Description
Wisconsin State Patrol 73rd Recruit Class
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Job ID
18797
Location
Statewide
Agency
Transportation
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Classification Code
65970
Classification Title
State Patrol Trooper
Introduction
The Wisconsin State Patrol is looking for the next generation of committed law enforcement officers to join the 73rd 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 paid leave time 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 $49/month for single plans and $122/month for family plans after two months of employment)
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
Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
Additional benefits provided by the State Patrol include 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.
Position Summary
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 22 weeks 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.
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.
Opportunities to Learn More: Throughout the recruitment period, State Patrol will host virtual informational sessions. 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 will be on Tuesdays from 5pm-7pm CST on Microsoft Teams at: Microsoft Teams Meeting Link
Dates: January 13th, January 27th, and February 10th.
Contact a Recruitment Coordinator in your area for questions and information, or to set up a ride-along!
Salary Information
State Patrol Troopers and Inspectors (sch-rg 63-40) are represented by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Association (WLEA).
State Patrol Troopers and Inspectors have an annual salary of $71,448-$98,800, based on years of certified law enforcement experience at time of hire. Pay will increase incrementally on an annual basis up to seven total years of certified law enforcement experience. A two-year probationary period is required.
Job Details
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 interview, background investigation, physical readiness testing, and pre-employment medical and psychological exams. Candidates must pass each step in the hiring process to move forward to the next.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
Interviews (In-Person): March 9-13, 2026
Background Investigations: March 23, 2026
Conditional Offers: May 1, 2026
Written Psychological Exam & Physical Readiness Testing: May 9, 2026
Psychological Interview/Medical Examination: May 18-22, 2026
Final Offers: June 12, 2026
Recruit Class Begins: July 12, 2026
Graduation: December 18, 2026
After Finalizing Application: Candidates who meet the minimum hiring requirements will be provided an eligibility notice with information on their next step in the recruitment process via email on the Friday after their application is submitted. The first review date for applicant materials will be Friday, January 16, 2026.
Interviews: Interviews are conducted in person at the following locations: Green Bay, Eau Claire, Waukesha, Madison, and La Crosse.
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.
Physical Readiness Testing: Applicants must pass the physical readiness test to move forward in the hiring process. Testing is scheduled for May 9, 2026 at the State Patrol Academy. Physical Readiness Testing standards are linked here and demonstrated here.
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% stereopsis (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 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 July 12, 2026. A maximum of 60 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 of the State Patrol Academy.
Applicants must upload their official (preferred) or unofficial transcripts at time of application AND/OR Joint Services Transcript + Credit Waiver Request (DJ-LE-331). Failure to upload your transcripts may result in removal from the process. Please note: Official transcripts will be required later in the process (during the background investigation) if unofficial transcripts are provided. See the “How to Apply” section below for more information.
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.
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.
Qualifications
Candidates must meet all minimum employment standards for employment as a law enforcement officer as identified by the Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB).
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.
Required Documents:
Current Resume.
Official (preferred) or unofficial transcripts. This must be uploaded under Supporting Documentation.
Joint Services Transcripts and Credit Waivers: If you intend to waive credits and submit a Joint Services Transcript (JST), you must also attach a copy of your DJ-LE-331 to your application. State Patrol does not determine what credits are waived. This must be uploaded under Supporting Documentation.
Any additional attachments will not be accepted.
The online application will include 16 questions, including the 9 minimum requirements. Candidates who meet the minimum hiring requirements will receive an email notification for next steps in the recruitment process on the Friday after their application is submitted. The first review date for applicant materials will be Friday, January 16, 2026.
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.
Deadline to Apply
The deadline to apply is 11:59PM on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
