Job Specification Details

Supervisory, administrative, technical, educational, grants management and regulatory compliance work at a professional level for the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets involving the administration of a regulatory water quality protection program through the Small, Medium and Large Farm Operations programs, the Required Agricultural Practices, Farm Agronomic Practices Program, Vermont Environmental Stewardship Program, and the Vermont Clean Water Act and related funding efforts. Manages the development and deployment of a robust educational and outreach program to promote conservation and land management practices to enhance water quality in and around agricultural operations and provide technical assistance for farmers applying for cost share monies for conservation efforts. Oversees the inspection and regulatory compliance efforts of the Medium Farm Operations (MFO), Large Farm Operations (LFO) and Small Farm Operation (SFO) Certification programs and compliance of all farms through the Required Agricultural Practices. Provides and manages staff that provides technical assistance on nutrient management and best management practices (BMP) to farms statewide and to individuals and organizations providing nutrient management and BMP services. Supervises, trains and develops procedures for water quality inspectors/coordinators so that the regulated farm community is managed consistently throughout the state. Supervision is exercised over a staff of agriculture water quality inspectors/coordinators, agriculture development coordinators and GIS Project Supervisor. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Agricultural Resource Management Division.

The AWQ Section Chief plans, manages and evaluates comprehensive programs to ensure that Vermont producers and service providers are offered training, assistance and are regulated consistently throughout the state. In addition to supervision, the AWQ Section Chief responds to and coordinates response to complaints from the general public as well as overseeing routine compliance inspections on regulated farms. In all cases, investigations are conducted with the goal of protecting human health and the environment by finding solutions to a situation and facilitating change so the regulated party can be brought back into compliance with the appropriate regulations. In order to support an effective enforcement program, the AWQ Section Chief must be proactive in establishing an intimate knowledge of all farms being investigated, to be sure that all sectors of the regulated community are contacted according to a reasonable schedule. The AWQ Section Chief must be completely familiar with the various agricultural water quality program regulations including the Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs), Best Management Practices Rule (BMPs), Large Farm Operation Rule (LFO) and Medium Farm Operation Rule (MFO), so that they can accurately assess situations, identify potential violations, and make recommendations to bring the farm into compliance with the RAPs, MFO and/or LFO regulations. The AWQ Section Chief may assist farmers in complying with applicable rules for waste management. Identifies factors affecting farm waste output and recommends changes in practices to comply with applicable rules. Assists farmers in complying with rules to protect water quality through education and technical assistance, mediation and regulation of activities. Develops and revises water quality regulations including the RAPs and the MFO and LFO program rules and permits, oversees the administration of MFO and LFO permit programs as well as SFO certification statewide, and performs all rule promulgation work including conducting filing and public hearings. Oversees the administration and assistance of applicants seeking coverage under the LFO individual permits and MFO general permit, applicants seeking a MFO individual permit as needed, and management of the receipt and review of MFO notices of intent to comply, LFO applications and annual compliance reports for the MFO and LFO programs as well as SFO certifications and annual operating fees as applicable. Oversees the technical and educational support provided to farms and service providers as required through the RAPs, farms that are required to certify compliance and those covered under the MFO general permit, a MFO individual permit, or a LFO individual permit. Oversees program efforts that monitor compliance and related field investigations for compliance purposes. Oversees, coordinates, provides and/or develops: technical assistance to agencies, groups, or individuals writing nutrient management plans; the Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) cost share program; contracts with farmers for cost sharing, tracking payments, rates and operations and maintenance agreements; activities with the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Conservation Service. Oversees or provides the coordination for the state portion of the Vermont Association of Conservation District (VACD) technical programs and provides technical assistance and training to VACD staff. Works with water quality partners such as the Agency of Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency and conservation groups to discuss, develop and revise agriculture water quality programs and policies. Oversees GIS mapping and related data management efforts for the Water Quality Section. Oversee/manages operational needs of the Water Quality Section of a satellite office for the Water Quality Section of the ARM Division. Performs related duties as required.

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. Presentations or testifying at the State House may be required.

Considerable knowledge of management practices designed to enhance agricultural water quality and pollution prevention efforts.

Considerable knowledge of agricultural land management patterns and practices.

Considerable knowledge of federal and state law and the ability to interpret technical requirements of law in order to develop clear and effective water quality programs.

Considerable knowledge of the principles of soil chemistry and mathematics including the ability to perform complex nutrient management tasks and calculations.

Considerable knowledge of the dynamic relationship between crops, plant nutrients, soil, and water quality.

Considerable knowledge of State, Federal, and cost share standards for nutrient management plans

Ability to use ArcView and ArcGIS to create spatial maps for farm planning.

Considerable knowledge of NRCS software for conservation planning and nutrient management planning including RUSLE2, the P-Index, and the Nitrate Leaching Index.

Ability to work efficiently independently including the ability to anticipate program needs, gather data from many sources, and produce results without supervision.

Ability to use and manipulate Microsoft products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for a wide range of applications.

Ability to assess on-farm resource concerns, assess potential regulatory violations, provide technical resources, and coordinate solutions with individuals within and outside of the Agency.

Ability to speak clearly and effectively in a public setting.

Ability to present technical regulatory information to a wide range of people of varying backgrounds including farmers, State employees, environmental groups, and the general public in potentially confrontational situations.

Ability to review technical inspection reports for thoroughness and accuracy.

Ability to communicate informatively both orally and in writing.

Ability to work well with the public.

Ability to effectively resolve conflict.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to work independently with little supervision.

High school diploma or equivalent AND ten (10) years or more of experience in grants administration, contract administration, training, education, research, sales, technical assistance, or management in the field of agriculture or environmental conservation.

OR

Associate's degree in agriculture, environmental conservation, or a related field AND eight (8) years or more of experience in grants administration, contract administration, training, education, research, sales, technical assistance, or management in the field of agriculture or environmental conservation.

OR

Bachelor's degree in agriculture, environmental conservation, or a related field AND six (6) years or more of experience in grants administration, contract administration, training, education, research, sales, technical assistance, or management in the field of agriculture or environmental conservation.

OR

Master's degree in agriculture, environmental conservation, or a related field AND four (4) years or more of experience in grants administration, contract administration, training, education, research, sales, technical assistance, or management in the field of agriculture or environmental conservation.

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