Agriculture Water Quality Program Coord III - Limited Service

Overview

The Agriculture Water Quality Program Coordinator will provide technical and financial assistance to farm operations with the Water Quality Division at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. The primary goal of this position is to work with a dedicated, creative, and dynamic team to coordinate the Vermont Pay for Performance Program (VPFP). The VPFP Program is an innovative conservation program that provides performance-based payments to Vermont farms to reduce phosphorus (P) losses from their agricultural fields. This approach provides the ability to target our water quality resources toward reducing phosphorus losses on the highest impact fields.

Responsibilities of this position include

• Agricultural water quality data management within a variety of software programs
• Assisting participating farms and program contractors with navigating software and program requirements
• Administering grants and contracts
• Providing program outreach, trainings, and communication
• Conducting periodic site visits on farms to assess field management.

 

This position will also work within a supportive team to educate the public and the farming community on water quality and other environmental impacts from agriculture, communicate and report on technical and financial assistance programs, and assist farms to access the appropriate resources to support conservation and water quality projects. Please note that the Water Quality Division does support a hybrid working environment which includes options for remote work as well as required in-person office days.

This position must be able to work independently, communicate clearly with a variety of audiences, and effectively manage data and files. The ideal candidate would be familiar with agricultural conservation practices, nutrient management planning, GIS and/or other mapping software and Microsoft Office programs. Familiarity with environmental modeling, experience and/or qualifications within the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, and experience working directly with farms is a plus.

 

Who May Apply

This position, Agriculture Water Quality Program Coord III - Limited Service (Job Requisition #49225), is open to all State employees and external applicants.  It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs. 

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Nina.Gage@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

Duties are performed in both an office setting and in the field. Duties in the field may include walking along stream banks and in agricultural fields where one might encounter livestock. Field work may require carrying of heavy equipment while traversing rough terrain and bodies of water in all weather conditions. Incumbent must have private means of transportation for completion of field assignments on a timely basis. Travel statewide is required. Some work outside of regular working hours, including attendance at public meetings, may be required. Work will often be performed in a dynamic and engaging committee-style forum where strong differences of opinion may be encountered on a regular basis. 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in agriculture, environmental conservation, or a related field AND two (2) years or more of experience in agriculture, environmental conservation, or a related field.

OR

 

Associate's degree in agriculture, environmental conservation, or a related field AND four (4) years or more of experience in agriculture, environmental conservation or a related field.

OR

 

High school diploma or equivalent AND six (6) years or more of experience in agriculture, environmental conservation, or a related field.

OR


Two (2) years as a Water Quality Program Coordinator II or equivalent.
 

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