Position Summary: The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board’s Farmland Conservation Program is a national leader in protecting Vermont’s working landscape. The Agricultural Program Manager leads VHCB’s multi-partner strategies and purchase of development rights programs to conserve Vermont’s farmland, improve environmental stewardship of those lands, invest in and support the economic viability of Vermont’s working landscape, and build land access for new and beginning farmers, underserved communities, and intergenerational transfers. The Agricultural Program Manager is responsible for VHCB’s agricultural land protection work and implementing the organization’s overall farmland conservation programmatic priorities. The position manages state and federal farmland conservation funding and oversees ag related external relations and stakeholder initiatives.

The Agricultural Program Manager leads the strategic oversight and day-to-day operations of VHCB’s agricultural preservation efforts, managing the full project lifecycle from initial application through underwriting and legal closing. This pivotal role serves as the primary liaison for federal NRCS funding and State Act 250 mitigation funds, ensuring grant compliance while championing initiatives in water quality, environmental stewardship, and farmland access. A successful candidate will supervise program staff, manage farmland conservation grants, and represent VHCB in vital partnerships with land trusts, state agencies, and federal stakeholders to influence conservation policy. By bridging the gap between agricultural viability and land protection, the Manager ensures that Vermont’s farming landscape remains protected, sustainable, and accessible for future generations.

The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board is an innovative and award-winning organization working to ensure affordable housing, farmland, jobs, and recreational assets for every generation of Vermonters.

Qualifications:

• Commitment to and passion for VHCB’s dual-goal mission.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Studies, Land Use Planning, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

• 5 years of experience in conservation, agriculture or related sector, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Working knowledge of agriculture and a strong understanding of Vermont’s farming sector and the challenges it faces.

• Demonstrated success in a program leadership role and working as a member of a team.

• Experience in program and grants tracking, data analysis and reporting, budget development and tracking, and ensuring compliance with federal grants.

• Experience working with non-profit organizations, municipalities, and state and federal agencies is preferred. 

• Self-motivated and driven, with the ability to work well independently as well as part of a team and with external partners.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including excellent listening, facilitation, conflict resolution, and public speaking abilities.

• Highly organized and detail-oriented.

• Ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously, while maintaining attention to detail.

• A valid driver’s license is necessary as some travel is required, including remote parts of Vermont.

Work Conditions: In addition to regular office-based work, this position requires some work outside in all weather conditions year-round, at times traversing rugged terrain to complete site visits. Some instate travel is required (a few times a month).