AGRICULTURAL PROMOTIONAL COORDINATOR

(LIVESTOCK SPECIALIST)

-ANTICIPATED VACANCY-

Opening Date:

May 05, 2025

Closing Date:

May 19, 2025

Location:

Augusta

Position #:

00500-0064

Position Type:

Permanent Full Time 

Class Code:

9004

Grade/Salary:

Grade 24 - $51,688.00 - $72,467.20 Per Year

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry (DACF) is recruiting for a full-time Agricultural Promotional Coordinator (Livestock Specialist) position in Augusta.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position is responsible for providing regulatory and DACF program-related technical assistance to livestock producers, as well as overseeing, evaluating, and developing programs to improve and support animal agricultural production in Maine. Other essential responsibilities include but are not limited to providing technical assistance to promote and expand good health practices for the livestock industry and investigating the availability of agriculturally related DACF program education and market support opportunities. The position will facilitate Maine producers’ access to and awareness of these opportunities and assist state and federal veterinarians with monitoring animal and zoonotic diseases and the prevention and/or management of disease outbreaks. The position will also conduct biosecurity outreach and will serve as a DACF liaison to stakeholders, promoting DACF programs and Animal Health Program goals. This is a field-based position, reporting to Augusta as directed by supervisors. Fieldwork will include attending livestock dealer auctions, agricultural fairs, exhibitions, sales, and other events and meetings.

For questions specific to the position, please contact Megan Patterson at: Megan.L.Patterson@maine.gov

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Production, Natural Resources Management, Marketing, Media/Communications, or directly related field and four (4) years’ experience in agricultural management, marketing, and/or related field. Related training and experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Additional Requirements: Applicants interested in this position must answer the Supplemental Questions listed below and submit these answers with a completed State of Maine Direct Hire application by May 16, 2025.

                                                   SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

1. Describe in detail a program you have developed or overseen that assists livestock producers, and explain how that program has improved, expanded, or promoted livestock production. 
2. Describe any specific hands-on experience you have had in providing technical assistance to livestock producers relative to good health practices. Please explain what type of assistance was provided and how it improved livestock health practices.
3. Outline the direct involvement you have had in developing and implementing a promotional or educational program. Specifically, the scope of the project, the target audience, the activities undertaken, and the measurable results.

                                                    INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "APPLY" button below along with uploading a Cover Letter, answers to the Supplemental Questions, and a current Resume. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you can't apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter, answers to the Supplemental Questions, and a detailed Resume, before the closing date, to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.

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No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96-$13,172.88 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  
• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  
• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.  Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting.  If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.