By Yaël Ossowski | Vermont Watchdog
In keeping with Vermont Watchdog‘s mission of keeping state government accountable, a quick peek at the state payroll is always important.
The state of Vermont has 7,805 public employees, according to the Department of Human Resources, a number that has stayed relatively stable for a decade.
The average state employee in Vermont is 47 years old, gets paid $52,686 and has worked for the government for 12 years. There’s an 86 percent chance they’re in some kind of union.
Loaded with these facts, it’s time to unveil the 10 oddest state jobs in Vermont you didn’t know your taxes paid for.
Chief performance officer
This high-profile position is held by Susan Zeller in the Department of Agency Administration.
Military storekeeper
The military storekeeper works in the Department of Military and has an annual salary of $38,480.
Taxpayer advocate
The state’s Taxpayer Advocate, Gloria Hobson, works in the Department of Taxes for an annual salary of $77,376.
State economist
Vermont pays its state economist $69,992.
Director Captive Insurance
The director works in the Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities for $108,243 annually.
Dairy products specialist
This lactose-heavy job pockets $61,277 a year.
Director of the commission on women
This executive position pays $76,586 a year to “help women achieve legal, economic, social, and political equality,” according to its website.
Education consultant
This high-profile job is one of the top positions in the Vermont Department of Education
Sex offender supervisor
Housed in the Department of Corrections, this job offers $62,650 a year.
Fish culture specialist
Vermont has at least 15 fish culture specialists, each earning up to $75,000 a year.
