Dietetic Specialist (Project)

About the Role

Public Health of Madison and Dane County's (PHMDC), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) unit, in Madison, Wisconsin, is recruiting for a full‑time (1.0 FTE) Dietetic Specialist (Project) position. The eligibility list may be used to fill future vacancies over the next six months. For the 2026 budget year, wages reflect a 1 % reduction, an additional 21 holiday hours, and continued longevity and merit steps.

Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must demonstrate multicultural competence. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations—including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities—are especially encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Complete nutrition assessments using accurate and appropriate anthropometric, hematological, medical/predisposing factors and dietary assessment data.
• Provide accurate and appropriate nutrition and breastfeeding information through client‑/family‑centered motivational interviewing and counseling techniques.
• Identify and incorporate cultural, social, behavioral and other significant factors when developing nutrition care plans tailored to individual client needs.
• Make appropriate referrals to health, social services and other community agencies.
• Complete required documentation in the WIC database.
• Maintain established departmental policies and procedures, quality‑improvement, safety, environmental and infection‑control standards.
• Perform a variety of office duties.

Education, Experience, and Special Requirements

• Associate’s Degree in a Dietetic Technician program or Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition or Dietetics.
• Preference given to candidates with at least one (1) year of experience in a public health or community nutrition program setting.
• If holding an Associate’s Degree as a Dietetic Technician, must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) within the first six (6) months of employment and maintain the credential throughout employment.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable personal transportation, or equivalent.
• Obtain required immunizations within six (6) months of hire and remain current.
• Availability to work regular evening hours to staff clinics.
• Flexibility to work during public health emergencies requiring 24‑hour, 7‑day availability.
• Background check may be required; employment contingent upon successful completion.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements

• Work occurs at multiple PHMDC clinic locations (South Park Street, E. Washington) and various public health offices and community‑based settings; travel between locations is required.
• Tasks involve walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, turning, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, grasping, reaching, and driving.
• Ability to lift, move and transport materials up to 25 lb.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods; use phone and computer; manual dexterity with fine and gross motor skills.
• Good vision and hearing (corrective devices acceptable).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of public health nutrition principles, especially maternal, infant, and child nutrition.
• Understanding of human nutrition and its role in chronic disease prevention.
• Familiarity with community nutrition programs and related health and social agency functions.
• Skill in interviewing and counseling clients on nutrition and breastfeeding.
• Ability to learn and use relevant computer programs.
• Skill in interacting sensitively and effectively with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages.
• Ability to follow oral, written, or demonstrated instructions.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to maintain constructive relationships with the public and colleagues.
• Maintain client confidentiality.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Perform anthropometric and hematological measurements.
• Maintain adequate attendance.
• Physical strength and dexterity to set up nutrition clinics and transport equipment and supplies.

Benefits

• Fully paid dental and HMO health‑insurance premiums for full‑time employees (prorated for part‑time).
• County contributions toward POS health‑insurance premiums and short/long‑term disability.
• Additional options: long‑term care, vision coverage, flexible spending account, and deferred‑compensation programs (paid in full by the employee).
• Wellness program.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption.
• 80 hours of paid caregiver leave for an ill family member.
• Telecommuting options when suitable for the employee and the job.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System after a minimum of 1,200 work hours annually (for hires after 7‑1‑11).

Pay

• Bilingual designation adds $2.00 per hour.
• Undesirable‑hours premium of $2.00 per hour for work between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and for any time on Saturday and/or Sunday (not applicable to all employee groups).