Town Clerk

Vermont League of Cities and Towns; Vermont; On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

HRA contribution

VMERS pension plan

Deferred compensation 457 plan

Vacation and leave package

Job summary

The Town of Fairfax is seeking a highly organized Town Clerk to lead records management, elections, vital statistics, and licensing in a customer-focused manner. This full-time role emphasizes accuracy, public service, and knowledge of Vermont laws.

The Town Clerk will manage registrations, recordings, and fees, supervise staff, and serve as a key liaison for residents and town staff. Background check required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in appropriate discipline or equivalent combination of experience.
• Familiarity with local, state and federal laws related to municipal government.
• Experience in a professional office environment with administrative responsibilities.
• Strong communication and public service skills.
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate records and reports.
• Knowledge of state statutory provisions related to town clerks.
• Experience in supervising staff is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as chief election officer and conduct elections in accordance with laws.
• Manage recording of deeds and official documents.
• Act as registrar for vital statistics and licensing records.
• Oversee voter registration and licensing activities.
• Maintain and secure town records and fees for documents.
• Provide accurate municipal information to the public.
• Lead in recordkeeping and training on best practices.
• Ensure compliance with mandates and town procedures.

Skills

Public service

Communication

Organization

Detail oriented

Customer service

Recordkeeping

Supervision

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

MS Office

NEMRC

Job description

The Town of Fairfax has a rare opportunity for a highly organized, self-motivated, and professional individual with exceptional customer service skills to join our municipal team as Town Clerk.

In Fairfax, the Town Clerk is an appointed position rather than an elected office and is responsible for the overall administration, leadership, and statutory duties of the Town Clerk’s Office. Key responsibilities include maintaining municipal and land records, overseeing elections, managing vital records and licensing, and ensuring compliance with applicable Vermont laws. At present time, the Town Clerk does not perform statutory duties of the Treasurer. This position has the potential to expand in the future and may incorporate those duties at a later time.

As a highly visible, public-facing position, the Town Clerk serves as a primary point of contact for residents, visitors, Town staff, and the broader community. The ideal candidate will be career-minded, possess strong organizational and communication skills, demonstrate attention to detail and sound judgment, and have a genuine commitment to providing exceptional public service.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as chief election officer of the town and as such: conduct all elections in accordance with state and federal laws; manage registration of voters; direct activities of election volunteers; and communicate as mandated with the VT Secretary of State.
• Manage recording of all deeds and official documents.
• Serve as member of, and clerk to, the Board of Tax Abatement and Property Tax Assessment Appeals as well as the Board of Civil Authority.
• Manage issuance and recording of necessary documents for all vital statistics (births, deaths, marriages, etc.) and serve as registrar of all vital records.
• Ensure accuracy in the management of voter registration, issuance of licenses and certificates, and recording of Property Transfer Tax Returns and other legal documents.
• Manage the collection and recordkeeping of fees for licenses, recordings, and other documents.
• Maintain records of documentation at the town and state levels.
• Ensure the safety and preservation of town records.
• Ensure good customer service to all professionals and members of the public, in person or over the phone, and assist in their access to the services of the Fairfax Town Offices.
• Provide the public with accurate and up-to-date municipal information.
• Participate in workshops and trainings to ensure knowledge and application of best practices with regard to record and database management.
• Maintain an awareness of all state mandates and expectations regarding election issues, vital statistics, licensing, and recordkeeping.
• Perform other duties as necessary as requested by the Town Manager to ensure smooth and efficient functioning of the town government.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in appropriate discipline or equivalent combination of experience.
• Familiarity with local, state and federal, laws, regulations and ordinances related to municipal government and the position of Town Clerk.
• Management or substantial administrative experience in a professional office environment.
• Outstanding people skills and a genuine enjoyment in serving the public.
• Competency in maintaining accurate and detailed records.
• Thorough knowledge of state statutory provisions relating to the duties and responsibilities of town clerks.
• Knowledge of best practices and procedures for recording documents and preserving records.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable working knowledge of basic computer applications such as MS Office Suite, as well as NEMRC modules.
• Experience in a supervisory role and the demonstrated ability to lead.
• Ability to work consistently as a positive team member.
• Proficiency in writing coherent reports, business correspondence, and the creation of administrative forms.
• Ability to effectively present information and promptly respond to inquiries and concerns.
• Capacity to relate to and work with a variety of people, demographics, and interests while effectively communicating with the public, colleagues, staff, and partners.
• Capability to both give and receive criticism in a constructive manner.
• Must pass required background check.

Benefits and Compensation:

We offer a generous benefits package, including health insurance, an employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) contribution, participation in the Vermont Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (VMERS) pension plan, and an optional Deferred Compensation 457 plan. Employees are also eligible for a generous vacation and leave package, in addition to recognized holidays and other applicable leave benefits.

The expected salary range for this position is $65,000-80,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.