Title: Design & Construction Program Chief

Application Deadline Date: 01/28/2026

Req ID: 54153

Department: Buildings & General Services

Location:

Montpelier, VT, US

Position Type: Permanent

Schedule Type: Full Time

Minimum Salary: $39.66

Maximum Salary: $62.32

Overview

The Department of Buildings & General Services (BGS) is seeking an experienced Program Chief to provide leadership for the Design & Construction Division’s internal services team. This team supports capital project delivery across the State through contract management, CADD support, plan review, construction administration, and coordination across disciplines.

This role is responsible for leading a group of professional project managers and supporting them through all phases of capital project delivery, from early planning and design through bidding and construction. The Program Chief is expected to bring a strong understanding of vertical construction and building systems and to use that expertise to help identify issues, guide decision-making, and keep complex projects moving forward. Success in this role depends on the ability to communicate clearly, collaborate across teams, and maintain strong working relationships with partners in Operations & Maintenance and Planning & Property Management.

We are looking for a leader with a degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related building trades field, along with substantial experience in vertical construction. The ideal candidate has a proven history of supervising and developing professional construction or project management staff and is comfortable mentoring teams through design, construction, scheduling, and budgeting for large, complex projects. A working knowledge of construction administration and contracting is essential.

This position is best suited for someone who is committed to people leadership, brings hands-on construction experience in addition to any program or government background, and is genuinely interested in long-term leadership within a Design & Construction environment.

Starting salary may be negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Who May Apply

This position, Design & Construction Program Chief (Job Requisition #54153), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact James Jorschick at james.jorschick@vermont.gov.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Environmental Factors

Duties are normally performed in the office and only occasionally in field settings. Attendance at public meetings as a representative of the Department may be required. Some public speaking may be necessary. Duties may not always adhere to a standard daily or weekly schedule. Some exposure to adverse climate conditions and adversarial opinions at hearings, is predictable. Exposure to potential dangers and adverse conditions exist when visiting correctional facilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or construction management AND eight (8) years or more of experience in a senior project management position overseeing multiple, large complex projects including building design, construction, scheduling and budgeting INCLUDING two (2) years or more in a supervisory role.
OR
Associate’s degree in architecture, engineering, or construction management AND ten (10) years or more of experience in a senior project management position overseeing multiple, large complex projects including building design, construction, scheduling and budgeting INCLUDING two (2) years or more in a supervisory role.

Preferred Qualifications

Licensure as Professional Engineer or Architect 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

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.