Join the Agricultural Development Division to support Vermont farms, protect public health, and connect businesses to vital resources. The Agriculture Development Specialist in this role delivers outreach, education, and communication for the Vermont Produce Program and Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC). The Specialist will also collaborate on emergent programs including Community Accreditation for Produce Safety (CAPS) and Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) to cultivate Vermont's food and agriculture system.  

A core function of this role is to provide Vermont farms with education, outreach, and communication about the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule and opportunities available through the NE-DBIC. Responsibilities include the following:

•    Develop outreach, education, and communication materials in digital and print formats.
•    Conduct phone, email, and in-person outreach to farmers and other stakeholders.
•    Organize workshops, training, and stakeholder meetings.
•    Collaborate with the communications team on press releases and social media content.
•    Evaluate on-farm produce safety practices and provide produce safety training.
•    Develop, track, and report on program metrics.

We're looking for a candidate with excellent written and oral communication skills who can synthesize complex ideas and communicate effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders, including farmers. This role is ideal for an individual who is self-directed, organized, and enjoys working with a team.

The Specialist I position is an entry-level role in the division and suitable for candidates with a variety of backgrounds and experience. We welcome applicants with diverse education and work histories who bring energy, enthusiasm, and excellence to their work. Experience or familiarity with agriculture or food safety is helpful but not required. Curiosity and a willingness to learn are key to success in this role. 

The position is based in Williston, VT. Telework options are available to employees in the Agricultural Development Division.

This classified limited service position is funded by multi-year federal grants, and we expect the position to continue beyond the current end date of 6/30/2026.