Community & Economic Development Specialist Position Available In Washington, Vermont

Community & Economic Development Specialist City of Montpelier 39 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 City of Montpelier Community & Economic Development Specialist The Capital City of Montpelier, Vermont (pop. 8,074) is seeking an individual to administer Montpelier’s Community and Economic Development Program which include housing and economic development programs, various loan programs, and special projects. Additionally, this position will work with the Director of Planning & Community Development on various planning efforts and may work to assist other department directors on grant writing, administration, and project management. A detailed job description is available at https://www.montpelier-vt.org/jobs.aspx The Community & Economic Development Specialist (CED Specialist) is a professional position with a very high degree of independence and responsibility for initiating, implementing, and administering a wide range of community and economic development activities. The actions of the CED Specialist have the potential to significantly affect the quality of Montpelier’s built and natural environment, the city’s economic vitality, and the public’s health and welfare. This position is therefore a critical to improving the lives of residents, workers, and visitors to our Capital City and in maintaining the public’s confidence in the effectiveness and integrity of city government. A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in planning, community development, public administration, or related field is required but qualified experience may be substituted for college degree. A minimum of two years of experience in planning, public administration, community development, or public management is required with direct experience in the application and administration of federal and state grant programs highly preferred. This is a full-time, unclassified (salaried) position within the City with a current pay range of $59,400 to $75,200 with an excellent benefits package. Please submit a cover letter and resume to Mike Miller, Director of Planning & Community Development, at mmiller@montpelier-vt.org by Friday, June 30th at 5:00 PM. Position will remain open until filled. Montpelier is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Description Position:

Community & Economic Development Specialist Effective Date:

February 1, 2022

Department:

Planning & Community Development Supervisor:

Director of Planning & Community Development FLSA Status:

Unclassified Grade:

Salaried Distinguishing Features of this Position This is a professional position with a very high degree of independence and responsibility for initiating, implementing, and administering a wide range of community and economic development activities. This position is largely responsible for administering Montpelier’s Community Development Program including housing programs, various loan programs, and special projects. Additionally, this position will work with the Director on various planning efforts and may work to assist other department directors on grant writing, administration, and project management. All of these activities are integral to the City’s planning and implementation programs. The actions of the Community & Economic Development Specialist (CED Specialist) have the potential to significantly affect the quality of Montpelier’s built and natural environment, the city’s economic vitality, and the public’s health and welfare. This position is therefore a critical to maintaining the public’s confidence in the effectiveness and integrity of city government. The CED Specialist works closely with and under the direction of the Director of Planning & Community Development in order to coordinate the activities to best implement the goals of the City Plan, the City Manager, and the City Council. Essential Job Functions The following job functions are intended to illustrate many, but not necessarily all, of the duties that the CED Specialist may encounter during one’s tenure. Independently and jointly with the Director, analyze economic development, housing and other community development trends and opportunities; Collaborate with others to update and implement the Housing and Economic Development portions of the Montpelier City Plan; Initiate, propose, or assemble community or economic development projects independently as well as in collaboration with other departments or entities; Comply with relevant state, federal, and local regulations pertaining to CD programs; Compile, analyze, interpret, and present data as necessary to support CD activities; Work closely with the Director in developing new housing programs, new loan programs, community and economic development project planning, and in managing other CD programs; Develop and administer federal, state, and local grant applications in support of city community and economic development activities; Monitor recipients for compliance and take actions as appropriate; Coordinate implementation of the City’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax Stabilization programs. Present information to the public, City Manager, City Council, and other entities as warranted to convey necessary information about proposed activities, their basis, and implications; Maintain good relations with the public, other government agencies, private sector groups, constituents, and individuals. Meet with applicants including property owners and developers for various programs including housing rehabilitation programs. Process applications; verify applicant’s information and determine eligibility. In consultation with the Director, approve and issue loans. This includes conducting the loan analysis; credit checks; preparing loan documents, other notices, and agreements; and holding the closing. Monitor the financial status of the housing programs. Solicit services and products in accordance with applicable procurement procedures, including preparing and distributing bid specifications and evaluating bids submitted by contractors to determine conformance with the bid specifications. Conduct grant administration and contract compliance including Davis-Bacon projects, Buy American, and other federal standards. Inspect in-progress and completed rehabilitation projects. Undertake and assist in measures to inform, include, and involve the public in community and economic development activities. Perform studies and tabulate statistics such as housing surveys, special needs studies and census data. Work closely with one or more citizen committees, including but not limited to the Housing Task Force and Public Arts Commission, to develop and implement the policies and activities in the community and economic development provisions of the Montpelier City Plan. Refresh existing knowledge and remain abreast of changes in the community and economic development field, including changes in state and federal grant programs, availability of other resources, community development principles and techniques, and other relevant areas through trainings, networking, and participation in peer and/or professional organizations. Participate in staff meetings and other departmental functions to coordinate activities and ensure the smooth, efficient, and effective operation of the department. Function as part of a departmental team and as a part of a broader local government entity. Maintain lines of communication among and collaborate with other departments and staff. Assist in sharing departmental duties, as warranted and under the direction of the Director, in the absence of other staff members for an extended period of time. Assist the support staff in maintaining appropriate records and files and assuming clerical duties as necessary in order to meet obligations. Participate in annual budgeting and report preparation. Environment Work primarily takes place in an office environment. Occasional travel is expected to work sites and training. Work regularly takes place out of traditional office hours including attendance at night meetings and involvement during emergencies. Equipment Used Position requires extensive use of technology including computers, tablets and mobile devices. Required Interpersonal Skills This position requires the ability to communicate extremely well, both in writing and orally, attention to detail, and ability to think strategically and make sound judgements. The CED Specialist’s duties rely upon the clear exchange of information and communicating decisions and outcomes in clear language. The CED Specialist must be comfortable working with and on behalf of the public and be able to work effectively with a wide variety of people on sensitive or controversial issues. Minimum Qualifications A bachelor’s degree in planning, community development, public administration, or related field. Qualified experience may be substituted for college degree. A minimum of two years of experience in planning, public administration, community development, economic development, or public management is required with direct experience in the application and administration of federal and state grant programs highly preferred. This may include positions with working knowledge of city administration, housing construction, financing, and/or community development. Absent that experience, the CED Specialist must have an ability and willingness to learn the following: Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal regulations governing the development, implementation, and administration of community development programs. Knowledge of the principles of public administration, local government, and community dynamics. Knowledge of local programs and regulations that relate to community and economic development. Ability to collect, analyze, summarize, and present quantitative and qualitative data. Proficiency with computers, including word processing, database management, the Internet, and other technologies, as well as an aptitude to learn new applications in order to accomplish various tasks. The department currently uses the Excel, Word, and SmartGov. Ability and willingness to attend evening meetings. A valid driver’s license. Desired Qualities, Abilities, and Skills Note that the italicized words and phrases below are pieces of the city’s values and leadership philosophy that are integral to the operation of the city. Please refer to the values document and philosophy to understand the full context and details of these words and phrases. At the City of Montpelier, leadership is everyone’s responsibility . Each employee in the Department works independently and is accountable for their own work. At the same time, staff are highly integrated so teamwork is also a critical skill. We are most successful when working together as a team. With a small staff, we must be efficient and each member of the team must be competent in their field. The City and the Department have a culture of learning, self-direction and creativity that supports professional growth and advancement. We seek employees who are competent and who desire to learn and grow. These decisions made by the CD Specialist have implications that affect the lives and well-being of the public therefore the city desire persons who have integrity and value fairness . Ability to organize, prioritize, to maintain multiple tasks and deadlines and to have excellent time management skills. The City values responsiveness in its employees. Ability to interact with the public with courtesy, tact, objectiveness, fairness, and compassion. Montpelier seeks employees who respect all members of our diverse community and show care and dedication to the public we serve . Summary of Occupational Exposures Work is normally performed in a climate controlled office environment where exposure to conditions of extreme heat/cold, poor ventilation, fumes, and gases is limited. Noise level is moderate and includes sounds of normal office equipment (computers, telephones, copiers). The primary office location in City Hall is located adjacent to the police and fire stations so there are occasional sirens and vehicle noise related to those functions. The job may require occasional visits to construction or project sites. There is limited exposure to hazardous conditions or inclement weather conditions.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS

The position involves standing and walking for brief periods of time. Predominately duties are performed from a seated position. There is occasional eyestrain from reading detailed materials and computer screens. Work may include occasional pushing, pulling or carrying objects of up to approximately 40 pounds such as files, documents, furniture and some equipment. Work normally requires finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination to operate computer keyboard at a moderate skill level. Repetitive motion injuries may occur. Primary Physical Requirements Other Physical Requirements Lift up to 10 lbs.: Occasionally performed

Twisting:

Occasionally performed Lift 11 t0 25 lbs.: Occasionally performed

Bending:

Occasionally performed Lift 26 to 50 lbs.: Occasionally performed

Crawling:

Not performed Lift over 50 lbs.: Not performed

Squatting:

Occasionally performed

Kneeling:

Occasionally performed Carry up to 10 lbs.: Occasionally performed

Crouching:

Occasionally performed Carry 11 to 25 lbs.: Occasionally performed

Climbing:

Occasionally performed Carry 25 to 50 lbs.: Occasionally performed

Balancing:

Occasionally performed Carry over 50 lbs.: Not performed Work Surfaces Occasionally walk on sloped ground and slippery and uneven surfaces.

Reach above shoulder height:

Occasionally performed Reach at shoulder height: Occasionally performed In Avg. 8 hour Day Employee is Required to: Reach below shoulder height: Occasionally performed Sit Consecutive Hrs. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Push/Pull:

Rarely performed Total Hrs. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Hand Manipulation Stand Grasping:

Performed frequently Consecutive Hrs. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Handling:

Occasionally performed Total Hrs. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Torquing:

Occasionally performed

Walk Fingering:

Frequently performed Consecutive Hrs. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total Hrs. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Job Details Category Planning & Community Development Department Status Open Posted June 13, 2025 12:00 PM Closing August 13, 2025 4:30 PM