The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) was officially established in 1967 by combining formerly independent agencies and the Department of Motor Vehicles (which included the State Highway Commission, State Aeronautics Commission and State Patrol). WisDOT supports all forms of transportation. The department is responsible for planning, building and maintaining Wisconsin's network of state highways and Interstate highway system.
The department shares the costs of building and operating county and local transportation systems - from highways to public transit and other modes. WisDOT plans, promotes and financially supports statewide air, rail and water transportation, as well as bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
The department works closely with other state, federal and local agencies to meet changing and growing travel needs. Transportation impacts everyone and WisDOT is committed to providing the safest, most efficient and highest quality transportation services to best serve the needs of the state, its citizens and many visitors.
The department is made up of three executive offices and five divisions organized according to transportation function. WisDOT's main office is located in Madison, but the department maintains regional offices throughout the state as a way to preserve the local approach to transportation development and better serve customer needs.
The Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation System Development (DTSD) is currently recruiting for a Legislative Liaison/Policy Advisor (DOT Program Officer).
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is a great place to work! We offer amazing benefits such as career advancement, a casual office atmosphere, ample vacation time, excellent health benefits, training courses, and an exceptional employee assistance program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote an employee’s wellness and health. For more information about the benefits of working at WisDOT, visit our website.
DOT is located on Madison's near-west side directly on the Madison Metro route and offers low-cost parking, an on-site cafeteria and credit union, and a variety of nearby restaurants and shopping venues.
Prior to any appointments for position(s) filled from this recruitment/announcement, candidates may be subject to a comprehensive criminal background check which may include FBI fingerprinting.
WisDOT does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.
Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Thorough knowledge of public policy formulation techniques, including definition of issues and alternatives, involvement of and negotiation with appropriate interest groups, development of a support base, documentation of policy choices, and defense of the selected option.
- Thorough knowledge of legislative and administrative rule-making processes.
- Extensive written and oral communication skills, including extensive knowledge of group decision-making techniques, public presentation, negotiating, argumentation and debate.
- Thorough knowledge of analytical techniques, practices, and methodologies. Must have extensive knowledge of research and statistical methods to accomplish research and analysis of highly complex policy and program issues.
- Thorough knowledge of program evaluation methods, including analytical techniques, establishing and evaluating program goals and objectives.
- Ability to exercise considerable individual initiative and independent judgment in applying and interpreting department al policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of public relation principles and practices.
- Skills in written and oral communication, including presentation of complex and technical information to non-technical audiences and high-level policy makers, and extensive knowledge of group decision making techniques and , effective negotiating,skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within DTSD and elected officials, agency or public groups and organizations.
- Skill in diplomatic and persuasive means for developing and carrying out effective relationships with other units of the department, other state and local agencies, community members and leaders, and elected officials.