Consumer Protection Investigator

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: The DATCP’s Bureau of Consumer Protection is recruiting for a Consumer Protection Investigator to fill an employment opportunity with their Mediation unit. This position will be headquartered at the Prairie Oaks State Office Building - Madison, WI.

What We Do in the Bureau of Consumer Protection:

• Operate Wisconsin’s Consumer Protection Hotline; consumers can contact our hotline staff by email or through our toll-free hotline.
• Handle over 11,000 new consumer complaints every year.
• Administer Wisconsin’s telemarketing “Do Not Call” Law (over 4.8 million Wisconsin numbers are registered).
• Educate consumers on best practices to combat and avoid identify theft, and offer recovery services to identify theft victims.
• Regulate hazardous consumer products.
• Enforce environmental regulations related to consumer products.

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 3.5 weeks 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 see what working for the State of Wisconsin is all about!

This posting may be used to fill future similar vacancies.

This position utilizes considerable initiative, judgment and knowledge of consumer protection statutes and codes, organizational structure and department policies and procedures. The responsibilities of the position include: independently providing consumer complaint mediation services and identity theft support; analyzing complaints for possible violations of fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices regulated by a broad range of state statutes and administrative codes; and, providing information and education services to the public.

Consumer Protection Investigator Position Description

Starting pay for the position is $22.96 per hour (approximately $47,755 annually). The pay schedule and range for the position is 05-13. 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.

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

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

Minimally qualified candidates will have each of the following:

• Experience working with mediation and/or conflict resolution.
  
• Experience interpreting and explaining informational materials and resources to external stakeholders.
  
• Experience using Microsoft Office software or similar (generating Word documents, creating and manipulating Excel spreadsheets, utilizing databases, etc.).

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

• Experience with consumer protection and/or consumer education.
  
Experience interpreting and explaining policies, laws, statutes and/or codes.

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 really.com, etc.), please visit Wisc.Jobs and search for this Job ID: #11597 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 are strongly encouraged to submit 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, if submitted) 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 Jennifer Chryst at jennifer.chryst@wisconsin.gov (608) 224 - 4760.

The deadline to apply for this position is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023