Closing Date: 2nd February, 2026
Description:
Introduction:The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) (http://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Homepage.aspx) 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.
DATCP is currently recruiting for an Assistant Legal Counsel to fill a Limited Term Employment opportunity with the Department's Office of the Secretary.
This position is located at 2811 Agriculture Drive in Madison, WI. DATCP is in the Prairie Oaks State Office Building (https://www.google.com/maps/place/2811+Agriculture+Dr,+Madison,+WI+53718/@43.0603089,-89.2906976,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88065101432d4a6f:0xcf0f3cf5cc0584c7!8m2!3d43.0603089!4d-89.2885089) 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.
This position is expected to work approximately 20 hours per week and may have the ability to work remotely up to 60% of the time, per 2-week pay period! An approved remote work agreement is required before an employee may work remotely. Approval of the employee's remote work agreement and work schedule will vary based on operational needs. All DATCP employees who work remotely are required to live in Wisconsin.
This posting may be used to fill future similar vacancies.
Position Summary:
This position will serve as Assistant Legal Counsel to the Department and attached boards as part of the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) in the Office of the Secretary. Provide legal services related to the administration and enforcement of a broad range of agricultural, business, and consumer protection laws. This may include laws related 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, non-point source pollution, groundwater protection, animal and plant health, agricultural producer security, and agricultural development.
In addition, support the drafting of administrative rules, and draft legal documents; and work with Department staff, county district attorneys and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the preparation of court cases.
50% - Provide legal counsel and assistance
15% - Prepare and review rules and proposed legislation
30% - Review and support Open Records Responses
5% - Assist the General Counsel
Salary Information:
This classification of this position is Attorney which is in schedule/ range 09-75.
Starting pay will be $37.83 - $44.00 per hour commensurate with experience.
For current and eligible former State employees, compensation will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan effective at the time of hire.
Job Details:
At DATCP, we strive to deliver efficient and effective programs and services to Wisconsin agriculture, consumers, and businesses. The Department has numerous on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities, unique to each Bureau.
These OJT opportunities include direct experience and practice through collaboration with co-workers/supervisor, peer mentoring, and job-specific training modules.
Conditions of Employment:
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.
A criminal background check will be performed on the selected applicant prior to an offer of employment.
Applicant must be a resident of Wisconsin (18 years of age or older).
Applicant must be licensed to practice law in Wisconsin by the State Bar of Wisconsin and possess a law degree from an accredited law school.
Limited term positions are not civil service classified positions, do not have rights to permanent civil service classified positions, and do not lead to permanent status.
This position is Limited Term Employment (LTE) and is limited to 1,039 hours in 26 consecutive pay periods (1 year)
Qualifications:
Minimally qualified candidates will have each of the following:
- License to practice law in Wisconsin
- Law degree from an accredited law school
- Experience researching, analyzing, and interpreting law
- Experience providing legal advice, counsel, and recommendations
- Experience preparing legal documents or memorandums (e.g., pleadings, briefs and allied court papers, legal opinions, administrative rules, orders, etc.)
In addition to the minimum qualifications above, highly qualified candidates will have one or more of the following:
- Experience providing advice to state or local governmental entities
- Experience processing and responding to open records requests
- Experience providing legal representation
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: 19792 to complete your application for this posting.
DATCP is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.
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 the Veterans Employment page (https://www.google.com/maps/place/2811+Agriculture+Dr,+Madison,+WI+53718/@43.0603089,-89.2906976,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88065101432d4a6f:0xcf0f3cf5cc0584c7!8m2!3d43.0603089!4d-89.2885089) for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program. For complete information on veterans hiring programs that may benefit you, please visit the Employment page (https://dva.wi.gov/Pages/educationEmployment/Employment.aspx) 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 the job posting page. You will be required to upload a current resume and a letter of qualifications that clearly describes your education, training and experience as it relates to the qualifications listed in this job posting. You are also required to upload appropriate credentials with your application (e.g., transcripts, diploma, certificates, law license, etc.). If you do not upload these materials, your application will not be considered.) Review the applicant resources (https://dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Job_Seekers/ApplicantResources.aspx), including tips on how to write a resume and letter of qualifications.
Submitted application materials 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, starting with those candidates who are deemed most qualified.
For general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance, please check the Frequently Asked Questions. Please address questions regarding the application process to jennifer.chryst@wisconsin.gov or (608)224-4760.
Deadline to Apply:
The deadline to apply for this position is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026.
