Job description

This Senior Agricultural Development Coordinator position will have leadership responsibilities for developing a Vermont produce safety program, engaging with farmers and food processers, and serving as an agency liaison with food safety stakeholders. Tasks will include recommending regulatory framework for the development of a state program, managing the Specialty Crop Block grant program, coordinating data collection and evaluation, cohosting public input sessions, and collaborating within Vermont, the Northeast region, and across the country to harmonize state programs in response to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements.

Experience collaboratively managing relationships with growers, manufacturers, state and federal regulatory agencies, nonprofit partners, funders, and technical assistance providers is preferred. Legal experience is desired. Knowledge of the legislative process, the produce industry, and strong skills in group facilitation is ideal.

Please view the position's entire job specification at:
http://humanresources.vermont.gov/classification_hiring/classification/job_specifications?code=470100

Senior Agricultural Development Coordinator
Job Code: 470100
Pay Plan: Classified
Pay Grade: 25
Occupational Category: Media Design, Marketing & Related
Effective Date: 06/02/2013

Class Definition: Leadership in promotional, marketing and development work for the Agricultural Development Division involving the expansion of markets for Vermont agricultural products. Duties include a leadership role with the agricultural community in marketing, production and infrastructure development. Work is performed under the supervision of the director of Agricultural Development and Agriculture Policy Administrators in the Ag Development Division. Extensive interaction with various agricultural producers, marketing groups, and media representatives is involved.

Examples of Work: Job duties will include promoting local foods by working with schools, institutions, government, companies and farmers so that more local food could be purchased by the consumer. Leads team in the design and implementation of comprehensive programs to promote the sale of Vermont agricultural products. Analyzes market data and analysis to determine current use of Vermont agricultural products, including in-state, out-of-state, and international markets and determines next steps. Works directly with producers, shippers, wholesalers, retailers and government officials to lead the discussion on actions to overcome problems and facilitate new and expanded markets. Works directly with commodity representatives, food buyers, chain stores, independent grocers, and the media to develop markets and effective procedures for the promotion of specific agricultural products. Accesses current technical assistance programs for agricultural producers and develops new programs to formulate new products and more efficient production methods. Identifies and organizes requests for funding from governmental, industry, and interest groups for promotional campaigns. Manages any funds obtained from governmental, industry and interest groups including designing and implementing program, tracking budget and reporting results to funding agent. Interacts with others to arrange promotions to recruit farmers and agricultural businesses to locate in Vermont. Designs and implements a variety of promotional materials and program reports including working on the Agency's newspaper - Agriview. Speaks before a variety of consumer, producer, processor, shipper, and sales publics. Determines Agency participation in both in-state and out-of-state trade shows. Performs related duties as required.

Environmental Factors: Duties are performed in a variety of settings, including office, producer and market sites, and public events. Substantial in-state and some out-of-state travel is involved for which private reliable means of transportation must be available. Considerable public contact and communication, both verbally and in writing, is expected. An incumbent must coordinate activities with other departmental staff, director of Agriculture Development and interact considerably with agricultural business people, interest groups and the general public. Certain required activities will occur outside of normal office hours.

Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Considerable knowledge of marketing principles and practices. Considerable knowledge of economic factors involved in the production and marketing of products. Considerable knowledge of the methodology of statistical data gathering, compilation and evaluation. Considerable knowledge of the basic laws of economics. Considerable ability to organize activities to accomplish objectives in a timely and cost effective manner. Considerable ability to address a variety of publics in a positive and persuasive manner. Considerable ability to communicate, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships.

Education and Experience:
Education: Master's degree in the field of agriculture, economics, marketing, public relations, communications or advertising.
Experience: Two years at or above a technical level in agriculture, marketing, public relations, communications or advertising.
OR
Education: Bachelor's degree in the field of agriculture, economics, marketing, public relations, communications or advertising.
Experience: Four years at or above a technical level in agriculture, marketing, public relations, communications or advertising.
OR
Education: Associate's degree in the field of agriculture, economics, marketing, public relations, communications or advertising.
Experience: Six years at or above a technical level in agriculture, marketing, public relations, communications or advertising.
OR
Education: High School diploma or equivalent.
Experience: Eight years at or above a technical level in agriculture, marketing, public relations, communications or advertising.

Compensation

this position is:

Application instructions

Deadline

October 24, 2014