First Deputy – Register of Deeds

Application Deadline: 2026-09-02 | County position | Full-time (1.0 FTE)

About the role

This position serves as the Chief Deputy and second-in-command to the Register of Deeds, assisting with the administration, supervision, coordination, and daily operations of the Register of Deeds Office. The First Deputy provides advanced technical expertise in real estate and vital records recording, applies and interprets applicable Wisconsin Statutes, regulations, and County policies, and exercises independent judgment in reviewing and processing documents and records. The role includes leadership of office staff, financial and administrative functions, and continuous improvement of office procedures and services. The First Deputy assumes the duties of the Register of Deeds during their absence.

Responsibilities

• Reviews, analyzes, evaluates, and interprets real estate documents, legal descriptions, vital records, and related materials to determine compliance with statutory and recording requirements; identifies deficiencies and communicates necessary corrections.
• Applies and interprets Wisconsin Statutes, federal and state regulations, Department of Revenue and Department of Health Services requirements, County policies, and office procedures when reviewing real estate and vital records.
• Prepares, issues, and certifies copies of real estate records and vital records in accordance with applicable laws; responds to authorized requests from the public, government agencies, and other parties.
• Provides advanced technical assistance, information, and education on Wisconsin Statutes to property professionals, government agencies, county staff, and the public regarding recording requirements, real estate records, legal descriptions, vital records, and office procedures.
• Resolves complex recording and records-related issues by researching applicable requirements, evaluating available information, determining appropriate action, and coordinating with the Register of Deeds, other County departments, state agencies, and government officials.
• Provides technical assistance and support for County and state systems, including the County Website/GIS system, Wisconsin Department of Revenue website/Electronic Transfer Return system, State Vital Records System, and other specialized systems.
• Performs and oversees bookkeeping and financial functions, including charge accounts, escrow accounts, invoices, deposits, delinquent accounts, NSF checks, account reconciliation, financial record maintenance, and resolution of discrepancies.
• Prepares, reviews, and interprets daily, monthly, quarterly, annual, statistical, and operational reports for distribution to government agencies, County departments, management, and other stakeholders.
• Directs and oversees the daily work of office personnel, assigns and prioritizes work, reviews work for accuracy and compliance, provides coaching and mentoring, and addresses operational or work-related issues.
• Trains new and existing staff on office procedures, recording requirements, systems, statutory requirements, and customer service expectations.
• Maintains appropriate inventory levels and purchases office supplies and materials in accordance with County procedures and budgetary recommendations.
• Assists the Register of Deeds with preparation and monitoring of the annual department budget, identification of operational and resource needs, expenditure review, and year-end analysis for auditors.
• Performs functions assigned to Register of Deeds Second Deputies and other duties within the scope of the position as assigned by the Register of Deeds.
• Provides administrative support, including preparing, reviewing, and editing correspondence, documents, spreadsheets, reports, and other materials.
• Assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Register of Deeds during their absence, including compliance, financial, and administrative responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in surveying, land information, accounting, or administrative/business program.
• Three (3) years of work experience in a register of deeds department or working with real estate or legal descriptions.
• Previous customer service experience.
• Previous accounting or bookkeeping experience.
• Must be bondable.

Pay

Starting pay is determined within the expected hiring range based on qualifications, directly related experience, and internal equity. Employees may advance through the full salary range in accordance with County policy.

• Expected Hiring Range: $26.57 – $30.07/hour
• Full Salary Range: $26.57 – $37.03/hour