Introduction
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism (WDT) promotes and elevates the state's brand to drive economic impact for all Wisconsinites. We are the proud home of Travel Wisconsin , the official destination marketing organization for the State of Wisconsin that works to market the state as a premier travel destination while generating greater economic impact for Wisconsin through tourism.
We inspire travelers to experience Wisconsin and making lasting memories in our beautiful state. Wisconsin's natural beauty, incredible culinary scene, spirited events, cultural offerings, and vibrant tourism businesses make this state a wonderful place to visit, live and work. Our team at Travel Wisconsin showcases this every day, marketing the state as a premier travel destination to consumers while driving economic impact to Wisconsin's 72 counties and 11 federally recognized tribes.
The Office of Outdoor Recreation unites Wisconsin's diverse outdoor industry stakeholders including businesses such as gear manufacturers, retailers or guides, as well as nonprofits, land managers and communities. The office provides support and resources to strengthen the industry and position Wisconsin as a top outdoor recreation destination. The Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation grows the industry to ensure the economic health and overall well-being of the state and its residents.
Our team is passionate about our mission to inspire travelers to experience Wisconsin. We believe in the power of tourism marketing. We approach our fast-paced work with a commitment to constant improvement and learning, grounded in our values of collaboration, excellence, balance, authenticity, and fun.
Position Summary
The Outdoor Recreation Development Specialist (ORDS) engages outdoor industry partners across the state to enhance Wisconsin's outdoor recreation offerings and drive economic impact through participation and tourism. The ORDS will play a pivotal role in the development of resources, programs and partnerships aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities and supporting related businesses. This position will be responsible for providing education, technical assistance and guidance to communities and organizations involved in the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure, programs and business. Additionally, the ORDS will cultivate relationships and partnerships to facilitate the development of educational materials and assistance programs, while also staying abreast of existing resources and various funding opportunities. The ORDS works under the general supervision of the Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation.
This hybrid position is headquartered at the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's office in Madison, WI (3319 West Beltline Highway, Madison, WI 53708) and the position has the option of working up to 80% remote upon agreement with the Supervisor. This position works in the Madison office a minimum of three days per month for in-person collaboration meetings with the Office of Outdoor Recreation and Wisconsin Department of Tourism teams. This position requires a modest amount (estimated 25-40%) of travel throughout the state for stakeholder meetings, partner events as well as for required Wisconsin Department of Tourism events including the annual conference, bi-monthly staff retreats, and other business needs that arise. A personal vehicle and valid driver's license is required for this position. This schedule may change based on operational needs and organizational requirements. Employees will be required to report to the Madison office on their first day of employment and work in the office a minimum of one day per week for the first three months of employment. High-speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work.
For more information, please view the complete position description .
Salary Information
This position (Classification: Economic Development Consultant) is in schedule-range 81-03 with a starting hourly rate between $30.00 - $34.82 per hour, plus excellent benefits . Salary will be determined by applicant qualifications. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.
Our competitive benefits package features:

• State Employee & Retiree Health Plan including health, dental and wellness benefits, and supplemental Vision Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Long-Term Care Insurance and Pre-Tax Savings Accounts (for health, dental, vision, day care and commuter expenses).
• WRS Retirement Benefit pension plan that is intended to provide you with a lifetime retirement payment. It offers an employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan .
• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Accumulated Sick Leave which allows retirees to convert unused sick leave into credits to help pay for health insurance premiums.
• Disability Benefits to cover the possibility of becoming disabled while working for a WRS employer making you eligible to receive disability benefits that will give you income for the time you are unable to return to work.
• An Income Continuation Insurance that replaces a portion of your income if you are unable to work because of sickness or injury (both short and long term).
• Group Life Insurance providing life insurance coverage up to five times your annual earnings and covers death and dismemberment.
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program with tools and resources to help set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
• 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.

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.
Job Details
Project positions are eligible for benefits including paid holidays and accrual of paid leave time, but the incumbent does not attain permanent civil service status. The funding for this position is scheduled to end on June 30, 2025 . The incumbent must be a Wisconsin resident.
Due to the nature of the position, Tourism will conduct background checks on applicants prior to selection. Tourism does not sponsor work visas . All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility form.
Qualifications
Qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Experience in consulting or project management capacity. This could include, planning, directing, monitoring progress, providing resources, and guidance to ensure successful outcomes.
• Experience facilitating group meetings, planning sessions and/or discussions.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships among diverse stakeholders.

In addition, well-qualified applicants will have one or more of the following:

• Experience and knowledge working in outdoor recreation planning, environmental science, urban planning or related field.
• Experience in building and facilitating coalitions.
• Knowledge or experience in small business development.
• Experience applying for or managing complex grants (from state, federal, and private sources).

How To Apply
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. Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. Please review instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications .
Your cover letter is limited to a maximum of two (2) typed pages, single-spaced, no smaller than 10-point font, with 1-inch margins. Resumes should be limited to no more than two (2) pages (no format requirements). Pages more than the specified limits may not be evaluated. References are not necessary at this stage of the process.
Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process for available vacancies.
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.
The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA , and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.
If you are a veteran with a 30% or greater service-related disability and are not currently employed in a permanent position with Wisconsin State Government, please send a cover letter, resume, DD-214 and documentation of your service-connected disability rating (dated within 12 months) to the contact listed below.
Questions can be directed to Pilar Blomquist at Pilare.blomquist@wisconsin.gov .
Deadline to Apply
The first application review deadline is 11:59pm on Tuesday, June 18,2024. Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis until the position is filled.