Job Description

Overview

The Development Division at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) is recruiting for a marketing specialist. Are you a storyteller who's passionate about supporting and promoting Vermont agriculture? This position is a key part of the Division's Marketing Team and will play a major role in a variety of events and programs intended to promote the Vermont brand, including serving as a manager of the Vermont Building, a public-market style building that operates during the Big E fair in West Springfield, MA. In support of this event, the person hired for this role will be responsible for managing vendor relations and communications, will be required to be onsite for part of the fair, and will operate as lead building manager for multiple days during the 17-day event.

This position will also:

• Manage the Trade Show Assistance grant program
• Manage the Fairs and Field Days grant program
• Work closely with a variety of partners to support Vermont's agritourism sector
• Provide support for export market focused activities

Applicants for this position should be confident, able to adapt to last-minute changes, problem-solve quickly in the moment, and be comfortable interacting with the public in busy environments. Strong communication skills are critical in this role and experience across media channels, especially digital, is important. As a core member of the Division's Marketing Team, this position will work collaboratively with internal and external partners to identify and implement creative and impactful marketing and promotional initiatives. This is a dynamic and exciting position that requires an individual who is self-motivated, capable of rapidly shifting priorities, and willing to take on new challenges with enthusiasm.

Who May Apply

This position, Agriculture Marketing Specialist I - Limited Service (Job Requisition #55841), 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.

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.

Level I: 55841

Level II: 55848

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

Duties are performed in a variety of settings, including open floorplan office, producer and market sites, and public events, project sites and potential hearing settings. Some in-state and limited regional, out-of-state travel is involved, for which private reliable means of transportation must be available. Occasional public communication, both verbally and in writing, is required. An incumbent must coordinate activities with other departmental staff and interact considerably with agricultural and land development business people, interest groups and the general public. Certain required activities may occur outside of normal office hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in agriculture, marketing, environmental conservation, economics, communications, land use planning or another closely related field.

Preference for candidates who have completed continuous improvement process training. Experience in management of grant and program funding.

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: 12 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.