Description
Overview
Do you value Vermont's agricultural and forested landscapes? Do you want to support farms and help preserve our beautiful state? There has never been a better time to bring your values and talents to the collaborative team at the Vermont Department of Taxes. We are seeking a forward-thinking leader to oversee and support Vermont's hallmark conservation program – Current Use. If you have a passion for motivating teams, an eye for process improvement, and a talent for managing programs, we want to hear from you!
The Current Use Section Chief is responsible for supervising a team of six. Our team is beginning a major modernization and process improvement project, and we're looking for someone with the vision to help this program evolve. In this role you will help reimagine how we administer this program, digitize paper processes, speed up application review times, and deliver a smoother application experience for landowners who are new-to and already-enrolled in Current Use.
This position will oversee all enrollment decisions and compliance with program rules. The Current Use Section Chief will report directly to the Assistant Director of Property Valuation and Review (PVR) and will work closely with the PVR Division Director, other PVR division supervisors, and external partners including the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and the Department of Forest, Parks, and Recreation.
Key responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:
- Supervising a team of six employees.
- Reviewing and processing appeals of program enrollment decisions.
- Determining eligibility for continued enrollment or discontinuance in the program in the most complex and high-dollar cases.
- Providing expert technical assistance in modernization efforts and to public officials and taxpayers on program requirements and the implications of changes to the program.
- Serving as a Division and Department spokesperson at stakeholder meetings including those with the Legislature, partner agencies, Governor-appointed boards, and more.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Experience as a motivational leader who can inspire change.
- A desire to continue to learn and grow and have experience fostering that desire in others.
- Knowledge of or willingness to learn about tax law and policy.
- Experience in change management.
- Experience in supervising a team including developing, supporting, and improving performance.
- Proven record of prioritizing work, managing deadlines, and aligning expectations of internal and external stakeholders.
This is a full-time position based in Montpelier, Vermont. Click to learn more about the technical and professional requirements of the Current Use Section Chief or contact kate.strousse@vermont.gov. For additional information about employee satisfaction and benefits, please click to visit our website.
The salary for this position ranges from $32.33/hour to $50.60/hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
As of July 14, 2024 the salary for this position will range from $32.78/hour to $52.97/hour depending on experience and qualifications.
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 16,000 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 over $65 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
Telework: Limited telework (1 day per week) may be possible for this position. While our Department embraces the benefits of telework, this position oversees processes that are currently heavily paper-based, requiring in-office work. Over the course of the next two years, the plan is to digitize 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.
This position, Current Use Section Chief (Job Requisition #50305), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Kate.Strousse@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.
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 QualificationsSix (6) or more years of experience in public administration, programmatic or fiscal management, or similar and one (1) year in a supervisory or management role.
Preferred QualificationsBachelors degree or higher in public administration, fiscal management or a related field.
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
- Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
- Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
- Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
- Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
- Low cost group life insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Incentive-based Wellness Program
- Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
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