Grants Specialist and Grants Specialist Advanced (2 Positions)- Project Positions
Work as a member of a new project team developing, coordinating and executing Wisconsin’s broadband infrastructure and digital equity plans during this time of unprecedented support for these programs.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) is looking to hire two Grants Specialists and one Grants Specialist Advanced to join the Wisconsin Broadband Office in the Bureau of Broadband, Digital and Telecommunications Access (BDATA). These positions perform program management, program planning, monitoring and evaluation of broadband access grants as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The mission of the Wisconsin Broadband Office is to make high performance broadband more accessible, resilient, competitive and affordable in Wisconsin.
The PSC is an independent state agency that is responsible for regulating more than 1,100 Wisconsin public utilities, which provide electric, natural gas, combined water and sewer utilities, and certain aspects of local telephone service to households and businesses throughout the state! The PSC's mission is to ensure that safe, sufficient, and reasonably priced utility services are provided to all Wisconsin customers.
This position is located on the west side of Madison in the brand new Hill Farms State Office Building. We provide amazing benefits, which include an excellent retirement plan, extensive health insurance options, hybrid work schedules, ample paid time off, as well as the opportunity for challenges and advancements that will enhance your professional career. In addition to these amazing benefits, we strive for inclusivity and celebrate different religious holidays and cultural observances, and provide flexibility for utilizing paid time off for such celebrations. To learn more about the PSC, please visit our website.
Position Summary
The Grants Specialist position performs program management, program planning, monitoring and evaluation. The position implements and coordinates policies and procedures related to funds allocated to the State under H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The position is responsible for a variety of grant administrative tasks including fiscal management of program activities, policy and data analysis, and interpretation of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies. The Grants Specialist position analyzes data pertaining to the program outcomes and needs. The position provides technical assistance and outreach to eligible recipients on management of grant awards and monitors and reports on the use of grant funds. This position may have other duties as assigned by the Deputy Administrator.
The Grants Specialist Advanced performs program management, program planning, monitoring and evaluation, policy and procedure development. The position provides recommendations on policies and procedures related to funds allocated to the State under H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The position is responsible for a variety of high-level tasks including fiscal management of program activities, policy and data analysis, and interpretation of federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and policies. The Grants Specialist-Advanced position conducts research and analyzes data pertaining to the program outcomes and needs. The position provides technical assistance and outreach to eligible recipients on submission of grant applications and monitors and reports on the use of grant funds.
This position will be offered at the Grants Specialist or Grant Specialist Advanced level, depending on qualifications of the selected candidate.
These positions are slated to expire August 19th, 2025 or through the availability of funding, whichever expires first. The selected candidates must be Wisconsin residents.
Salary Information
The Grants Specialist position is in schedule-range (07-04) with an annual salary of $41,600-$64,105, plus excellent benefits. The Grants Specialist Advanced position is in the schedule-range (07-03) with an annual salary of $58,240-$69,680, plus excellent benefits. A twelve-month probationary period is required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.
Job Details
Prior to any appointments for position(s) filled from this announcement, candidates may be subject to a comprehensive criminal background check.
The Public Service Commission is a registered participant in the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify to verify employment eligibility of all employees hired on or after June 18, 2015.
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is unable to sponsor work visas for new hires. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.
Certain positions within this Department may allow remote/work from home flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process. For positions that do allow remote work flexibility, although residency in the State of WI is not required for permanent positions, it is not anticipated that working outside of WI or bordering cities will be allowed as positions may at times need to report to office locations in WI on short notice.
Qualifications
Qualified applicants will have all the following:
- Experience processing payments, which may include verifying expenses for reimbursement
- Experience interpreting and applying complex information such as grant applications, contracts, laws, or regulations
- Experience providing customer service over the phone, in person, and in writing related to a program.
- Experience utilizing computer programs to create and maintain files and records (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet programs, databases, or similar).
In addition to having all the above, well qualified applicants will have one or more of the following:
- Experience providing training either one-on-one or in a large group setting.
- Experience developing queries from multiple data sets, analyzing data, and creating reports out of databases.
- Experience administering a statewide grant program.
- Experience working with broadband programs or deployment of broadband networks.
At the Advanced level, the candidate will have all of the following:
- Education, training, or experience with administration of federal and state programs.
- Education, training, or experience interpreting and ensuring compliance of state and federal laws, policies, and procedures.
- Experience developing programs, grant applications, and contracts.
- Experience working with database or cloud-based system to extract and make use of program data.
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.
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. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.
Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or reinstatement) should complete the application process as described above by the stated deadline.
Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Questions can be directed to Hannah Robarge at 608-266-0753 or hannah.robarge@dot.wi.gov.
Deadline to Apply
The deadline to be considered in the first review of applications is 11:59 pm CST, Wednesday, 15th December, 2021. New applications received after that deadline will be reviewed on a regular basis until the position is filled.