
This Assistant Legal Counsel position reports to the Department’s General Counsel and serves in the Office of the Legal Counsel within the Office of the Secretary. This position will work in collaboration with other attorneys to deliver a high level of professional and responsive legal services to divisions within DATCP.
This position will provide legal services related to the administration and enforcement of a broad range of agricultural, business, employment, and consumer protection laws. The attorney may be called upon to provide legal advice and/or guidance on laws and administrative rules pertaining to: food safety, unfair business practices and consumer fraud, fair packaging and labeling, consumer product safety, disease control and biosecurity, pesticides and agrichemical management, land and water resources, nonpoint source pollution, groundwater protection, animal and plant health, agricultural producer security, and agricultural development.
This position will also provide day-to-day legal advice and assistance to department managers and staff, as well as various DATCP boards. This position will draft administrative rules and manage the rule making process, working in conjunction with the State Legislature and other state agencies. Additional responsibilities include: drafting pleadings and legal documents; preparing and litigating cases; negotiating case settlements and other contested matters; and representing the Department before the state Legislature and other state agencies.
Salary Information
This position's classification is Attorney, which is in schedule-range 09-75 with a starting salary of $72,800-$92,955 annually, based on qualifications. This range may increase by 2% if the 2021-2023 State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan is passed. A 12-month probationary period is required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan.
Job Details
Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Wisconsin by the State Bar of Wisconsin.
All state employees are required to report their COVID vaccination status, whether vaccinated or not, and must provide supporting documentation if vaccinated. Newly hired employees will be required to submit this information within their first two weeks of employment. At this time, those who are unvaccinated are subject to weekly COVID-19 testing protocols.
A criminal background check will be performed on the selected applicant prior to an offer of employment.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DATCP sponsorship) at the time of application.
Qualifications
Minimally qualified candidates will have each of the following:
-License to practice law in Wisconsin by the State Bar of Wisconsin.
-Experience conducting legal research, preparing legal opinions, and making decisions based upon legal guidance.
-Experience drafting legal documents, such as contracts, legal briefs, discovery requests, memorandums of understanding, etc.
-Experience representing and/or providing comprehensive legal services/advice to clients, such as responding to clients, employees, management, external parties, etc.
In addition, highly qualified candidates will have one or more of the following:
-Experience performing legal work in the public sector, such as local, state, and/or federal governments, regulatory agencies, etc.\
-Experience advising top-level management on public policy issues.
How To Apply
DATCP is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans are encouraged to apply. 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 (if you don’t already have one) and apply online via the “Apply for Job” button listed on the top right of this page. You will be required to upload a current resumé and a letter of qualifications (also known as a cover letter) that clearly describes your qualifications and experience as they relate to the qualifications listed in this job posting. For access to past WiscJobs job cart information and materials from recruitments prior to April 12th, 2021, click here
https://dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Job_Seekers/ApplicantResources.aspx. For more applicant resources, including tips on how to write a resumé and letter of qualifications, click here
https://dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Job_Seekers/ApplicantResources.aspx.
Please apply at this link: https://wj.wi.gov/3864
Your resumé 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.
Please address questions regarding the application process to Joanna Koehler at
joannaj.koehler@wi.gov.
Deadline to Apply
The deadline to apply for this position is Monday, December 6th at 11:59PM.
