Current Use Specialist III

Overview

Do you value Vermont's agricultural and forested landscapes? Do you enjoy working closely with a team to support a common mission? Looking for a career with purpose on a collaborative team? At the Department of Taxes, we invest in your growth and challenge you to solve meaningful problems. If you are passionate about public service, we want to hear from you!


The Current Use Program manages the enrollment and eligibility of working farm and forest lands across Vermont in conjunction with our state and local partners. The Current Use Property Tax Specialist III will provide administrative and technical support to the program. This includes reviewing applications, leases, income taxes, and maps for enrollment and eligibility.


This position will oversee enrollment decisions and compliance with program rules. The Current Use Specialist III will report directly to the Current Use Section Chief and will work closely with other Property Valuation and Review (PVR) staff, external partners, including the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, the Department of Forest, Parks, and Recreation, municipal officials, and landowners.

Key responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

• Determining eligibility for enrollment or discontinuance in the program with minimal oversight from the Section Chief.
• Communicating with landowners over the phone and in writing to provide clear guidance for enrollment and eligibility requirements.
• Serving as a high-level user of the Department 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 III or contact View email address on click.appcast.io. 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.


Compensation: The hourly salary rate for this position ranges from $27.50 to $42.94 and State of Vermont benefits are very competitive. The annualized salary for this position ranges from approximately $57,200 to $89,315.20. 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.


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.

As of July 12, 2026, the step 1 rate for pay grade 23 will be $28.05 per hour and the step 15 rate will be $43.80 per hour.

Who May Apply

This position, Current Use Specialist III (Job Requisition #55063) , is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.

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

Master's degree

OR

Bachelor's Degree or higher AND two (2) years of experience at a technical level in land management, natural resources, property assessment, planning, or program administration.

OR

Associates Degree or higher AND four (4) years of experience at a technical level in land management, natural resources, property assessment, planning, or program administration.

OR

High School diploma or equivalent AND six (6) years of experience at a technical level in land management, natural resources, property assessment, planning, or program administration.

OR

Two (2) years of experience as a Property Tax Program Specialist II

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in natural resources or property assessment.

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.