The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) 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 currently has an opening for a Food Scientist - Advanced (Milk Sanitation Rating Officer) position. This position is field based with a field headquarters within Vernon, Sauk, Columbia, Crawford, Richland, Grant, Iowa, Dane, Jefferson, Lafayette, Green, Rock, Walworth, Racine, Kenosha, La Crosse, Monroe, Jackson, Wood, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago, Fond du Lac, Dodge, Marquette or Green Lake counties.

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! Also, working for Wisconsin State Government may make you eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

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

This posting may be used to fill future similar vacancies.

The incumbent will independently survey and evaluate all listed Grade A milk shippers, Grade A bulk milk weighers and samplers, and fabricators of single service containers for Grade A milk and milk products. The Milk Sanitation Rating Officer certifies the survey and evaluation results and sends the report results to the Milk Safety Team of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Division of Food and Recreational Safety, and other regulatory agencies in states other than Wisconsin.

For a full position description, please click here.

This Food Scientist - Advanced position is in schedule-range 15-03. Starting pay will be between $33.92 and $35.64 per hour ($70,553.60 and $74,131.20 annually) based on qualifications. This position is not represented by a bargaining unit. A 12-month probationary period is required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan.

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.

All state employees must report their COVID vaccination status, whether vaccinated or not and provide supporting documentation if vaccinated. Newly hired employees will be required to submit this information within their first two weeks of employment. 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.

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

Travel is required for approximately 25% of this position’s duties. Additionally, the employee will drive between inspection locations and may be required to spend time in overnight travel status (ability to stay overnight as needed 1 to 3 nights).

Within 18 months of hire, the incumbent must be eligible for certification by PHS/FDA as a Sample Surveillance Officer, Farm Rating Officer, Grade A Receiving Station Rating Officer and/or Grade A Pasteurization and Drying Plant Rating Officer. Within 18 months of hire, the incumbent must obtain a Wisconsin Registered Sanitarian (RS) or NEHA REHS/Registered Sanitarian (RS) certification.

This position requires standing during long periods of time while conducting audit inspections. It also requires a significant amount of time spent driving to various locations throughout the state.

Minimally qualified candidates will have the following:

• A Wisconsin Registered Sanitarian (RS) or NEHA REHS/Registered Sanitarian (RS) certification OR have the eligibility to obtain the Wisconsin Registered Sanitarian (RS) or the NEHA REHS/RS within three years of hire (for eligibility requirements, please see the hyperlinks below)
  • Wisconsin RS Eligibility Requirements
  • NEHA REHS Eligibility Requirements

In addition, you MUST attach any applicable supporting documentation that indicates you are eligible to obtain or you already have a Registered Sanitarian (RS) or NEHA REHS credential (i.e. transcripts, certificate, etc.).

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.

If viewing this posting on an external site (such as indeed.com, etc.), please visit Wisc.Jobs and search for this Job ID: 9824 to complete your application for this posting.

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 resume and 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. In addition, you MUST attach any applicable supporting documentation that indicates you are eligible to obtain or already have a Registered Sanitarian (RS) or NEHS REHS credential (i.e. transcripts, certificate, etc.). For more applicant resources, including tips on how to write a resume and letter of qualifications, click here.

Your job 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, where vacancies exist, starting with those candidates who are deemed most qualified.

Please address questions regarding the application process to Madeline Erce at Madeline.Erce@wi.gov.

The deadline to apply for this position is Monday, April 3 at 11:59pm.