Emerging Issues Specialist - Food System Resilience

Farm To Plate; Williston, Northern (VT, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits worth ~30% of total

80% state-paid medical premium

Dental plan at no cost for employees &

12 paid holidays & generous leave

State Paid Family and Medical Leave

Retirement: DB pension & 457(b) plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible spending accounts for health/

Wellness incentive program

Public Service Student Loan Forgivenes

Job summary

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is seeking an Emerging Issues Specialist within the Agriculture Development Division to support a federal grant program for farmers and foresters affected by weather-related losses and to assist the specialty crop industry with market access and policy guidance.

The role emphasizes education, outreach, budgeting, and cross‑agency collaboration to build a resilient Vermont produce sector and diverse food system through grant administration and

Qualifications

• Thinks holistically and manages complex projects.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners.
• Communicates clearly with farmers and foresters.
• Brings expertise of the produce industry across production, processing, wholesale, retail, and supply chain.
• Holds food safety certifications or is willing to take trainings.
• Familiar with Vermont's food and agriculture systems and service provider networks.
• Familiar with budgeting, federal funds, and statewide grant programs.

Responsibilities

• Support a team that administers the Vermont Agriculture and Timber Disaster Assistance program, including education, outreach, inquiries, site visit verification, and grant direction.
• Serve as produce industry specialist, liaising with regulatory partners and industry experts to guide statewide produce strategies.
• Manage annual projects for the specialty crop industry, including budgets and project scopes on 1–3 year cycles.
• Support emerging issues critical to a thriving and diverse food system, including policy education and statewide surveys.

Job description

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is seeking an Emerging Issues Specialist within the Agriculture Development Division to support a federal grant program for farmers and foresters affected by weather-related losses and to assist the specialty crop industry with market access and policy guidance.

The role emphasizes education, outreach, budgeting, and cross‑agency collaboration to build a resilient Vermont produce sector and diverse food system through grant administration and