AGRICULTURAL EXPORT FACILITY MANAGER

DEFINITION

This is professional and administrative work for the Department of Agriculture in the promotion and management of an agricultural export facility.

The employee in this class is responsible for promoting and managing the services of an export facility under the auspices of the Division of Market Development, such as the one located at the Kansas City International (KCI) Airport. Work includes responding to inquiries from potential agricultural exporters regarding facility services, capacity and availability and may involve assisting with obtaining cost estimates and schedules for shipments via the airline industry or other commercial carriers. In addition, the employee is responsible for coordinating shipments into and out of the facility and for ensuring compliance with regulations relating to the transportation of agricultural products and livestock and the associated sanitary requirements. Work is performed under the general supervision of the administrator of the International Marketing Program or other designated superior in planning and managing the day-to-day operation of the facility.

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

Provides potential customers with information relating to the services, cost, capacity and availability of the facility; may assist potential customers with obtaining other relevant export information such as shipping costs, airline scheduling or import requirements of foreign countries.

Prepares export facility budget recommendations; administers approved budget; prepares requisitions for operational supplies and equipment; maintains operational records.

Participates in trade shows, expositions, livestock shows and fairs to create awareness and stimulate maximum utilization of the facility; designs exhibits and develops slide presentations to promote the services of the export facility.

Conducts tours of the facility for potential exporters, government officials and representatives from foreign countries.

Notifies the United States Department of Agriculture assigned veterinarian of incoming livestock shipments; assists with unloading, loading and, when necessary, crating livestock in order to facilitate federal inspection or preparation for further movement.

Maintains the export facility and surrounding grounds in an orderly and sanitary condition; ensures the quality of agricultural products and livestock while at the facility.

Serves as the Department of Agriculture liaison with aviation and air cargo industry officials affiliated with the assigned export facility.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of regulations relating to the transportation and exportation of agricultural products and livestock.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of livestock care and handling.

Considerable knowledge of the practices and procedures of facility management and sanitation.

Ability to obtain and coordinate shipping schedules to maximize facility utilization.

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

Ability to independently establish and complete daily work schedules and to supervise temporary workers.

Ability to prepare and present information to agricultural organizations, producers and the general public relating to the services provided by the facility.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, agricultural organizations, representatives from foreign governments, state and federal officials, cargo carriers, aviation officials and the general public.

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.)

Two years of experience in one or more of the areas described below; and graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with specialization in agriculture, business or public administration or closely related areas.

AREAS OF QUALIFYING EXPERIENCE

1. Professional experience in the agricultural industry which affords a knowledge of agri-business management and the regulations and practices relating to the marketing and transportation of livestock or other agricultural products.

2. Professional experience in the public or private sector in the area of facility management and/or promotion.

(Eff. 1/1/93)