Dairy Economic Development Consultant
Job Title: Dairy Economic Development Consultant
Company: The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Location: Madison, WI. Remote work options available.
Description: 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, high quality, dedicated staff we employ.
DATCP currently has an opening for a Dairy Economic Development Consultant position within the Division of Agricultural Development, Bureau of Export and Business Development.
Position Summary
This position will provide services to assist Wisconsin dairy food and agricultural businesses to foster new investment in production, processing and the development of technologies that add value to the dairy industry. The position works to build Wisconsin's agriculture economy by providing industry representatives with business development assistance, research, technical seminars, one-on-one business development consultation, and other methods. This position will review business plans, monitor market trends, help businesses understand regulations, connect businesses to resources that can answer technical questions, and more.
This position maintains numerous contacts with state agencies and government officials, dairy industry representatives, agribusiness, associations, processors, farmers, and service providers. Specific responsibilities include the coordination and implementation of programs, funding, and communications related to the dairy sector, and for the identification of gaps and opportunities in economic development programs and services to help Wisconsin become more competitive domestically and internationally. This position also provides consulting services to Wisconsin dairy processors, farmers and marketers to expand both domestic and international business opportunities for Wisconsin products such as: branded products, ethnic foods, organic, and artisanal products. This position requires an understanding of the value chain from producer to consumer, value-added products, and marketing strategies for business-to-business and direct to consumer companies.
The position works to engage and inform state, national and international networks, representing DATCP to the various U.S. Federal and Wisconsin state agencies involved in the development and regulation of the dairy sector. The position will contribute to the development of short and long-term goals for assigned program areas. This position is responsible for direct measurement of impact and data collection for services provided for the purpose of reporting accomplishments and evaluating program and service delivery. The position prepares written monthly, quarterly, and annual reports identifying the status and results of marketing efforts for assigned areas as well as provides support to other division program staff as needed. This position will serve as the principle program lead for the Wisconsin Dairy Processing Grant".
Experience, Skills and Abilities: 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 primary within Wisconsin for approximately 50% of this position’s duties and may require overnight stay.
Ability to obtain a Passport and other required documents for minimal international travel.
Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
Qualifications
Minimally qualified candidates will have each of the following:
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Experience as a dairy producer/processor or providing professional consulting services to dairy industry and stakeholders.
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Experience developing and presenting on topics to various stakeholders (i.e. translate complex/technical information to less informed populations).
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Experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, acting as point of contact, business liaison, or similar.
In addition to the minimum qualifications above, highly qualified candidates will have one or more of the following:
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Experience managing or evaluating business plans, business financials or strategic development plans.
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Experience interpreting and applying dairy requirements for exports, (i.e. foreign/domestic investments, assessing target markets, understanding regulatory requirements, export development resources, public nutrition programs, consumer interest etc.).
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Experience providing education, training, and technical assistance to businesses in the dairy industry.
Hours/Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary/Wages: The classification of this position is Economic Development Consultant, which is in schedule-range 81-03 with a starting pay between $36.00 - $42.00 per hour (salary between $74,880 - $87,360 annually) based on qualifications.
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 at the time of hire.
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! To help you understand what your benefit package would be worth, please check the Total Rewards Calculator here.
By working for Wisconsin State Government, you may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Please click the link for details.
How to Apply: Visit our online posting
Deadline to Apply: The deadline to apply for this position is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 18th, 2026.
Questions? Please contact Varinderjit Kaur at varinderjit.kaur1@wisconsin.gov