Title: Current Use Specialist II
Montpelier, VT, US
Overview
Do you value Vermont’s agricultural and forested landscapes? Do you enjoy working closely with a team to support a common mission? There has never been a better time to bring your values and talents to the collaborative team at the Vermont Department of Taxes. The rewarding work we do supports this brave little state and helps shape its future. We work with proven, dynamic technologies to fund initiatives that preserve the environment, build vibrant communities, strengthen families, and so much more. Discover new opportunities, learn new skills, and solve problems with our dedicated and supportive team.
The Current Use Specialist II is responsible for the administrative work for the Current Use section, directing payments, processing mail and email, providing phone support for constituents, and entering application/form information. Additionally, they process new or additions to enrollment, transfer applications and withdrawals for a small subset of Vermont towns.
This position will oversee enrollment decisions and compliance with program rules. The Current Use Specialist II will report directly to the Current Use Section Chief and will work closely with other PVR staff, external partners including the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and the Department of Forest, Parks, and Recreation, municipal officials and landowners.
Key responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:
- Phone and email support for landowners, town officials, foresters, and attorneys.
- Processing payments and data entry of applications and other tax forms related to Current Use.
- Scanning maps and other enrollment related materials for appeals, record keeping, and enrollment review
- Determining eligibility for enrollment or discontinuance in the program with oversight from the Section Chief.
- Serving as a high-level user of the application software including possible testing.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Experience in taxation, conservation and/or administrative support.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate challenging topics to individuals with varied backgrounds.
- A desire to continue to learn and grow.
This is a full-time position based in Montpelier, Vermont. Learn more about the technical and professional requirements of the Current Use Specialist II (also known as Property Tax Program Specialist) by clicking here, or contact Michael.Ramsey@vermont.gov. For additional information about employee satisfaction and benefits, please visit our website.
What Is Current Use?
The Use Value Appraisal Program or “Current Use” is designed to help conserve and maintain Vermont’s agricultural and forested lands. It provides a property tax benefit for over 16,300 landowners who practice long-term forestry or farming. Lauded by some as the “most important tool to preserve Vermont’s working landscape,” the Current Use team at the Tax Department reviews applications to ensure that eligible landowners can access this important resource. Currently, there are more than 2.5 million enrolled acres and almost $78 million in tax savings are delivered to landowners annually.
The Current Use team is part of the Division of Property Valuation and Review. In addition to Current Use, the Division provides support and training to municipalities and conducts annual ratio studies, which estimates fair market value and equalizes the grand list for education liability purposes.
Additional Information
Compensation: The hourly salary rate for this position ranges from $24.59 to $38.27 and State of Vermont benefits are very competitive. The annualized salary for this potion ranges from approximately $51,147.20 to $79,601.60. The salary range reflects the minimum and maximum salary potential in the assigned pay grade, and the annualized salary figure is calculated based on 2080 hours of annual compensation and does not include authorized overtime or other compensation. It also doesn’t include any time taken off payroll. The starting salary for this position may be negotiable depending on experience and qualifications.
Telework: Limited telework may be possible for this position. While our Department embraces the benefits of telework, the Current Use program is currently heavily paper-based, requiring in-office work. The plan is to continue digitizing major program functions and processes, which will allow for greater telework opportunities and flexibility in the future. The Tax Department permits eligible employees to request voluntary participation in the State of Vermont telework program. Telework eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis and is consistent with State of Vermont teleworking policies. All Department employees are currently required to participate in one weekly “core day” and must plan to report for work at 133 State Street, Montpelier, on designated core days (currently Wednesdays).
Background Checks: This position will primarily support the Department of Taxes. Candidates must agree to be fingerprinted and pass a background check to be eligible for this position, which will involve access to sensitive federal tax information. Background checks are required by the Internal Revenue Service and are authorized under Vermont law. 3 V.S.A. § 241. In accordance with VDT Standard Operating Procedure 2018-01, Background Investigations, Vermont and national criminal record checks will be conducted on all candidates. Candidates will have the right to withdraw their application before fingerprinting or a background check is conducted.
We value diverse teams and are committed to creating a community of inclusion.
Who May Apply
This position, Current Use Specialist II (Job Requisition #54807), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Micheal.Ramsey@vermont.gov.
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.
Environmental Factors
Duties are largely performed in an office setting. Strong and conflicting public opinions may be encountered on a regular basis. Workload pressure may vary over a period of time. Some degree of telephone, letter, and face-to-face contact with irritated taxpayers may be anticipated.
Minimum Qualifications
Associate's degree or higher AND two (2) years or more of experience in paralegal work, property records administration, real estate transaction processing, accounting, auditing or tax processing related duties.
OR
High school graduation or equivalent AND three (3) years or more of experience in paralegal work, property records administration, real estate transaction processing, accounting, auditing or tax processing related duties.
OR
One (1) year or more of experience as a Property Tax Program Specialist I.
Preferred Qualifications
For Current Use positions in this job class, administrative experience in property assessment, land management or natural resources is preferred.
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
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Nearest Major Market: Barre
Nearest Secondary Market: Montpelier