This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice. Applicants are advised to apply promptly.
A Non-Merit vacancy exits in the Department of Economic and Workforce Development for an Agricultural Business Development Specialist.
Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.
Regular Schedule: 34 hours per week plus County benefits.
A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.
Current and future vacancies occurring in this class may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.
All interested candidates must apply at this time.
List all
promotions and
changes in job duties due to
reclassification as separate work experiences on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.
You
may attach your transcript(s)/degree(s) and professional license(s)/certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.
Examples of Duties
Job Purpose
Under the general supervision of the Chief, Agriculture, the Agricultural Business Development Specialist plans, develops and implements marketing projects to promote agribusiness and agritourism, and expand economic opportunities for Baltimore County’s agricultural business sector. This position works closely with County agricultural business to support the production, distribution and consumption of Baltimore County’s agricultural products to market. In addition, the Specialist provides support to Agriculture Advisory Board.
Essential Job Duties
The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform:
- Monitor trends in Baltimore County's key agricultural sectors: commodity crops, equine, value-added products/agritourism, pasture/managed forest, urban farming, livestock, farm-based education, and horticulture.
- Engage with agricultural community members to understand challenges, opportunities, and sector priorities.
- Collaborate with the Chief of Agriculture to develop and implement initiatives supporting the growth of the County’s agricultural sector.
- Identify and cultivate new business opportunities within agriculture, building relationships with farmers, distributors, and industry stakeholders.
- Foster strong relationships with farmers, cooperatives, distributors, retailers, and key agricultural players through networking and outreach.
- Develop expertise in key agricultural sectors: farming, equine, ag-tourism, and horticulture.
- Participate in studies, reviews, and discussions on the agricultural sector with other Baltimore County offices, including Planning, Sustainability, Environmental Protection, and Permits.
- Inventory and promote Baltimore County’s agricultural assets and resources to stakeholders.
- Support the integration of agricultural services into the Department’s strategic and operational plans.
- Partner with the workforce team to promote recruitment and job training in agriculture.
- Communicate with farm owners and agribusinesses to advocate for their needs and resolve issues.
- Present at community meetings, roundtables, public events, and official ceremonies as needed.
- Ensure accurate and up-to-date project and farm data is maintained in the client management system.
- Provide guidance on navigating County, State, and Federal regulations affecting farms and agribusinesses.
- Maintain an inventory of federal, state, and local economic development programs to assist businesses and communities.
- Contribute to the development of promotional programs targeting specific agricultural markets.
Examples Of Other Duties
Performs other related duties assigned.
NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.
Qualifications
Preferred Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Public Administration, Marketing, Public Policy, Business or a related field;
Plus
Minimum of four years of professional experience;
Or
Equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Experience
Five to seven years of experience in the Agricultural Services sector.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- Strong knowledge or experience in agriculture, including agronomy, livestock care, crop cultivation, farm economics, conservation planning, forestry management, and ecological sustainability.
- Familiarity with local, state, federal, and non-governmental organizations addressing agricultural issues in Maryland and Baltimore County.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and coordinate or delegate projects as needed.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other Windows-based software, as well as client management systems.
- Skilled in setting goals and managing projects to support the department’s mission.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage government personnel, business leaders, elected officials, and stakeholders.
- Effective in a fast-paced office environment.
- Experience in grant administration, management, and oversight, with familiarity in handling federal and/or state funding (a plus).
- Capable of delivering presentations to various stakeholders.
- Collaborative team player with the ability to work across different organizational units.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently to achieve objectives.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and county staff.
- Strong analytical skills for interpreting and analyzing data.
- Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce reports, policies, procedures, and resource materials.
- Coordinate and participate in industry and public events such as fairs and field days.
- Ability to recruit, train, and supervise interns.
- Flexible and able to work varying schedules, including evenings and weekends.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a noncommercial, class C Maryland driver's license is required at the time of appointment.
Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
Applicants are required to submit proof of education and licenses to meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application by the closing date of the job posting.
Proof of Degree Equivalency
Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc.
(www.WES.org)
Mail Or Deliver Documents To
ATTN: Agricultural Business Development Specialist
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Ave.
Towson, MD 21204
You
may attach your transcript(s)/degree(s) and professional license(s)/certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.
EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.
Conditions of Employment
Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to a criminal background, education, and fingerprint check.
Employment Benefits for Non-Merit or Non-Classified, Part-Time Employees
Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.
Smoke free workplace
All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.
Drug free workplace
Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.
Employee Assistance Program
Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.
Health Insurance
In order to qualify for health insurance benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance), part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.
Benefits
Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include:
Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.
Life Insurance
In order to qualify for life insurance benefits, part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.
Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.
Retirement
Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System, with very limited exceptions.
Paid Leave
Sick Leave - Monthly sick leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. No maximum on accrual. Accrued balance can be applied toward service credit at retirement.
Vacation Leave - Monthly vacation leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. Earnings increase after five, ten and fifteen years of service generally.
Holidays - Part-time 30 to 39 hour non-merit or non-classified employees will generally be paid for ten holidays per calendar year. Other part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees working 29 hours per week or less will receive two paid holidays per calendar year. These holidays are the Christmas holiday and the Independence Day holiday.
Bereavement Leave
Jury Leave
Military Leave
Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union
Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.
Direct Deposit
Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.
Deferred Compensation
Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.
Disclaimer
This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.
