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Local Government Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Positions are available in Transportation, including Design, Construction, Land Development, Traffic, Roundabouts, and Local Government. Visit our website to learn about our people, culture, and ...

Local City Driver

Waunakee, WI · On-site

$31.70 - $36.35/hr

... government representatives; understand highway traffic signs and signals; and accurately review and complete various shipping documents, reports and records required of the position. Preferred ...

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Local Government information

See Madison, WI salary details

$45.9K

$113.4K

$157.7K

How much do local government jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for local government in Madison, WI is $113,422.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,700.00 and $133,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in local government roles?

Professionals in local government often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of diverse community groups, navigating limited budgets, and adapting to frequent policy changes. They may also face tight deadlines, high public expectations, and the need for close collaboration with other departments, elected officials, and external stakeholders. Successfully managing these challenges requires effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and a strong commitment to public service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a local government role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Local Government role, you need a solid understanding of public administration, local laws, and policy implementation, typically supported by a relevant degree in public administration, political science, or a similar field. Familiarity with government management software, budgeting tools, and legal compliance systems is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and community engagement skills help build trust and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders. These competencies are essential for effectively serving the public, ensuring transparent operations, and meeting community needs.

What is the difference between Local Government vs City Planner?

AspectLocal GovernmentCity Planner
Required CredentialsVaries; often includes degrees in public administration, political science, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related fields
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, community centers, public meetingsUrban areas, planning departments, public consultations
Employer & Industry UsageLocal government agencies, municipalitiesCity or regional planning departments, consulting firms
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on governance, policy, and administration at the local levelFocuses on designing and developing urban spaces and land use

While both roles operate within local government structures, Local Government professionals oversee broader administrative functions, policies, and community services. City Planners specialize in land use, urban development, and spatial planning to shape city growth. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations within local government sectors.

What are local government jobs?

Local government jobs are positions within city, county, or municipal organizations responsible for providing various public services and managing community resources. These jobs range from administrative roles, such as city clerks and finance officers, to public service positions like police officers, public works employees, and librarians. Local government employees help maintain infrastructure, enforce local laws, and support community development, playing a vital role in the daily functioning of towns and cities. Working in local government often involves serving the public and contributing to the well-being and growth of the local area.

What types of jobs are available in local government?

There are a wide variety of local government jobs available. Regardless of whether you want to get involved in local politics, you can find government jobs that involve any number of tasks. Towns need people to issue permits, handle paperwork, maintain buildings and lawns, and more. There are many departments within the local government that help a town run including parks and recreation, sewage, and city planning. If you are interested in politics, you can find jobs as a secretary or even run for your town’s city council. Regardless of your job preferences, chances are you can find a job that helps out your local community at the same time.

What are the most commonly searched types of Government jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Government jobs in Madison, WI are:
What job categories do people searching Local Government jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Local Government jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Local Government jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Local Government job openings:
Infographic showing various Local Government job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,422 per year, or $54.5 per hour.

Assistant, Associate or full Professor of Law (State and Local Democracy)

Wisconsin

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Job Category:FacultyEmployment Type:RegularJob Profile:Assistant ProfessorJob Summary:

This position will serve as a tenure-track or tenured faculty member at the University of Wisconsin Law School. We are recruiting a faculty member to conduct research and teach classes in one or more of the following areas: constitutional law, state constitutional law, local government law, property and zoning law, election law, voting rights, and legislation and regulation. As a faculty member, the person holding this position will also engage in service to the Law School as well as to the University and the profession.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Conduct research and teach classes in one or more of the following areas: constitutional law, state constitutional law, local government law, property or zoning law, election law, voting rights, and legislation and regulation. Engage in service of the type expected of faculty members.

Department:

University of Wisconsin Law School

Compensation:

Minimum 9-month salary of $150,000, but starting title and salary will be commensurate with successful candidate's previous experience, skills and qualifications. Previous teaching experience required to be hired at the associate or full professor levels.

Required Qualifications:

Qualified applicants will have a record of outstanding scholarly achievement, or the potential for such achievement, in the study of governance, constitutional law, and democratic institutions at the state and local levels. The person holding this position will be encouraged to collaborate with dynamic campus centers including the State Democracy Research Initiative.

Subject areas of focus may include state constitutional law; local government and governance; property and zoning law; election law; voting rights; and legislation and regulation.

The Law School seeks to recruit outstanding faculty who demonstrate excellence or strong potential in research and teaching, and who are likely to enrich our community. Candidates may do so by engaging with the Wisconsin Idea, building on existing strengths, introducing new areas of substantive or methodological focus, and/or advancing our commitment to pluralism and healthy civil discourse.

Additional Information:

The University of Wisconsin Law School, located in Madison, WI, is an integral part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, one of the top research universities in the United States. It offers both JD and advanced law degrees, and enrolls students from around the United States and around the world. Madison is a city of lakes, frequently listed among the top ten places to live in the United States. Further information about the law school is available at www.law.wisc.edu.

Education:

J.D. or equivalent degree required.

How to Apply:

Applicants must apply through the Jobs at UW website (www.jobs.wisc.edu). To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by October 1, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

Please submit a cover letter (optional) and curriculum vitae (CV) as a single combined document.

Contact Information:

For any questions, please email the Faculty Committee at fac@law.wisc.edu

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal OpportunityEmployer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodationfor any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)in the division you are applying to.Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.