Agriculture Development Specialist III Overview
Join the Agricultural Development Division to support Vermont's produce, meat, and maple industries through education, grantmaking, and strategic collaboration. The Agricultural Development Specialist III will lead established program work and develop new initiatives to grow Vermont's agriculture and food system. Focus areas include food safety education, outreach, and technical assistance; management of federal grants and subawards; and development of new projects and programs recommended by the Governor's Commission on the Future of Vermont Agriculture. The individual in this role must be able to work independently while developing internal and external partnerships.
Experience or familiarity with one or more of the following areas will be helpful in this role:
- Program or project management
- Grants management
- Farming or food production
- Food safety evaluation, assessment, or auditing
- Providing outreach, education, or technical assistance to diverse stakeholders
- Program evaluation and reporting
We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds who bring enthusiasm and excellence to their work. Curiosity and a willingness to learn are key to success on our team. This intermediate-level role is ideal for an individual who can work with a high level of autonomy within a collaborative team.
This position is based in Williston, VT. Telework options are available to employees in the Agricultural Development Division.
This classified limited service position is funded by multi-year federal grants, and we expect the position to continue beyond the current end date of 6/30/2026.
Who May Apply
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 conservation, 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 conservation, communications, land use planning or a relevant field.
OR
Six (6) years or more of experience in agriculture, marketing, environmental conversation, communications, land use planning or another relevant field.
OR
At least two (2) years of experience as an Agricultural Development Specialist II in Vermont State service.
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 celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.