Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your administrative support skills to the Office of the State Public Defender (SPD) and make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin residents. The SPD is currently recruiting to fill one full-time Public Defender Investigator position in our Manitowoc Trial office.

The SPD’s mission is to enhance the quality of justice throughout Wisconsin by providing high-quality cost-effective representation to indigent clients, protecting the rights of accused individuals, and by serving as advocates for effective defense services and a rational criminal justice system. At the SPD, we are committed to diversity in hiring, retention, and career development. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. To learn more, visit our website at http://wispd.org.

Employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package including a top-rated health plan, vacation leave, nine paid holidays, and the ability to participate in one of the best retirement plans offered. For a complete list of benefits, click here. Additionally, employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

The PDI works with attorneys, clients and witnesses to gather and provide facts to help build the defense's case. The PDI also visits crime scenes, analyzes evidence, prepares reports and testifies in court. Work in the field, including interviewing clients in their homes, is an essential part of this position, and frequent statewide travel is required. Join our team and grow your career with the Office of the State Public Defender.

To view a copy of the position description, please click here.

The starting salary for the PDI will be between $19.46 and $28.00/hour and is in pay schedule-range (07-04). The starting salary for the PDI Senior will be between $25.32 and $28.00/hour and is in pay schedule-range (07-03). Salary will depend on experience and qualifications and will be based on rules that apply in the current compensation plan. A one-year probationary period is required.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or reinstatement) for a position assigned to the stated pay range or counter-part pay range, should complete the application process as described above by the stated deadline.

Final selected candidates may be eligible for moving expense reimbursement to relocate to the place of employment.

Possession of a valid Wisconsin driver’s license must be maintained as a condition of employment.

Ability to testify in an effective manner in court procedures. Testifying in an effective manner requires candidates and employees have no criminal convictions that may allow impeachment of testimony.

A criminal background check will be required as a condition of employment.

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.

COVER LETTER & RESUME: You must submit both documents in order to be considered. It is important that you clearly explain and elaborate on your experience and/or training in your cover letter and/or resume.

Minimum Qualifications (Required – Candidates must have experience and/or training relevant to these areas in order to be considered for this position):

1) The criminal justice system or the equivalent

2) Ability to use computer programs to write reports (e.g., Microsoft Office products)

3) Effective oral and written communication skills for use in interviewing

A well-qualified candidate will also have experience and/or training in the following areas:

1) The criminal juvenile and mental health justice systems

2) Working effectively with diverse groups of people

3) Providing court testimony

To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume and a cover letter as part of the application process. It is important that these materials clearly illustrate how your qualifications relate to the qualifications of this job. If both of these documents are not submitted, you will not be eligible for consideration. Application materials will not be accepted if received in an email, as a hard copy or a fax.

If you encounter issues submitting your on-line application (e.g., signing in or uploading a resume, please contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at (608) 267-1012 or wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm).

Materials submitted by all applicants will be evaluated by one or more job experts. Candidates that are deemed eligible will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

The deadline to apply online is 11:59pm on Monday, May 15, 2023. If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact Monica Endres at (608) 261-7442 or via email at endresm@opd.wi.gov.