Agriculture Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview
Are you passionate about Vermont food and agriculture? Are you a creative storyteller excited by the opportunity to steward and grow the Vermont brand? Do you want to be a part of a team working to build a thriving, dynamic agriculture and food system that is accessible to all, sustains and strengthens the working landscape, and supports our communities? The Agriculture Development Division seeks a skilled marketing professional to lead the Division's efforts to promote and support Vermont food and agriculture in local, regional, and international markets.
About the Role:
This position manages a diverse array of projects, from complex multi-day events to management of federal grants. Core activities include:

• Managing the Vermont Building at the Big E Fair
• Leading the Division's outreach strategy
• Collaborating with partners to promote Vermont food and agriculture
• Representing VT and the Agency of Agriculture at public and industry events
• Supervising two staff; supporting their programs and career development

As a Division supervisor, this position will regularly engage in strategic discussions and decision making around improving Division operations, managing high-functioning teams, and best supporting Vermont's agricultural sector. The role requires deep collaboration with both internal and external partners, and requires the ability to think creatively and act independently. Responsibilities for this role range from managing discrete time-bound projects, to collaborating on complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Desired skills and knowledge include:

• Event planning and management
• Website design and strategy
• Content and email marketing
• Supervision
• Budget management
• Consumer psychology
• Familiarity with VT's food and agriculture systems

Who May Apply
This position, Agriculture Development Supervisor (Job Requisition #55270), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Trevor.Lowell@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Environmental Factors
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
Five (5) years or more of combined education and experience in agriculture, environmental conservation, marketing, economics, communications, business administration, non-profit management, land use planning, or another relevant field, including one (1) year of program leadership/management or supervisory experience.
OR
At least one (1) year as an Agriculture Development Specialist III in Vermont State service.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or higher in agriculture, marketing, environmental conservation, economics, communications, land use planning, n or another closely related field, AND one (1) year or more of experience in agriculture, marketing, environmental conservation, economics, communications, land use planning, or another closely related field.
Supervisory experience is preferred.
Preference for candidates who have completed continuous improvement processes, Supervising in State Government, facilitation, and program management trainings.
Special Requirements
Candidates must have experience being responsible for the annualized management of grant and program funding greater than $1,000,000.
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 and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• 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.