The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is the state agency that advances public education and libraries in Wisconsin. Our mission is to advance equitable, transformative, and sustainable educational experiences that develop learners, schools, libraries, and communities in Wisconsin. Working at DPI offers you the opportunity to build on our long-standing commitment to public education so that students are learning the skills and knowledge necessary to become contributing members of our communities.

At DPI, we are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. Equity and inclusion are at the core of our organizational values, which include belonging, integrity, love, humility, and honor. These values guide how we build our teams, develop our leaders, and create a culture that empowers everyone to be their authentic selves. When employees are respected and valued for who they are and staff are held accountable for demonstrating that respect to others, we believe it drives greater engagement and collaboration, ignites creativity and innovation, and fosters connection between teams and those we serve. 

Our employees enjoy an exceptional employee assistance program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote wellness. We have a team-oriented atmosphere and a focus on work-life balance.

The Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WESP-DHH) within the Division of Access and Opportunity is seeking applicants for a Sign Language Interpreter position. This part time, year around position (80% full time equivalency) provides interpreting services across the Wisconsin School for the Deaf (WSD), the statewide Outreach Program, and the Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Program (WDBTAP). If you’re looking to work in an ASL- rich environment and support deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind students, staff, and families throughout the state, we encourage you to apply!

This position provides year-round interpretive and administrative services for the Wisconsin School for the Deaf (WSD), the Outreach Program, and Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Program (WDBTAP) staff, students, and families, as assigned by the Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WESP-DHH) Center Director. Responsibilities include voice-to-sign and sign-to-voice communication with hearing individuals in professional and community settings, including hearing parents of deaf students, the Parent Staff Association, the Wisconsin Association of the Deaf, various advisory councils and committees, school districts, parent-teacher organizations, and civic groups. The position also supports the development, implementation and management of interpreter services to the staff and students at WESP-DHH.

For more information, please view the complete position description.

This position is in the classification of Sign Language Interpreter. Depending on qualifications, the salary will be between $32.00- $38.00 per hour (approximately $53,248 - $63,232 per year, adjusted for the 0.80 FTE). For current and eligible former State employees, compensation will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan effective at time of hire. 

This position is eligible for a $0.80 per hour night differential for hours worked between 6:00pm and 6:00am, and a $0.80 per hour weekend differential for hours worked on Saturdays and Sundays. Hours that fall during both periods are eligible for both differentials. 

Employees in this position may also be eligible for a $1.00 per hour add-on for fluency in American Sign Language (ASL), contingent upon achieving an ASL Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) rating of 2+ or higher. This position is in pay schedule 07, range 03. A one-year probationary period will be required.

This position offers excellent benefits. The State of Wisconsin is a qualifying employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Special notes: This is a 0.80 FTE (approximately 32 hours per week), year-round position. Typical work schedule is Monday–Thursday, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, with flexibility in start and end times based on operational needs to ensure an eight-hour workday, including a 30-minute unpaid lunch.

Candidates must be licensed or eligible for licensure as a Sign Language Interpreter – Advanced with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Eligibility means the candidate is currently licensed in another state and qualifies for a Wisconsin Sign Language Interpreter – Advanced license based on recognized credentials, such as RID NIC or BEI Advanced/Master.

For more information regarding this licensure requirements and to check eligibility, please check the WI Department of Safety and Professional Services website concerning Sign Language Interpreter Licensure Advanced. 

A valid state driver’s license is required, as this position involves some independent in-state travel for assignments as needed.

Remote Work: This position is not eligible for remote work and requires the employee to be onsite at their headquarters on the Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing campus in Delavan, WI, during all regular working hours, except when traveling independently within the state for assignments.

Travel: This position may require independent in-state travel for interpreting assignments and other work-related duties as assigned.

Headquarters: The position is headquartered at the Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing campus located at 309 West Walworth Avenue in Delavan, WI. Reimbursement for traveling to or from the employee’s headquarters is not provided (e.g., mileage, meals, parking, lodging, etc.).

Pre-hire requirements: A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of hire.  A TB screen will be required prior to start.

Legal authorization: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., without DPI sponsorship). The Department of Public Instruction does not sponsor visas, either at time of hire or at any later time.

Please address the following in your resume.
 

A minimally qualified applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Sign Language Interpreter – Advanced with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Eligibility means the candidate is currently licensed in another state and qualifies for a Wisconsin Sign Language Interpreter – Advanced license based on recognized credentials, such as RID NIC or BEI Advanced/Master.
• American Sign Language fluency. 
• Ability to travel independently, with or without accommodations.

Well-qualified applicants will also have experience:

• Providing ASL interpretation for students, staff, families, and community members in a variety of educational and/or professional settings.
• Delivering ASL interpretation for presentations, events, and group activities.
• Interpreting in educational meetings, including IEPs and other student-focused discussions.

For this position, please submit an updated resume. View our Application Tips page on the DPI website for additional guidance.

Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the process. References will be requested from top candidates once interviews have taken place. 

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. Once you have applied, please send an email indicating your interest in being considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program to the HR staff listed in the​​ job posting.

The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Questions? Please contact the recruiter at:
Jamie Smith
DPI Human Resources Specialist - Senior
Phone: (608) 267-9119
Email: Jamie.Smith@dpi.wi.gov 

Applications will be accepted until the needs of the Department are met. Applications will next be reviewed after February 24, 2026.