AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SPECIALIST III

Maryland Department of Agriculture Headquarters - Annapolis, Maryland

Manage the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and for Seniors. Ensure prompt response to information inquiries from the public and within the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), and promote agricultural products and opportunities through educational and marketing activities.

Manage FMNP WIC and Senior Programs - Apply for and administer grants, in consultation with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Aging.  Includes identifying available fiscal resources, developing budget and operating plan, monitoring agreements, developing and distributing program materials, maintaining database records and ensuring that requirements are met for program audit.

Plan, develop and execute marketing and agribusiness development projects - Promote the production, distribution and consumption of Maryland agricultural products, especially innovative, niche, certified organic and value-added products.  Includes market research, attendance at trade shows and conferences, meeting with agricultural industry associations, writing and distributing promotional and educational literature, and working with businesses to meet organic and health department standards in the development of organic, on-farm value-added, and other specialty and niche products.

The incumbent of this position is required to maintain confidentiality, participate in regular Marketing staff meetings, complete monthly reports, assist in developing/meeting program goals, collaborate effectively with agency staff, and participate in agency-wide initiatives.

Education:    A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Three years of successful, progressively responsible experience in marketing, marketing research, economic analysis or a phase of the production, promotion or distribution of agricultural products.

Notes:

1. Additional experience in the area of economics, mathematics, statistics, marketing, consumer behavior, marketing research, sales, advertising, or public affairs may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

2. Applicants may substitute 30 credits of graduate education from an accredited college or university for one year 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 and education.

Strong preference will be given to applicants that possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding the qualifications.

Bachelor's Degree in Agribusiness, Marketing, Business, Economics, Communications, Journalism or closely related field.

One year experience coordinating or managing a federally funded food or agricultural program.

One year experience preparing government grant applications and administering grants.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  All information (such as diplomas and transcripts) 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 employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

The incumbent in this position is a member of a covered bargaining unit and will be required to pay a bi-weekly service fee to the exclusive representative of the bargaining unit.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application. Online applications are STRONGLY preferred, however paper applications will be accepted from candidates who may not have internet access.  All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.)

If you are submitting additional information, such as transcripts or certifications, 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).  Mailing Address: Maryland Department of Agriculture, Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD  21401. For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Mary Darling at 410-841-5847 or mary.darling@maryland.gov

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

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.