The Wisconsin State Patrol is looking for the next generation of committed law enforcement officers to join the 69th Recruit Class!

In addition to enforcing traffic and criminal laws across Wisconsin, State Patrol officers may serve in specialized roles and units including pilots, K-9 officers, crash reconstruction experts, commercial motor vehicle inspectors, dignitary protection, human trafficking, and drug interdiction. Protecting and serving for 80 years, the Wisconsin State Patrol has a proud tradition and an outstanding record of achievement. The Wisconsin State Patrol is dedicated to promoting highway safety and enhancing the quality of life for all Wisconsin citizens and visitors by providing professional, competent, and compassionate law enforcement services.

Learn more about the Wisconsin State Patrol here!

WisDOT is a great place to work! In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and 130 hours of sick time that roll over each year.
• Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits (health plan options start at just $35/month for single plans and $87/month for family plans after two months of employment)
• A casual office atmosphere, flexible work schedules, and telework options depending on the position’s requirements
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being
• Additional benefits provided by the State Patrol include six months of comprehensive, paid law enforcement training at the State Patrol Academy, paid uniforms and equipment, and a take-home cruiser (issued upon graduation from the Academy).

In addition to our generous employee benefits, we strive for inclusivity and celebrate different religious holidays and cultural observances and provide flexibility for utilizing paid time off for such celebrations. For more information on WisDOT you can visit our website by clicking here.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is an organization dedicated to creating transportation solutions through innovation and exceptional service. We are committed to fostering an environment rooted in Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, and Accountability. Click here to learn more about how we apply these values in our work.

The primary responsibility of State Patrol Troopers and Inspectors is the enforcement of state traffic and criminal laws, regulation of traffic, prevention of highway crashes, and criminal interdiction. This includes providing assistance to motorists and the public and inspecting trucks, school buses and ambulances. We assist local, other state, and federal law enforcement agencies with civil disturbances, natural disasters, special details, and routine backup.

Paid training provided! Upon hire, all cadets complete six months of comprehensive law enforcement training at the State Patrol Academy, regardless of past training or experience. Cadets live at the Academy during the week and return home on weekends; room and board are provided. Upon graduation from the State Patrol Academy, Cadets receive 12 additional weeks of field training with a Field Training Officer.

Opportunities to Learn More: Throughout the recruitment period, State Patrol will host virtual informational sessions and in-person open houses across Wisconsin. Troopers and Inspectors will be available to explain the hiring timeline, share tips on how to prepare for a career, and answer any questions.

Virtual Information Sessions – every other Tuesday from 5-7pm on Microsoft Teams: Join the conversation (microsoft.com).

• Dates: April 18, May 2, May 16, May 30, June 13, June 27, and July 11

Open Houses:

• June 7: 3-7pm - Waukesha Post
• June 7: 3-7pm - Fond du Lac Post
• June 14: 3-7pm - Sparta Safety and Weight Enforcement Facility
• June 15: 3-7pm - DeForest Post
• June 16: 2-6pm - Wausau Post
• June 22: 3-7pm - Eau Claire Post

Meet a Recruiter: Recruitment Coordinators are available for questions at each State Patrol post.

In accordance with the WLEA Contract, starting pay for State Patrol Troopers/ Inspectors (sch-rg 63-40) is $25.80 per hour, increasing to $26.50 upon graduation from the State Patrol Academy (6 months). Pay increases to $27.00 per hour after completion of the required 2 year probationary period. Pay increases incrementally on an annual basis to a maximum rate of $37.41 after 7 years with the Wisconsin State Patrol.

Starting pay for candidates with certified law enforcement experience may be higher than the minimum, depending on experience and determined at time of hire, in accordance with the WLEA Contract.

State Patrol Troopers and Inspectors are represented by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Association (WLEA).

Recruitment Timeline: The recruitment process takes approximately six months from application deadline to official offer and begins with your online application. Additional steps in the recruitment process include physical readiness testing, background investigation, interview, and pre-employment medical and psychological exams. Candidates must pass each step in the hiring process to move forward to the next.

Physical Readiness Testing: Applicants must pass the physical readiness test to move forward in the hiring process. Candidates who meet the minimum hiring requirements will receive an email invite to schedule their physical readiness testing on the Friday after their application is submitted. Testing is scheduled for July 31-August 5 in Milwaukee, Black River Falls, DeForest, and Hortonville, WI (near Green Bay). Dates and times vary based on location of testing. Physical Readiness Testing standards are linked here and demonstrated here.

Candidates who meet the minimum hiring requirements will be invited to schedule their physical readiness testing via email on the Friday after their application is submitted.

Background Investigation: A comprehensive criminal background investigation will be conducted as part of the recruitment process that may include FBI fingerprinting. Applicants with felony convictions or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence convictions are not eligible for employment unless they have received an absolute and unconditional pardon.

Medical Exam and Psychological Testing: Due to the nature of these positions, pre-employment medical examination, drug screening, and psychological testing is required.

• Vision Requirement: Minimum uncorrected vision is 20/100 in each eye, correctable to 20/20 with glasses, hard contacts or soft contacts. Any applicant having vision correction surgery must have had surgery a minimum of 6 months prior to appointment and provide written medical verification at the time of examination that no complications exist. Applicants must be able to distinguish colors. Peripheral Vision must be 85% of the normal peripheral range of 160 degrees when viewing with both eyes. Ability to pass 40% steropsis (depth perception) or better. An applicant is disqualified if there is loss of either eye, chronic inflammation of the lids, or permanent abnormalities of the eye(s).
• Hearing Requirement: Hearing assessment by an Audiogram is required as part of the medical evaluation. Any applicants requiring or using hearing aids will need to bring in documentation from a licensed audiologist showing corrected hearing meets requirements of: not have more than a 35db loss in either ear when averaging the loss at 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000hz.

Education: Applicants must have a two year associate degree from an accredited technical college or a minimum of 60 college level credits from an accredited university prior to starting employment at the State Patrol Academy on January 29, 2024. A maximum of 30 credits may be waived for individuals who have training and/or experience (such as military training) that has been evaluated and provided a college credit recommendation by a group such as the American Council on Education (ACE). Waivers can be requested by completing the College Credit Waiver Request Form (DJ-LE-331) and submitting to the Department of Justice. Any waived credits must be approved by the start at the State Patrol Academy.

Authorization to Work: United States Citizenship is not required. The Wisconsin State Patrol does not sponsor work visas. Any selection made from this recruitment will be contingent upon the applicant being able to provide valid status to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Location and Assignment: Geographical location and assignment as a Trooper or Inspector is determined upon graduation, with the cadet having the highest class rank selecting their assignment first. Applicants must be willing to accept any location or assignment (Trooper or Inspector).

COVID Vaccination Status: All state employees are required to report their COVID vaccination status, whether vaccinated or not, and must provide supporting documentation if vaccinated. Newly hired employees will be required to submit this information within their first two weeks of employment.

Questions? For questions on the recruitment process or how to prepare for a career as a State Patrol Trooper or Inspector, reach out to a Recruitment Coordinator.

Candidates must meet all minimum employment standards for employment as a law enforcement officer as identified by the Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB).

Apply online! To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don’t have an account. Once you are logged in, click “Apply for Job.” Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

The online application will include 16 questions, including the 9 minimum requirements. Candidates who meet the minimum hiring requirements will receive an email invite to schedule their physical readiness testing on the Friday after their application is submitted.

Important communication regarding the recruitment process will be sent to the email associated with your Wisc.Jobs account. Be sure that your profile has a current email address and monitor your email, including spam folder, closely for updates throughout the recruitment process.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer or voluntary demotion) should complete the application process as described above by the stated deadline.

Questions regarding the online application may be directed to Marley Hellenbrand at Marley.Hellenbrand@dot.wi.gov.

The deadline to apply is 11:59PM on Sunday, July 16, 2023.