Equal Rights Officer

Introduction

Help protect the rights of workers by investigating discrimination complaints, enforcing workforce protections, and ensuring fair compliance! As an Equal Rights Officer
, you will employ your analytical and communication skills to gather and analyze case facts in order to make fair and impartial decisions. This recruitment will be used to fill one current vacancy in Milwaukee (819 N. 6th Street) and one current vacancy in Madison (201

E. Washington Ave). The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) offers interesting and meaningful work with an employee-friendly and inclusive work environment, work-life balance, a casual office environment, flexibility, and many opportunities to grow your skills. Apply now to find out why there's so much to love about working for Wisconsin. This position offers a hybrid remote work schedule. The person hired into this position may request to work remotely up to two days per week during initial orientation and training (approximately 3 months), then up to four days per week.

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies (permanent, project or Limited Term).

This position investigates legal complaints related to equal rights and labor standards. Primary responsibilities will include the research and investigation of complaints in cases alleging violations of the Fair Employment Law, Family and Medical Leave Law, Open Housing and Public Accommodations Laws, Healthcare Worker Protection Law, Elder Abuse Reporting Law, Discrimination in Post-Secondary Education, Public Employee Right to Know Law, Retaliation for Exercising Rights under Family and Medical Leave Law, the State Employee Whistle blower Protection Law, Wage Payment and Collection Law, Overtime and Minimum Wage Laws, Open Personnel Records Law, Business Closing and Mass Layoff Law, Child Labor Laws and other laws administered by the Equal Rights Division.

This position serves as neutral fact finder and does not advocate for any party. Actions, communications, and determinations reflect that neutrality. Newly hired Equal Rights Officers will receive training and have the ability to interact with and collaborate with more experienced staff to develop their knowledge base and skill set.

Starting Pay for This Position Is $26.04 Per Hour ($54,163 Annually). Additional Compensation (up to $2.25 Per Hour) may be available to candidates with specific qualifications related to the job, plus an exemplary benefits package:

• Generous paid time off, including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap.
• Excellent and affordable health insurance options (2026 rates start at $45/month for single and $111/month for family coverage).
• Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
• A top‑notch retirement program and optional tax‑advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.

Public service is rewarding! This position may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

This position offers a hybrid remote work schedule. Employees with approved remote or hybrid remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin. High‑speed Internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work. Remote work options are subject to change.

We also consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Finalists for this position may be required to allow DWD to conduct a background check or other checks to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled. For positions with access to sensitive federal tax information, FBI fingerprinting may also be required.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a U.S.…