Local recruitment: Agriculture Water Quality Specialist III

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Market

Williston, VT, USA 🇺🇸

Application Deadline Date:  11/30/2021

Req ID:  23853

Department:  Agriculture, Food & Markets Agency

Location: Williston, VT, US

Position Type:  Permanent

Schedule Type:  Full Time

Hourly Rate:  $25.65

Overview

This position will perform duties in the agricultural field of environmental water quality to ensure farms achieve regulatory compliance. The primary goal of this position within the Water Quality Division is to support the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Market in achieving and maintaining compliance with a wide range of federal, and state water quality regulations including, but limited to, Vermont’s Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs), Large Farm Operations (LFO) rules, and Medium Farm Operations (MFO) rules, as well as EPA’s Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO).

Tasks include conducting on-farm and field site inspections, investigations and follow-ups in all weather conditions, educating the public and the farming community on water quality regulations, providing knowledge of technical and financial assistance programs, and being responsible for generating reports, publication materials and interfacing with enforcement and engineering teams. This position must be knowledgeable about water quality and agriculture, in database management, GIS and Microsoft office programs. Familiarity around environmental policymaking and nutrient management planning is a plus.

Who May Apply

This position, Agriculture Water Quality Specialist III (Job Requisition #23853), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition. 

  • Agriculture Water Quality Specialist II (Job Requisition #24841) 
  • Agriculture Water Quality Specialist III (Job Requisition #23853)

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Laura DiPietro at [email protected].
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Beginning September 15, 2021, State of Vermont Executive Branch employees must attest to being fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus or be subject to regular COVID-19 testing and masking requirements.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in both an office setting and in the field. Duties in the field may include walking along stream banks, fields and among 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. 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

High school diploma or equivalent AND six (6) 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
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
Four (4) years as a Water Quality Specialist 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
  • 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.


POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft Institute for Water Education - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development