AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SPECIALIST II (Contractual)

The Certified Local Farm Enterprise program is a new program within MDA. We’re looking for someone with a background in agriculture to join our marketing team.  This position will be responsible for working with businesses to businesses for institutional buyers.  Primary duties include direct communications with farmers and institutional buyers and aiding in decision-making.  Your efforts will create a foundation to promote better access to local food and a more healthful diet for many throughout the state. 

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Maryland Department of Agriculture

50 Harry S Truman Pkwy. Annapolis, MD 21401

This position plans, develops and implements marketing projects to expand trade opportunities and economic growth for Maryland's agricultural business sector to support the production, distribution and consumption of Maryland agricultural products to institution markets. This contributes to the success of the Department of Agriculture in its mission to support the profitability of agriculture by marketing Maryland agricultural products.

Plans, develops, and implements specific marketing projects designed to promote, encourage and support the production, distribution and consumption  of Maryland agricultural products especially with State and Local Institutions.

Develop, prepare, and maintain automated and manual record keeping systems for producer vendors, procurement records, assigned state agencies, and associated reports from the Certified Local Farm Enterprise (CLFE) program.

Support agency personnel in implementing CLFE program best practices; develop and facilitate CFLE training and compliance-related meetings; and assist agency personnel in resolving CFLE complaints.

Participate in regular staff meetings; complete a monthly report of accomplishments for theprior month and a work plan for the coming month (including key dates, budget, and MFR goals).

Analyze, write and recommend to administrator new or revised legislation affecting agriculturemarketing opportunities.

Experience: Six years of experience, two years of successful, progressively responsible experience in marketing, marketing research, economic analysis or a phase of the production, promotion or distribution of agricultural products and an additional four years of experience in the area of economics, mathematics, statistics, marketing, consumer behavior, marketing research, sales, advertising, or public affairs.

Notes: 

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of successful, progressively responsible experience in marketing, marketing research, economic analysis or a phase of the production, promotion or distribution of agricultural products for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours of graduate education from an accredited college or university for five years of the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in business and industry classification or business and industry specialty codes in the agricultural marketing field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience connecting urban or rural agriculture\food businesses to institutional markets.

Experience with government procurement.

Grant management experience

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture  Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway,  Annapolis, MD  21401. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application. If you are unable to upload, you may mail,hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831). All paper applications must be received by the closing date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.)

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.  We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.