State of Maryland

An Agricultural Marketing Specialist Trainee is the entry level of work in the field of Agricultural Marketing Services.   Employees in this classification assist producers and distributors of Maryland agricultural products by providing product promotional services, monitoring and reporting economic conditions and coordinating and channeling information among producers, distributors and buyers.  The work of this classification normally involves completion of assigned projects within overall program objectives and established parameters.  The scope of assignment generally includes gathering and analysis of statistical data, participation in ongoing promotional projects involving specific products or product groups, and considerable contact with representatives of producer associations, marketing organizations and other groups in order to provide advice and assistance in marketing efforts.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive close supervision and work assignments from the Chief of Marketing Services or from higher-level Agricultural Marketing Specialists. Work assignments will normally increase in scope, variety and complexity as knowledge and experience are gained on the job.  Work performance is evaluated through review of reports and an assessment of the effectiveness and validity of recommendations made.             

Positions in this classification are evaluated using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work Sections of the class specification.           

The Agricultural Marketing Specialist Trainee, Agricultural Marketing Specialist I, and Agricultural Marketing Specialist II are differentiated on the basis of the degree of supervisory control exercised by the supervisor over these employees.  The Agricultural Marketing Specialist Trainee performs duties under close supervision.  The Agricultural Marketing Specialist I performs duties under close supervision at times and under general supervision at other times depending upon the complexity of the specific duty being performed.  The Agricultural Marketing Specialist II performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.

Learns to participate in the planning, development and implementation of specific marketing projects designed to promote, encourage and support the production and distribution of Maryland agricultural products;

Learns to assist other marketing specialists in a phase of the planning, coordination and implementation of large scale marketing surveys, promotional projects, food shows or exhibitions;

Learns to gather statistical information concerning production, distribution, sales or related data and compiles such information into meaningful formats suitable for distribution to the public;

Learns to analyze statistical data and identify and report trends, indications or other significant interpretations;

Learns to contact retail, institutional or intermediary marketers of agricultural products to exchange information concerning supply or demand of particular product groups or to encourage the distribution or use of products;

Learns to prepare materials and utilizes various media to inform consumers concerning agricultural products;

Learns to compile data to be used in buyer’s guides, promotional publications or statistical reports;

Learns to meet with various producer associations or marketing organizations to assist in planning and implementing promotional campaigns, exhibitions, shows or sales;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the principles of marketing, to include basic market research techniques and procedures;

Knowledge of the basic practices and procedures of business administration;

Knowledge of basic statistical analysis and interpretation;

Ability to apply the principles of marketing in developing or participating in market surveys, promotional campaigns, or marketing system analysis, pertaining to particular products or product groups;

Ability to present information in a creative, tasteful and effective manner;

Ability to arrange, compose or edit factual information into a form appropriate to educate, inform, persuade or instill a desired image in a target audience;

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.  

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G, Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.  

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.  

This classification is one level in a Non-Competitive Promotion (NCP) series.  NCP promotions are promotions by which employees may advance in grade and class level from trainee to full performance level in a classification series.  In order to be non-competitively promoted to the next level in a NCP series, an employee must: 1) perform the main purpose of the class, as defined by the Nature of Work section of the class specification; 2) receive the type of supervision defined in the class specification and 3) meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.