Licensing Specialist (Food Scientist - Advanced)

Who We Are: 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, well qualified, dedicated staff we employ and retain.

What We're Looking For: DATCP’s Division of Food and Recreational Safety is recruiting for a Licensing Specialist (Food Scientist - Advanced) to fill an employment opportunity with the Bureau of Food and Recreational Businesses. 

Where We’re Located: This position is located at the Eau Claire State Office Building.

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 work in Wisconsin.

Employee Benefits: The State of Wisconsin offers an excellent benefits package, which includes 19.5 days (for exempt) 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 the Public 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 reports to the Internal Operations Section Manager and provides technical consultation to manufactured food, dairy, and retail and recreation field staff and supervisors in the planning and performance of licensing activities that affect their work areas. The work further involves giving guidance for all program licensing functions in the bureau, which regulates over 30,000 licenses statewide. This position acts as the primary liaison, for the assigned region, between Division management staff, legal, and field staff on licensing issues, including: directing licensing activities toward establishments, identifying processes that pose the highest risk of causing foodborne illness, or other environmental risks. This position provides training, education, and consultation to industry so they understand how the regulatory requirements apply to their operations. This position acts as the Department representative in communicating with industry, the general public, and other stakeholders of the program on statewide licensing issues for the food and dairy programs.  This includes communications with FDA, USDA, other State and Local agencies, other Department Divisions and Bureaus. The position also provides input to management staff in developing policy, program initiatives and strategies, and operational procedures.

This Food Scientist position provides advanced technical expertise regarding innovative or unique food processes, product formulations, licensing, the movement of food and equipment. The position provides assistance to division staff, local agent health departments and industry in areas of; innovative and unique food processing systems, product formulations, food equipment design including function, materials and sanitation, sanitary design of food processing operations including, construction, installation of equipment, sanitation requirements and food processing capabilities. The employee is required to communicate verbally and in writing the results of technical reviews, inspections and investigations with appropriate persons and to assist with enforcement action when warranted. This position will serve as a primary person in the Bureau for Retail Food Establishment Plan Review, responsible for assessment and approval of plans and drawings for newly built or significantly remodeled facilities.

For more information, please review the full position description.

SALARY INFORMATION: 

The classification for this position is Food Scientist - Advanced which is in schedule-range 15-03 with starting pay between $35.00 - $37.82 per hour based on qualifications. This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan at the time of hire. A 12-month probationary period is required. 

A $0.30 per hour Registered Sanitarian (RS) or NEHA REHS/Registered Sanitarian (RS) add-on may be available depending on qualifications.

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.

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

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

Occasional in-state travel for trainings, technical consultations, meetings, etc. with occasional overnight stays, and out of state travel is required.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Minimally qualified candidates must have both of the following:

• A Wisconsin Registered Sanitarian (RS) or NEHA REHS/Registered Sanitarian (RS) certification OR have the eligibility to obtain the Wisconsin Registered Sanitarian or the NEHA REHS/Registered Sanitarian (RS) certification within 18 months of hire
• Experience applying and/or interpreting federal and/or state laws rules regulations standards and/or policies as related to the licensing, inspection and/or manufacturing of food

In addition to the minimum qualifications above, highly qualified candidates will have one or more of the following:

• Experience with public speaking to multiple stake holder groups such as industry representatives, elected officials, board of health representatives, the general public, and/or public health professionals. 
• Experience developing policies including analysis, implementation and recommendations for policy alternatives.

Wisconsin RS Eligibility Requirements

NEHA REHS Eligibility Requirements

Please Note: You must attach supporting documentation that indicates that you have OR are eligible to obtain within (18) months of hire, the Registered Sanitarian credential. 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: # TBD 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. Review the applicant resources, including tips on how to write a resume and letter of qualifications. In addition, you MUST attach applicable supporting documentation that indicates you already have OR are eligible to obtain within (18) months of hire, a Registered Sanitarian (RS) credential (i.e. degree/diploma, transcripts, certificates, etc.).

Submitted 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. 

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 for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

For general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance, please see the wisc.jobs Frequently Asked Questions page.  Questions related to the application process can be directed to Jensen Peterson at Jensen.Peterson@wisconsin.gov.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: 

The deadline to apply for this position is at 11:59 p.m. on July 21, 2025.