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Note:  To view the position description of each opening click on the "read more . . ." link.

Legal Assistant I - Child Support

Full-time position with the Columbia County Child Support Office.  Performs a variety of complex bookkeeping, secretarial, clerical, and general office duties as required by law and of an exact nature in accordance with the prescribed practices and assignments.  Qualifications:  Computer experience required AND must meet one of the following: Associate or Business Degree in accounting or related field and a minimum of (2) two years of related office experience, OR High school diploma or its equivalent, including or supplemented by course work with at least two semesters in accounting or related field and a minimum of (3) three years of related office and bookkeeping experience. Hire rate: $23.175 per hour. All applicants are REQUIRED to submit a Columbia County application for consideration obtained from website https://www.co.columbia.wi.us  Application deadline: April 21, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.  AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER   

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Economic Support Specialist/Income Maintenance Worker

Join Our Team as an Economic Support Specialist! Columbia County Health and Human Services.  If you are looking for a meaningful administrative career helping people in your community, apply today to become a part of the Columbia County Health and Human Services team. Are you organized, enjoy helping people, strong communication and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, comfortable with numbers, and computer systems? Do you have experience in customer service? If so, we’d love to meet you! Columbia County Health and Human Services is seeking a full-time Economic Support Specialist to join our dedicated team. Watch the video link attached for a glimpse into the role: https://wchsa.org/economic-support-staff  This position plays a vital administrative and customer service role helping residents of Columbia County and seven surrounding counties access to essential public assistance programs as part of the Capital Consortium. You will assist clients by phone (inbound and outbound) with applications and questions. Determine eligibility for programs such as FoodShare, Medical Assistance, BadgerCare Plus, Child Care Assistance, and more. You will manage a caseload, process applications and renewals, and apply program rules and policies accurately, while providing compassionate, professional service to every client you assist. Education/Experience: Associate or Business Degree in a related field, or at least two years of experience working with the public (or an equivalent combination of training and experience). Must successfully complete the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services Income Maintenance Certification (training provided while on the job) and successful processing of cases  and calls w/in 6 months of hire date required. Hours for this position 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hire rate: $24.679 per hour.  A Columbia County application is required and can be  downloaded from our website at  https://www.co.columbia.wi.us  Application deadline is April 24, 2026. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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Accounting Assistant

Full time position, 40.0 hours per week.  Qualifications: Associate or Business degree from an accredited vocational or technical college in administrative professional or business with some accounting classes and a minimum of two (2) years of responsible office experience. A high level of proficiency in Microsoft Word is required, as well as the ability to work in Excel, Outlook, and Adobe. Ability to accurately type 45 WPM.  Computer experience required.  Hire rate:  $23.175 per hour. Application and job description may be from web site: https://www.co.columbia.wi.us Application deadline is April 21, 2026. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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Master Mechanic - Highway & Transportation Department

Full time position with Columbia County Highway & Transportation.  Qualifications: Associate Degree from an accredited vocational or technical school and a minimum of two (2) years experience in truck/equipment repairs OR Vocational diploma from an accredited vocational or technical school in welding, fabrication, auto mechanics or related field and a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in truck/equipment repairs OR High School diploma or its equivalent and such practical training and experience comparable to a minimum of ten (10) years of current work experience in a daily routine manner, for equipment O.E.M. construction company, etc. with daily repairing/rebuilding duties being, but not limited to; metals, welding, hydraulics, transmissions, differentials, power dividers, gas and diesel engines, brakes, suspensions, as well as wiring for trucks and equipment. Mechanics Job Knowledge, Skills and mechanic examination will be administered. Position is being filled at either Mechanic level (starting rate $27.985 per hour) or Master Mechanic level ($29.819 per hour), based on experience and certifications. Completion of County application is required and can be obtained from the website https://www.co.columbia.wi.us  submit by email, fax or mail. Application deadline is May 1, 2026.  AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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Summer 2026 Employment - Highway and Transportation

SUMMER 2026 EMPLOYMENT

OPPORTUNITY

COLUMBIA COUNTY

HIGHWAY & TRANSPORTATION

Applications are being accepted for full time summer employment with Columbia County Highway & Transportation.  This opportunity is open for a couple of positions including:

Truck Driver (1 position):  CDL required, driving dump truck in support of construction operations throughout the county. Hire rate: $26.286 per hour.

Parks Maintenance (1 position):  Wisconsin Driver’s License required, able to operate riding lawnmower, janitorial duties, able to work independently. Hire rate: $18.818 per hour.

Duties as assigned include various tasks related to general maintenance of highways and equipment as stated above.  Must have valid Wisconsin Driver’s License.  Must be 18 years of age.

For consideration applicants are required to submit a Columbia County application obtained from https://www.co.columbia.wi.us

email:  human.resources@columbiacountywi.gov

or fax to:  608-742-9802

or mail to:   Columbia County Human Resources

                                        P.O. Box 63

112 East Edgewater Street

Portage, WI  53901

 

Highway Patrol Worker

Columbia County Highway & Transportation is recruiting for a Highway Patrol Worker. Full time position, 40 hours per week. Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent + 2 years’ experience/training in some type of construction field. Must have valid WI Driver's License, Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) preferred OR must obtain within six (6) months of hire date through County CDL school. Starting rate: $25.52 per hour with Class A CDL and $23.96 per hour until Class A CDL attained. Application deadline is April 24, 2026. Interested applicants will need to submit the required County application obtained from https://www.co.columbia.wi.us for consideration. Please complete and submit to Columbia County Human Resources by email, fax or mail. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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Deputy Medical Examiner

Full time position, under the supervision of the Medical Examiner and the Chief Deputy Medical Examiner. Investigates and assists in determining the cause and manner of deaths for cases of jurisdiction of the Columbia County Medical Examiner’s Office and performs related work as required. Must possess an Associate’s degree in medicolegal death investigation, nursing, biology, anatomy, anthropology, medicine, EMS/EMT/Paramedic, forensic science, criminal justice, or closely related field. The preferred candidate will have two years of experience in a Medical Examiner’s or related office. Considerable knowledge of the Wisconsin State Statutes as they pertain to death investigation in required. Experience performing investigations and writing objective reports is preferred. Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License. Must be willing to work nights, holidays, and weekends. The schedule for this position will be based on four (4) ten (10) hour days, Monday through Thursday, with alternating on-call weeks, and one on-call weekend per month. This position requires the completion and passing of a background check. Hire rate: $26.286 per hour. All applicants are required to complete a Columbia County employment application, which can be found at https://www.co.columbia.wi.us Application deadline is April 16, 2026. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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Land & Water Agricultural Outreach Specialist

Columbia County Land and Water Conservation Department is seeking an Agricultural Outreach Specialist to join our experienced team of specialists. This is a full-time, 40.0 hours per week, professional position that designs, delivers and evaluates research based agricultural and natural resource educational programming and services aligned with identified programmatic focus areas. This position will provide leadership, instruction, and service by working with Columbia County individuals and groups to meet their individual and collective needs. This position will be responsible for the ongoing evaluation of community based agricultural and natural resource educational needs. This position is under the general supervision of the Director of Land and Water Conservation. This is a great opportunity for the incumbent to be part of developing and maintaining a strong agricultural outreach program, that is directly aligned to meet the needs of our citizens. Educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, soil science, agriculture, entomology, plant pathology, natural resources, and/or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Educational requirements preferred: Master’s degree in agronomy, soil science, agriculture, entomology, plant pathology, natural resources, and/or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Excellent benefits.  Starting wage: $31.755 per hour. Interested applicants will need to submit the required County application obtained from www.co.columbia.wi.us for consideration to Columbia County Human Resources by email: human.resources@co.columbia.wi.us, fax: (608) 742-9802, or mail:  Columbia County Human Resources, 112 E. Edgewater St., PO Box 63, Portage, WI  53901. Application deadline:  April 17, 2026. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER   

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Assistant County Veteran's Service Officer

The Assistant County Veteran’s Service Officer (CVSO) shall be a Wisconsin Resident who served under active duty under honorable conditions in the Armed Forces of the United States as provided by Chapter 45 of the State of Wisconsin Statutes.  The Assistant CVSO aids in the administration of the veteran’s services and provides assistance to veteran’s dependents and survivors.   The Assistant CVSO provides information to residents who are Columbia County service veteran’s regarding benefits to which they may be entitled or any complaint or problem arising in or out of such service and render to them and their dependents all possible assistance. Education: Business or Associate Degree from an accredited college, university, or technical school with a minimum of two years of responsible office experience or High school diploma or its equivalent, and a minimum of four years of responsible office work experience. Starting rate $29.819 per hour. All applicants must submit a completed Columbia County application and DD214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty to be considered for this position.  Obtain required application from County website https://www.co.columbia.wi.us Application deadline is April 10, 2026.   AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER   

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Child Support Case Worker

Full-time (40.0 hours per week) position in the Columbia County Child Support Agency.  Under the general supervision of the Child Support Administrator, this position is responsible for compiling information and financial data; assisting in locating parents; working with attorneys and the Court system to establish and enforce child support orders and adjudicate paternity and attend and provide testimony at Court hearings.  Must be able to meet deadlines while maintaining confidentiality and keep accurate documentation in assigned cases.  Qualifications:  Must be bondable.  Training, experience and demonstrated knowledge of general office computer equipment and software programs preferred. Hire rate: $26.286 per hour. All applicants are REQUIRED to submit a Columbia County application available at https://www.co.columbia.wi.us Application deadline: April 10, 2026.  AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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Administrative Assistant II - Sheriff's Office

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is recruiting for a full-time Administrative Assistant to work forty (40.0) hours a week. Individual must be detail oriented as the position requires a great deal of accuracy with data entry, exactness in typing reports using transcription/dictation equipment and be proficient in management of time.  Associate or Business Degree from an accredited vocational college, or technical school in administrative assistant, paralegal, or related field and a minimum of one (1) year of responsible office experience OR High School diploma or its equivalent supplemented by post high school course work, and a minimum of three (3) years of work experience in a professional office environment. Computer and typing experience required. Must possess strong organizational skills.  Must be able to pass an extensive background investigation.  Knowledge of the Wisconsin criminal justice system preferred.  Starting wage: The initial hiring rate of pay is $23.175 per hour. Pay may be negotiable for an exceptionally qualified candidate. Columbia County also offers the following incentives: an excellent health, dental, and vision insurance package, life insurance, retirement, uniform allowance, and other employment benefits. Columbia County application can be obtained from website https://www.co.columbia.wi.us. Application deadline: April 23, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. The first round of interviews will be April 30, 2026. Top candidates will be notified with an interview time.  AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER  

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Deputy Sheriff

NOW HIRING A CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TO FILL A PATROL DEPUTY POSITION!

  • STARTING PAY BETWEEN $31.41 – $39.21 PER HOUR DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE.
  • WAGES INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL $2 PER HOUR ON WEEKENDS AND AN ADDITIONAL $2 PER HOUR ON SHIFTS STARTING AT NOON OR LATER.
  • UP TO 144 HOURS OF VACATION UPON HIRE FOR LATERAL TRANSFER CANDIDATES.
  • PERSONALLY ASSIGNED TAKE HOME SQUAD CAR.

DEPUTY SHERIFF:  The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is recruiting to fill current Deputy Sheriff vacancies. This is a patrol deputy position.  Patrol deputies will be issued a take home squad that is assigned to them.  Deputies are eligible for specialized teams like SWAT, Dive Team, Boat Patrol, Drug Unit, Honor Guard, K-9, Crisis Negotiation, Critical Incident Debriefing, Accident Reconstruction, Crime Scene Evidence Tech, and Drone Unit.

Qualifications: Minimum two-year associate degree or 60 credits from an accredited Technical College, College, or University; a High School diploma or its equivalent; and a minimum of 18 years of age. Must be State Law Enforcement Standards Board Certified or Certifiable.

Requirements: Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license with a good driving record. Be able to pass an extensive and thorough background check including physical and psychological examination as well as drug and alcohol screening.  Must be willing to work a flexible schedule that includes holidays, weekends, and nights. Must have uncompromised integrity with high moral standards.

How to Apply: Submit WI Law Enforcement Standard Board application DJ-LE330.  Applicants MUST complete the 3 questions in Section 6 for consideration. Selection process includes review of application documents, oral interviews, background investigation, medical & psychological evaluations, drug and alcohol screenings. Applicants can obtain the Law Enforcement application from the Columbia County Website or Wilenet. Applications deadline is April 17, 2026, at 8am. Interviews for the top candidates will be scheduled after that time. Applications can be sent to human.resources@columbiacountywi.gov or mailed to Columbia County HR, PO Box 63, Portage, WI 53901. An equal opportunity employer. 

The 2026 pay range is $31.41 - $42.74 per hour with a starting pay range between $31.41 – $39.21 per hour depending on law enforcement experience and certifications as dictated by the Columbia County lateral transfer program. 

Patrol deputies work a 12-hour shift and will be scheduled off every other Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Pitman schedule).  Excellent benefits package with health, dental, and eye insurance, up to 144 hours of vacation for lateral transfers, 88 hours of Holidays, 8 hours of sick time earned per month.  Patrol Deputies will receive an additional $2.00 per hour for weekend hours worked, plus an additional shift differential of $2.00 per hour for any shift starting at noon or later. Columbia County contributes $35 each pay period into a separate Healthcare Reimbursement Account ("HRA") to be used upon retirement for health insurance costs. Upon Retirement, Deputies will receive $8,000 a year for health insurance if they meet the required years of service as stated in the collective bargaining agreement. All uniforms and equipment are issued upon start date with a yearly uniform allowance of $700 after the first year. 

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Jailer I

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is recruiting to fill future vacancies for a Jail Deputy. Schedule is 12-hour shifts with every other 3-day weekend off. Qualifications:  High School Diploma or equivalent; excellent moral character; dependable; and ability to handle and control inmates. Selection process includes oral interviews, background investigation, medical & psychological evaluations, drug and alcohol screenings, county residency not required.  Hire rate $27.985 per hour. Pay may be negotiable for an exceptionally qualified candidate. Columbia County also offers the following incentives:

  • Additional Two Dollars ($2) per hour weekend pay.  
  • Jail staff who complete five (5) years of service in the Jail shall receive a one-time payment of Two Thousand Dollard ($2,000).
  • Jail staff who retire from the County at age fifty-five (55) or above with at least twenty-five (25) years of continuous service with the Sheriff’s Office, shall receive Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) into a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) per year, through the age of sixty-five (65). 

Application process:

REQUIRED to submit WI Law Enforcement Standard Board application DJ-LE330 complete the 3 questions in Section 6 General.  

Please limit your response to a one-page typed letter. 

Obtain the Law Enforcement application from the Columbia County website https://www.co.columbia.wi.us or wilenet.org  Application deadline is May 11, 2026.  Applications accepted by email: human.resources@columbiacountywi.gov fax 608-742-9802 or mail Columbia County HR, PO Box 63, Portage, WI  53901.  AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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Dispatcher

We are hiring for a full-time 911 Dispatcher/Communication Operator. Come and join our team and start a new and exciting career!

Qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent required; related work experience, preferably with operating two-way radio equipment; strong computer and communication skills. Must have the ability to effectively multitask, simultaneously using multiple information systems. Must possess excellent moral character; be dependable; and be able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays. Newly hired dispatchers should expect to work traditional 2nd or 3rd shift hours. Shifts are 12 hours in length, on a two-week rotating schedule, with every other 3-day weekend off (Pitman schedule).

The selection process includes oral interviews, background investigation, medical and psychological evaluation, and drug/alcohol screening. Columbia County residency is not required. The initial hiring rate of pay is $25.52 per hour. Pay may be negotiable for an exceptionally qualified candidate. Columbia County also offers the following incentives:

• Additional Two Dollars ($2) per hour weekend pay.

• Additional Two Dollars ($2) per hour nighttime shift differential premium pay.

• Great benefits for sick time, holiday time and vacation time.

Applicants should submit the WI Law Enforcement Standards Board DJ-LE-330 application found on the Columbia County Human Resources website or Wilenet.gov. Applications are accepted via email sent to human.resources@columbiacountywi.gov, fax 608-742-9802, or mailed to Columbia County Human Resources PO Box 63, Portage, WI 53901.

Top candidates will be contacted for an interview.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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Court Services III

Now Hiring - Part Time

Courthouse Security / Transport Deputy

Individuals With Past Law Enforcement or Correctional Experience Are Encouraged to Apply!

 

Seeking individuals to work 2-3 days per week performing courthouse security and inmate transport duties on a part time basis. This position is an armed and uniformed Special Deputy Sheriff position working for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. Shifts are Monday-Friday with daytime hours.

Applicants must have been certified or certifiable by Wisconsin DOJ Training and Standards Board for either the law enforcement or jail academies and pass and maintain said State of WI certifications for Firearms, EVOC, and Defensive Tactics.

How to Apply: Submit WI Law Enforcement Standard Board application DJ-LE330.  Selection process includes review of application documents, oral interviews, background investigation, medical & psychological evaluations, drug and alcohol screenings. Obtain the Law Enforcement application from the Columbia County Website (https://www.co.columbia.wi.us/columbiacounty/) or Wilenet.  Applications accepted by email: human.resources@columbiacountywi.gov  fax 608-742-9802 or mail Columbia County HR, PO Box 63, Portage, WI  53901. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.  AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

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Certified Nursing Assistant Positions

Department:  Columbia County Health Care Center
Starting Wage: $20.528/hour, plus PM/NOC/Weekend Shift Differentials
Closing Date:  Open
Positions Available:  Full Time and part-time AM and PM

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Registered Nurses & Licensed Practical Nurses

Department:  Columbia County Health Care Center
RN Starting Wage:  $38.347/hour
LPN Starting Wage:  $27.985/hour

Closing Date:  Open
Positions Available:  Full Time PM and Casual

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