Agriculture Water Quality Program Coord II - Limited Service

at State of Vermont in Montpelier, Vermont, United States

Job Description

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is seeking an Agriculture Water Quality Program Coordinator in the Water Quality Division to provide technical and financial assistance to Vermont farms. This position will primarily coordinate the Vermont Pay for Performance program (VPFP), an innovative conservation program that provides practice and performance-based payments to Vermont farms to reduce phosphorus (P) losses from their agricultural fields. This position may also support other grant and contract programs provided by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. 

The Agriculture Water Quality Program Coordinator will follow established methods and routine procedures to perform tasks with a high level of attention to detail. Tasks completed by this position will include:

• Administer grants and contracts to Vermont farms and technical assistance providers.
• Coordinate technical assistance providers in providing services to Vermont farms according to set standards and deadlines.
• Compile, enter and review farm nutrient management data within a variety of software programs.
• Provide program outreach, trainings, and communications.
• Respond to inquiries from farmers, partners and the general public.
• Compile program information to be used in documents, reports or outreach materials.

The Agriculture Water Quality Program Coordinator has to opportunity to work in a hybrid working environment and may also occasionally visit farms across the State of Vermont to assess implementation of field practices and will track and report the outcomes of these visits. 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 grant and contract management, agricultural conservation practices, nutrient management planning, GIS and/or other mapping software and Microsoft Office programs. 

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to statewide clean water goals as part of a motivated and friendly team.

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.