Food & Agricultural Development Specialist
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23142721
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The Montana Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for our Food & Agriculture Development Specialist. The first review of candidates will be September 25, 2023. This position is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule and once training is complete may report to one of our field offices outside of Helena.
The Montana Department of Agriculture is serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky.
The Agricultural Development & Marketing Division is responsible for administering programs that promote and enhance Montana agriculture.
Job Overview:
This position is principally responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a variety of business and industry development activities that promote and sustain both individual agri-businesses and statewide food and agriculture systems. The incumbent will serve as the Program Manager for the Food & Agriculture Development Center Network and will coordinate and participate in strategic planning and development initiatives across the Network. Serves as a program liaison with citizen stakeholder programs and organizations to promote local food systems development. The position coordinates with other Bureau staff according to the needs and objectives of the programs, Bureau, Division, and the Department. Duties include program development and administration, program implementation, and other duties as necessary to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Bureau and Agency.
As a Food & Agriculture Development Specialist, you will:
Assess program and client needs and ensure that program objectives are met.
Work with community members and other stakeholders to identify necessary programs and services.
Identify, suggest, or implement improvements to programs and services.
Plan and oversee outreach activities.
Review, interpret, and monitor compliance with guidelines, laws, and regulations.
Prepare reports.
May provide training or technical assistance to partners.
May coordinate activities of program committees or other groups and plan procedures.
Recommend, manage, and control program budgets authorized by the legislature.
Work within programs funding sources to ensure compliance with regulations, legislative and rule change, and secured funds.
Develop needs assessments, reporting requirements, and data measurements to determine program effectiveness.
Oversee administrative aspects of programs to meet the objectives of the stakeholders.
Create and develop policies or program guidelines.
Conduct public outreach and partnership development and develop, analyze, and research marketing and sales strategies.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
Works in an office environment. Position requires the ability to move at least 25 pounds on an occasional basis. The position is generally sedentary in nature, but incumbents typically perform some light stretching, reaching, twisting, stooping, and bending when performing routine office duties.
Work frequently involves travelling to perform duties including sales, deliveries, marketing campaigns, data collection, and attending conferences.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds during trade show activities and conferences (e.g., equipment, booths, publications, etc.).
Ability to work effectively under challenging situations associated with linguistic barriers, cultural differences and social protocols, and travel displacement (i.e., jet lag).
Work may involve long hours outside of a normal working day.
Travel may involve adverse weather conditions, isolated areas, or conditions that may be dusty or noisy.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Extensive knowledge of the concepts and theories of business administration, marketing, and business protocols.
Knowledge of business administration principles and practices; program management; contract administration principles.
Knowledge of economic issues related to agriculture; AFTD Bureau goals; legislative processes; strategic marketing and planning practices; and statistical demographics and analysis.
Skills in program management, plan implementation.
Skills in applying advanced research methods and techniques; explaining technical concepts to a variety of audiences including government officials, agri-business representatives and producers; as well as persuading others to adopt a positive perception of Montanas agri-business environment.
Ability to apply analysis and judgment in arriving at solutions to routine, unusual, and unprecedented business problems.
Ability to apply innovation, judgment, and professional expertise to the effective development, implementation, and operation of a new program.
Knowledge of market development and program promotion techniques.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelors Degree in business, marketing, economic development, agriculture, or related field.
Two years of work experience in a related field.
Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Benefits:
Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation package! Upon date of hire, employees working at least half-time for more than six months are eligible for state paid premiums toward employee core medical, dental, and basic life insurance coverage. Employees earn 15 working days of annual leave, 12 days of sick leave and 10-11 paid holidays each year. Membership in a Retirement System – vesting criteria applies.
Applicant Pool Statement
: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.
Training Assignment
: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.
Salary: $ 31.00 – 33.06 Hourly
Telework Eligibility
: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)
Benefits Package Eligibility
: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan
Number of Openings
: 1
Employee Status
: Regular
Schedule
: Full-Time
Shift
: Day Job
Travel
: Yes, 15 % of the Time
Primary Location
: Helena
Other Locations
: Bozeman, Billings, Missoula, Great Falls
Agency
: Department of Agriculture
Union
: Montana Federation of Public Employees
Posting Date
: Sep 12, 2023, 12:01:40 PM
Closing Date (based on your computer’s timezone): Ongoing
Required Application Materials
: Cover Letter, Resume
Contact Name
: Traci Merzlak |
Contact Email
: Traci.merzlak@mt.gov |
Contact Phone
: 406-444-3145