Current Use Specialist II

State of Vermont • Calais, VT

9d • $25 - $38 • Hybrid

About The Position

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.
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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• One (1) year or more of experience as a Property Tax Program Specialist I.

Nice To Haves

• For Current Use positions in this job class, administrative experience in property assessment, land management or natural resources is preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree