The Portage County Register of Deeds department is hiring a full-time Deputy Register of Deeds!
2026 pay range starts at $22.00 / hr
What are the primary job responsibilities?
- Monitoring and filing of all vital records for Portage County as governed by the Wisconsin State Statutes.
- Update, correct and replace any filed vital statistic records according to the instructions of the State of Wisconsin Department of Vital Records.
- Prepare requested copies/certified copies of vital records for the public and the Funeral Directors.
- Prepare and mail billings each month to Funeral Directors for payment of Death Certificates prepared in accordance with their application requests.
- Answer mail requests for vital statistic records.
- Assist public in obtaining general information regarding tax parcel numbers, current ownership of property, notification of address changes and provide customer with copies of requested maps etc. must be able to accurately read and relay legal descriptions.
- Reconcile receipts and cash drawer daily.
- Provide backup and assist with the recording, computer indexing, and auditing of documents. Must be familiar with recording requirements as governed by the Wisconsin State Statutes.
- Assist Register of Deeds/Chief Deputy Register of Deeds in accurately entering legal descriptions of recorded and filed documents into the computerized tract index.
- Counter work, which includes receiving recordings; births, marriage and death requests; genealogist sign-ins; Register of Deeds inquiries or copies and land description inquires.
- Handle or direct telephone inquiries to the proper individual.
- Audit work done by others in AVID Land Records Management Software.
- Train other office staff as needed on changes/upgrades to the Statewide Vital Records Information System (SVRIS).
- Prepare quarterly reports required by the Wisconsin State Vitals office.
- Maintain data in SWIFT program.
- Work with the Veterans office to assist veterans with completed forms and vital records per Wisconsin State Statutes.
- Prepare bulk mailings for marriage certificates and any other request made by the Register of Deeds.
- Locate and shield documents as requested by the Wisconsin State Statutes.
What are the minimum job qualifications?
- High school graduation.
- Two years of legal or abstracting experience.
- Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check.
- Any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Portage County offers a GREAT benefit package, which includes the following;
- Vacation - available on day one!
- Health insurance- your choice of two health plans- (Health Savings Account associated with a High Deductible Health Plan with a County contribution or a PPO Co-pay plan)
- Wellness incentive plan offered with health insurance enrollment! Earn up to $600 per year!
- Flexible spending account
- Dental insurance
- State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan - County contribution of 6.95% (2025), increasing to 7.2% in 2026!
- Paid holidays
- Paid sick leave
- Life insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
- Long term disability insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
- EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) - paid by the County
- 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
Portage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
