Title:  Principal Assistant to the Fish & Wildlife Commissioner

How to Apply

Do not apply online. Please respond by sending your cover letter and resume by September 1, 2022, to Eric Palmer at Eric.Palmer@vermont.gov. Include the job title “Special Assistant” in the subject line of the email.  Well qualified applicants may be interviewed before the deadline so please submit your application quickly.

Overview

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department seeks a Principal Assistant to provide a high-level of administrative support to the Commissioner’s Office, General Counsel, and the Fish and Wildlife Board, including legal, land use, fish and wildlife planning and records management.

Description

Come work for a department that protects the environment and feels like a family. The Fish and Wildlife Department is seeking a highly motivated and well-organized individual to help manage a number of important processes within the Department’s central office.

 

Job responsibilities include:

• Providing support, scheduling and office functions for the General Counsel, the Commissioner’s Office and the Fish and Wildlife Board;
• Coordinating complex and diverse legal and management matters;
• Processing legal inquiries related to land management;
• Coordinating Administrative Procedures such as rule making;
• Responding to public records act requests;
• Managing inventory records, office records, and reports;
• Communicating regularly with, and responding to inquiries from, the general public, governmental officials, and other jurisdictions;
• Requesting and collecting data;
• Editing and analyzing data;
• Writing reports;
• Developing and maintaining various filing systems, including database systems; and
• Interpreting statutes, regulations, policies and procedures.

 

The ideal candidate will be well organized and will have excellent oral and written communication skills, a broad knowledge of Department programs, land use, property management, and the administrative and judicial tribunal processes. This position involves attendance at public meetings, judicial proceedings and administrative proceedings that may occur at night or on weekends.

The mission of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is the conservation of all species of fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the people of Vermont.

Compensation

Annual salary of $85,000 plus benefits.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of office management and the ability to apply these principles to operations in the central office of the Fish & Wildlife Department for the Commissioner and the General Counsel.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of Vermont’s public records laws.
• Ability to manage schedules, agendas and information flow for the 14-member Fish & Wildlife Board
• Awareness of the legislative process in Vermont.
• Ability to read and correctly interpret laws, rules, and regulations of moderate complexity.
• Experience with high level policy development.
• Ability to analyze, make recommendations for improvements, and implement policies and procedures.
• Ability to work with sensitive documents and maintain confidentiality of personnel files, health records and legal files.
• Knowledge of computer technology and standard programs such as Word and Excel.
• Ability to prepare and deliver effective reports, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of Department rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of English usage, spelling and written communications.

Preferred Qualifications

College/Advanced degree and experience in environmental studies, land use planning, legal studies, public administration or other related fields preferred but not required.

 

Legal background, Para-legal Certificate, Juris Master or Juris Doctor preferred but not required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.