Operations Program Associate

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) currently has an opening for an Operations Program Associate position at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (SWVMC). This position will serve as part of the team that maintains a final resting place for eligible veterans, spouses and dependents and creates a lasting memorial to their achievement and sacrifices. This position will coordinate and conduct dignified and respectful interments for eligible veterans and their families.

The SWVMC is situated on 105 acres encompassed by rolling hills with serene, natural beauty. The cemetery is a short drive from Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and other key locations throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

WDVA employees have access to an excellent comprehensive benefit and compensation package, this includes paid time off so you can truly have a work/life balance! Our competitive benefits package also includes:

• 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.
• Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits.
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.

Employees may also be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. To learn more about the total value of the benefits available to employees, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator. Click here to see what working for the State of Wisconsin is all about!

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a talented and diverse workforce. Veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified Veterans with a 30%-or-more service-connected disability are eligible for non-competitive appointment to permanent positions in the classified civil service under §230.275, WI. Stats. Please refer to the How to Apply section of this announcement for more information about applying under this provision.

Position Summary

This position performs a variety of administrative duties in support of cemetery operations. Major areas of responsibility include determination of veteran and dependent eligibility for burial in accordance with regulatory requirements, coordination of committal services, family support, cemetery recordkeeping, correspondence and filing, administration of headstone and marker information, and public engagement.

The position also acts as a cemetery representative and provides oversight and coordination related to interments at the cemetery. These activities involve working closely with funeral homes, family members, community organizations, and WDVA personnel.

This position is also responsible for maintaining updated procedures and documentation for cemetery operations to ensure all activities are in compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations.

Click here to view a full copy of the position description.

Salary Information

The starting pay rate for this position is $21.66 an hour. The Operations Program Associate classification is in pay schedule and range 02-11. Compensation for current State employees may vary and will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan.

Job Details

The incumbent must meet the requirements to operate a State of Wisconsin Fleet vehicle.

This position will be required to work occasional weekends and holidays for special events.

Due to the nature of this position’s duties, a portion of the work will be performed outdoors in varying weather conditions, sometimes in extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.

WDVA will conduct criminal background checks prior to an offer of hire.

A 12-month probationary period will be required.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship) at the time of application. The WDVA does not sponsor work or student visas, either at time of hire or at any later time.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have experience:

• Providing administrative support in a professional office environment, including reviewing and processing data into electronic systems, managing digital calendars, updating, and maintaining accurate records, compiling reports, and preparing professional correspondence.
• Assisting customers and/or stakeholders with questions by utilizing a variety of communication methods (e.g., phone, email, fax, in person, etc.).
• Participating in continuous improvement practices, including identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements, enhancing productivity and quality, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within teams or organizations.

Well qualified applicants will have experience:

• Providing customer service in a confidential and highly emotional or stressful (e.g., customers in emotional distress, sensitive inquiries, challenging or complex situations, etc.) environment and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Developing, reviewing, and updating training materials and procedures to ensure clarity, accuracy, and compliance with laws, policies, and regulations to enhance learner understanding and promote staff development.
• Coordinating, participating, and/or leading meetings, events, and communications with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., leading meetings, overseeing scheduling details, developing materials, collaborating with volunteers and community organizations, fostering strong relationships, resource planning, and in-person support and customer service, etc.).

How To Apply

To be considered for this position, you must complete the online application. For instructions, refer to the following link: Applying to State Service. A current resume and letter of qualifications must be attached to the online 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 for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here.

Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to an interview.

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.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Questions can be directed to Kevin Roberts at kevin.roberts@wi.gov or (608) 267-7297.

Deadline to Apply

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on July 28, 2025.