Animal Control Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Introduction
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection 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 high quality, dedicated staff we employ.
DATCP currently has an opening for a Bureau Director position within the Division of Animal Health, Bureau of Animal Disease Control.
This position is located at the Prairie Oaks State Office Building situated on Madison's southeast side and a beautifully wooded and scenic hilltop venue. Our employees enjoy low-cost parking at the facility and are only minutes away from the Beltline Highway, Interstate 90 and Highway 51 for quick access to local restaurants, retail and service locations.
Remote Work Option: This position may have the ability to work remotely up to 6 days 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 the operational needs of the Division. All DATCP employees who work remotely are required to live in Wisconsin.
Employee Benefits: 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!
By working for Wisconsin State Government, you may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Please click the link for details.
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This posting may be used to fill future similar vacancies.
Position Summary
Under the general supervision of the Division Administrator, the position of Director, Bureau of Animal Disease Control is responsible for managing the programs and operations of the Bureau of Animal Disease Control. This includes strategic and tactical planning; development and administration of animal health policies, programs and services; operations budgets; and development of divisional objectives. The position is also responsible for the supervision of staff and maintaining liaison with a variety of agency staff, other governmental agencies, the legislature, and industry representatives. Program management and oversight is provided in the areas of animal health disease control and epidemiology programs, emergency response planning, animal welfare programs, and administrative support. Direct program management may be required as division workload and resources necessitate. As a key management leader, the position must stay abreast of emerging animal health issues, pending legislation, and changes in federal guidelines. The position recommends the development of legislation, administrative rules, and policies as well as manages their implementation and enforcement. In addition, this position serves as the Assistant State Veterinarian.
This position is responsible for coordination with the field services bureau to assure the animal health inspection, regulatory compliance, and field veterinary programs are operating efficiently in coordination with animal health programs.
Full Position Description
Salary Information
The classification of this position is Director, Bureau of Animal Disease Control, which is in schedule-range 81-01 with a salary up to $127,046.40 annually based on qualifications.
This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit. A two-year trial period is required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan 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 job shadowing, training opportunities through USDA (epidemiology, foreign animal disease response,) regional/national meetings on animal disease, and more!
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.
Possession of a valid driver's license or the ability to provide one's own transportation for work purposes, is required.
Travel is required for approximately 10% of this position's duties. This may include overnight and out of state travel.
Graduation from an AVMA accredited college or university with a Doctor or Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Degree (VMD).
Possession of, or eligibility for, license to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Wisconsin.
Qualifications
Minimally qualified candidates will have each of the following:

• Experience with informal leadership, such as directing, assigning, and managing work of others.
• Experience with program administration, including development, implementation, and evaluation (e.g. participation in strategic planning, using analytical methods to identify trends and business needs, develop training, service as a technical resource regarding program activities, initiatives, regulations, measure impact, etc.).
• A license to practice veterinary medicine in Wisconsin, or the capability to acquire a WI license to practice veterinary medicine.
• A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an AVMA accredited college

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

• Experience serving in a formal supervisory role (including: resolving conflict, coaching, mentoring and empowering employees, evaluating employee performance, hiring, discipline, assigning work, etc.)
• Experience managing budgets, performing tasks including budget development and oversight
• Experience dealing with animal health related regulations (ex. Movement requirements, testing for regulatory diseases, etc.)

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: #21947 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 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 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 qualifications and experience as they relate to the qualifications listed in this job posting. You are also required to upload the appropriate credentials with your application (transcripts, diploma, certificates, etc.). If you do not upload these materials, your application will not be considered. Review the applicant resources , 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 Jensen Peterson at jensen.peterson@wisconsin.gov .
Deadline to Apply
The deadline to apply for this position is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026.