Environmental Analyst V - Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Program

State of Vermont; Montpelier (VT); On-site; Full time

Job summary

The State of Vermont is seeking an Environmental Analyst V for its Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Program. This full-time role involves overseeing farm inspections, managing water quality compliance, and developing regulatory programs within a collaborative environment. Candidates are required to have a strong academic background in relevant science fields and regulatory experience, making this a vital role in maintaining environmental health in the state.

Benefits

80% State paid medical premiums

Generous leave plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in relevant field with experience in natural resources.
• Farming or regulatory experience highly preferred.
• Ability to multitask in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Inspect farms for water quality issues and manage enforcement actions.
• Review nutrient management plans and permit applications.
• Coordinate with regulatory bodies and stakeholders.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independent management

Clear communication

Education

Master's degree in biological-life or physical science

Bachelor's degree in biological-life or physical science

Tools

ArcView

ArcGIS

Job description

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Title: Environmental Analyst V - Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Program

Application Deadline Date: 06/03/2025

Location:

Montpelier, VT, US

Position Type: Permanent

Schedule Type: Full Time

Hourly Rate: $28.16

Overview

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking an applicant for a full-time position in the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Program.

Responsibilities of the position include:

• Inspection of farms to identify water quality concerns
• Responding to and investigating water quality complaints
• Managing enforcement actions
• Nutrient Management Plan review
• Permit application review
• Program development tasks
• Coordination with other regulatory entities, partner organizations, and the farming community
• Other duties as assigned

Attention to detail, independent management of workload, and clear written and verbal communication skills are necessary. Regulatory experience is highly preferred. Farming experience or experience working with the farming community is highly preferred.

This is a dynamic position in a busy program. Candidates must be able to multitask and shift gears quickly to address time critical incidents that may pose environmental or public health threats.

This position may be eligible for telework and flexible work schedule with supervisor approval. Designated workstation location in Montpelier office. Occasional in-person meetings in Montpelier will be required.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Ability to review and critique nutrient management plans.
• Ability to assess on-farm environmental resource concerns and potential regulatory violations through inspections and regulatory report review.
• Knowledge of best management practices designed to prevent agricultural waste discharges.
• Knowledge of animal feeding operations and land management practices.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws related to agriculture and the ability to interpret technical requirements of laws in order to carry out regulatory programs.
• Ability to use databases to track and report data.
• Ability to use ArcView and ArcGIS to create maps.
• Ability to use and knowledge of conservation planning and nutrient management planning tools including RUSLE2 and the P-Index.
• 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.

As of July 14, 2025, the step 1 rate for pay grade 24 will be $29.15 per hour.

Who May Apply

This position, Environmental Analyst V - Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Program (Job Requisition #52893), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition.

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.

Duties are largely performed in an office setting; however, some field travel may be necessary for which private means of transportation must be available. Field work may involve exposure to chemicals, gases, hazardous liquid and solid waste, and construction sites during all weather conditions; and may involve traversing rough terrain and bodies of water. Some work outside of regular working hours, including attendance at public meetings, may be required. Strong differences of opinion may be encountered on a regular basis.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree or higher in a biological-life or physical science, engineering, a social science, data science, or an environmental or natural resources field AND one (1) or more years of experience in a natural resources field.

OR

Bachelor's degree in a biological-life or physical science, engineering, a social science, data science, or an environmental or natural resources field AND two (2) or more years of experience in a natural resources field.

OR

Five (5) years or more of experience in an engineering, environmental, social science, data science, or natural resources field.

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

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.