Agriculture Promotion Specialist

DEFINITION

This is professional public contact work for the Department of Agriculture in the intrastate promotion of agricultural organizations, livestock events, alternative crops or marketing outlets.

An employee in this class is responsible for statewide promotional activities for the Divisions of Market Development and State Fair in areas such as forage, livestock, horticultural crops, state fair shows or commodity organizations. Work includes the development, organization and presentation of information to individuals and agricultural groups. In addition, the employee participates in the preparation of news releases, brochures, pamphlets and other articles for publication. Work may also include assisting with the management and supervision of livestock facilities at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Work is performed under the general supervision of the program administrator or other designated superior and is primarily reviewed through conferences and the submission of activity reports; however, the employee exercises independence and initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities within established guidelines.

Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledges, skills and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Organizes and conducts meetings and workshops designed to inform participants of changing state and federal regulations pertaining to agricultural marketing.

Provides information and assistance to individuals wishing to establish agricultural marketing organizations; assists with the organization and promotion of farmer's markets, roadside stands, pick-your-own operations and other marketing methods.

Promotes the establishment of horticultural crops as an alternative or supplement to traditional planting practices.

Represents the Department on various committees as directed by the program administrator.

Functions as liaison between agricultural marketing organizations and advertising firms, food product brokers and state and federal agencies.

Participates in commodity organization board and committee meetings; apprises members of changes in federal and state regulations and other items of interest.

Provides information concerning Missouri's quality hay program to livestock producers, market owners and operators, veterinarians and the general public via the operation of the hay hotline and maintenance of the hay directory.

Assists producers and organizations in the promotion of Missouri feeder livestock.

Develops proclamations for commodity groups and submits requests for the Governor's approval.

Secures prizes, awards and recognition items for Missouri State Fair competitions.

Pursues plans of action to attract local, state and national livestock events to be held at Missouri State Fairgrounds.

Assists with the management, supervision and coordination of selected facilities for successful fair events.

Prepares and edits brochures, pamphlets, organization directories and other marketing-related informational packets.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Working knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to the marketing of agricultural products.

Working knowledge of the principles and practices of marketing and public relations.

Working knowledge of the methods and techniques of disseminating information to the general public.

Ability to prepare and present information to agricultural organizations and the general public.

Ability to create promotional materials to stimulate public interest and support for marketing programs.

Ability to communicate effectively and to prepare complete and concise reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, agricultural groups and associations, community organizations, government officials and the general public.

Ability to work varying schedules and to travel in the performance of assigned duties.

Ability to independently establish and complete daily work schedules.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

(The following entrance requirements are used to admit or reject applicants for merit system examinations, or may be used to evaluate applicants for employment in positions not requiring selection from merit system registers. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for deficiencies in experience or education.)

One year of professional marketing, agribusiness or closely related experience; and graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with specialization in agriculture, marketing, public relations, business or public administration or closely related areas. (Graduate education in the above areas may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for deficiencies in the required experience.)

(Rev. 3/1/95)