Contract and Grants Specialist I

Overview

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets' Agriculture Development Division is looking for an individual with interest in grant and contract management to support the Division in cultivating a thriving, dynamic agriculture and food system in Vermont.

This position will play a key role in helping provide financial assistance to many agriculture and food-based businesses and educational institutions.

This position will work directly with program management staff supporting the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative and the Farm to Institution Program, advancing the goals of strengthen and growing the economies, cultures, and communities of Vermont's working landscape;

and increasing the amount of local food purchased by schools, correctional facilities, colleges, and hospitals. This position joins a passionate and engaged team and offers the opportunity to contribute toward strategic initiatives, collaborative conversations, and critical investments that improve food security and viability of the working landscape.

Skills or experience in the following areas will be helpful in this role :

• Grants and / or contracts administration
• Communication, oral and written
• Providing technical and / or procedural training and support
• Microsoft applications, including Excel

Duties include, but are not limited to :

• Administration of the grants management system
• Administrative and technical support to internal and external stakeholders, including agency / department staff, grantees, contractors and consultants
• Providing guidance and training to agency or department staff on granting and contracting processes and procedures, including state and federal requirements
• Participation in the application review process, including sharing knowledge of various agricultural industries
• Preparation and processing of agreements and amendments
• Responding to questions and offering general applicant assistance
• Engagement in continuous process improvement efforts to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in grants management
• Compiling applicant and awardee data for reporting requirements and capturing programmatic impacts

We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds who bring enthusiasm and excellence to their work. Curiosity and a willingness to learn are key to success on our team.

This entry-level role is ideal for an individual who can work under direction within a collaborative team.

This position is based in Montpelier, VT. The Agriculture Development Division operates in a hybrid work environment, combining office work and working from home.

Telework options are available to employees. Fully remote work is not an option for this position.

Who May Apply

This position, Contract and Grants Specialist I (Job Requisition #51169) , is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact [email protected] .

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 standard office setting but may involve some travel for which private means of transportation is required.

Some evening or overtime work may be necessary. Interaction with grantees, contractors and consultants through phone contact is required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business management, financial auditing, grants administration, or another closely related field.

Three (3) years or more of combined education and experience in accounting, business management, financial auditing, grants administration, or another relevant field.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with continuous improvement processes, use of Excel, and familiarity with any grant management system.

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 : 11 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.