Job Opening: Agriculture Development Specialist III

Title: Agriculture Development Specialist III 
Application Deadline: 03/18/2019 
Req ID: 1192 
Department: Agriculture, Food & Markets Agency
Location: Montpelier 
Position Type: Permanent 
Pay Grade: 25
Schedule Type: Full Time

Job Code 305800

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Overview

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets seeks an Agriculture Development Specialist III who will be responsible for leading intra-agency collaboration to support emerging business and industry needs across Vermont’s agricultural economy. This position will work closely with the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development to guide economic development initiatives, including dairy innovation, maple production growth and viability, support for value-added agricultural industries, and hemp industry outreach and education efforts.

The position will engage in policy, marketing, and promotion conversations around Vermont’s agricultural commodities and workforce development opportunities necessary to expand markets for critical and emerging agricultural products and businesses. The incumbent will be expected to develop new marketing programs, engage evolving consumer preferences in product development, understand applicable agricultural policies and regulations, and explore innovative economic development opportunities for Vermont.

We are looking for a candidate with experience in policy and marketing, with a program development and stakeholder engagement background, and interest in working collaboratively with a dynamic and diverse team. This position will be responsible for coordinating with partners to develop and implement specific economic development projects, engage in industry outreach and education efforts, analyze data to support local, domestic and international markets, and collaborate to overcome workforce development challenges in the agricultural economy.

This position will have ongoing engagement with agriculture and food-based businesses, industry stakeholders, nonprofit and public sector partners, policy makers, and consumers. As a member of the Agriculture Development Division, this position should enjoy team collaboration, diverse work assignments, and being a part of a dynamic group of committed public servants. The incumbent will also be engaged with in multi-agency, multi-disciplinary teams working to grow Vermont’s economy.

Who May Apply

This position, Agriculture Development Specialist III (Job Requisition #1192), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Abbey.Willard@vermont.gov

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in a variety of settings, including open floorplan office, producer and market sites, and public events, project sites and potential hearing and legislative settings. Frequent in-state, regional, and out-of-state travel is involved for which private reliable means of transportation must be available. Frequent public communication and presentations, both verbally and in writing, is expected. An incumbent must coordinate activities with other departmental staff, the Secretary of the Agency and Deputy Secretary, and interact considerably with agricultural and land development business people, interest groups and the general public. Certain required activities will occur outside of normal office hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in the field of agriculture, land use planning, natural resources management, forestry, economics, marketing, public relations, economic development, or a closely related field AND four (4) years’ experience at or above a technical level in agriculture, marketing, environmental conversation, communications, land use planning or a relevant field.

OR

Bachelor's degree in the field of agriculture, land use planning, natural resources conservation, forestry, economics, marketing, public relations, economic development, or a closely related field AND five (5) years' experience at or above a technical level in agriculture, marketing, environmental conversation, communications, land use planning or a relevant field.

OR

At least two (2) years of experience as an Agriculture Development Specialist II in Vermont State service.

Preferred Qualifications

-  Completion of Lean White Belt, facilitation, and program management trainings
-  Policy development
-  Multi-agency, multi-disciplinary collaboration
-  Program outreach and implementation
-  Strong research, writing, and speaking skills
-  Knowledge of various agricultural commodities, including dairy, maple, and/or hemp
-  Attention to detail in a fast-paced work environment.

Special Requirements

Candidates must have experience being responsible for the annualized management of grant and program funding greater than $500,000.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged.