Announcement: State of Vermont service opportunities

April 5, 2024  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Below are two recent announcements about service opportunities with the state’s Labor Relations Board and the ECO AmeriCorps program. 

Department of Labor seeks Labor Relations Board members

The Vermont Labor Relations Board invites qualified individuals to apply for current openings. 

The board has vacancies for a “neutral” seat and a “management” seat. Applications are due by April 12 at 4:30 p.m. 

The Vermont Labor Relations Board determines appropriate bargaining units, conducts union representation elections, adjudicates unfair labor practice charges, and hears grievances in cases involving relations between employers and employees of the State of Vermont, Vermont State Colleges, University of Vermont, municipalities, school districts, and small private operations. 

Successful applicants will serve a term of six years, and attend required hearings held in Montpelier, as well as assist in special projects. Appointments are made by the governor.

For more details on the role and responsibilities of the Vermont Labor Relations Board, review Vermont statutes, 3 V.S.A. §921, et seq., or visit Labor Relations Board website at labor.vermont.gov.

Direct any inquiries to Roger Van Tassel at labor.commissioner@vermont.gov or call 802-828-4301. 

Applications are open for ECO AmeriCorps positions 

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking applicants for the Environmental Careers and Opportunities (ECO) AmeriCorps program. 

The program offers members ppportunities to explore conservation careers and gain technical skills to protect Vermont’s environment.

“Since 2015, 243 ECO AmeriCorps members have helped partners with projects across the state,” said DEC Commissioner Jason Batchelder. “These rising environmental leaders have committed over 400,000 hours of service to improve water quality, increase climate resiliency, reduce waste, and conserve our natural resources.”

The department will accept 23 full-time members to serve from September through August 2025. The deadline to apply is May 10. Highly motivated individuals with a background in environmental conservation or education, natural or agricultural sciences, environmental studies, engineering, government or policy, communications or outreach, event planning, or other related fields are encouraged to apply.

Members are matched to host sites statewide and serve under their supervision. Over the past 10 years, sites have ranged from municipalities, conservation districts and solid waste management districts to other state departments and non-profits. The assignments offer meaningful projects, support, a workspace, tools and supplies.

“With our partners, ECO AmeriCorps members help strengthen local communities and foster environmental stewardship,” said ECO AmeriCorps Program Supervisor Dustin Bowman said the partnerships foster environmental stewardship and strengthen communities while giving participants meaningful work and life experience. 

“Being a member allows you to build your network, confidence, and skills on projects you care about. Our alumni truly leave a lasting, collective, and positive impact on Vermont’s communities and environment,” Bowman said.  

For the year’s assignment, members receive a living stipend of $26,000. Upon successful completion of 1,700 hours, members also are eligible for an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of $7,395. Other benefits include health insurance, childcare assistance, training, support, peer network, and student loan forbearance during the term of service.

ECO AmeriCorps is funded in part through a state grant provided by SerVermont from the Corporation for National and Community Service. To learn more and apply, visit ECO AmeriCorps. 

Contact Bowman at Dustin.Bowman@Vermont.gov with any questions.