Company description

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment.

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.

Job description

The Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is seeking a motivated and passionate veterinarian to join our team as the designated State Veterinarian for Vermont. The State Veterinarian is a unique professional level management position located within the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets' (Agency) Food Safety and Consumer Protection Division, allowing the State Veterinarian to engage with a colleague cohort focused on animal and public health, food safety, and marketplace equity. The State Veterinarian is Vermont's chief State Animal Health Official and is responsible for development, administration and enforcement of the numerous contagious livestock disease prevention and mitigation programs in Vermont, as well as other programs and initiatives that ensure animal traceability and protect public and environmental health. The State Veterinarian makes, implements, and/or recommends policy decisions that prevent the introduction and spread of foreign, emerging, and domestic diseases in Vermont's livestock and poultry populations.

 This position allows the successful applicant to engage in a rewarding mix of regulation, education, and technical assistance while maintaining a desirable work-life balance. The State Veterinarian must advise Agency leadership and the Vermont Legislature and work closely with numerous state, federal, and non-governmental agencies, departments, and organizations. The successful applicant should enjoy collaboration, public speaking, and complex problem solving. 

Work is primarily office-based, but intermittent in-state, regional, and national multi-day travel is required for meeting and training attendance, client support, and other related duties. The duty stations for this position are located in Montpelier and Williston with hybrid/telework options available.  
Work is primarily performed in an office setting, but field-based work is required with instate travel necessary. Out of state travel, including overnight travel, is required as a representative of the Agency for attendance at meetings or training opportunities. Field settings may include agricultural fairs and competitive or educational events, industry meetings, livestock and poultry farms, and facilities or businesses regulated by the Agency. There is some risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases. Physical stress may be involved in handling livestock and equipment, and emotional stress may be precipitated by taking regulatory actions such as issuing regulatory notices or imposing quarantines. Private means of transportation is required. Evening and weekend work may be necessary.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

May 14, 2024