Agriculture Program Specialist

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) in Wisconsin is hiring an Agriculture Program Specialist in the Division of Animal Health. The role focuses on maintaining business continuity for animal agriculture, providing training and customer assistance to Wisconsin businesses and producers, and coordinating policy analysis for the SFS program.

The position offers remote work up to 6 days per 2-week pay period with an approved agreement; located at Prairie Oaks State

Qualifications

• Experience managing or implementing a program (i.e., communications, outreach, partnership building, customer service, program evaluation and planning, and/or policy)
• Experience researching information to come to a decision or next step (i.e.: administrative codes, laws, internet, policies, rules).
• Experience presenting program information including professional presentations, reports, and data analysis

Responsibilities

• Provide agricultural program resources, training and customer assistance to Wisconsin businesses and producers.
• Plan, coordinate, guide, and analyze policies for the Wisconsin Secure Food Supply (SFS) program.
• Support continuity for animal agricultural industries by ensuring SFS plans are scientifically supported and implemented.

Skills

Program management

Policy analysis

Presentation of program information

Job description

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection ( DATCP )works hard to protect and promote Wisconsin’s agricultural industries and consumers. As an agency, we strive to serve the people of Wisconsin assuring: safe, wholesome food; consumer protection and fair business practices; animal and plant health; a clean environment; and strong agriculture and commerce. To successfully attain these goals, we recognize our success hinges on the diverse, high quality, dedicated staff we employ.

DATCP currently has an opening for an Agriculture Program Specialist position within the Division of Animal Health.

This position is located at the Prairie Oaks State Office Building situated on Madison’s southeast side and a beautifully wooded and scenic hilltop venue. Our employees enjoy low-cost parking at the facility and are only minutes away from the Beltline Highway, Interstate 90 and Highway 51 for quick access to local restaurants, retail and service locations.

Remote Work Option: This position may have the ability to work remotely up to 6 days per 2-week pay period! An approved remote work agreement is required before an employee may work remotely. Approval of the employee’s remote work agreement and work schedule will vary based on the operational needs of the Division. All DATCP employees who work remotely are required to live in Wisconsin.

Employee Benefits: This position offers the State of Wisconsin’s excellent benefits package , which includes 3.5 weeks of paid time off tostart, 9 paid holidays, accrued sick leave, multiple insurance options and an exceptional retirement plan!

This posting may be used to fill future similar vacancies.

Position Summary

Under close to general supervision of the Budget and Policy Supervisor, this position provides agricultural program resources, training and customer assistance to Wisconsin businesses and producers. This position provides planning, coordination, guidance, and policy analysis for the Wisconsin Secure Food Supply (SFS) program.

Responsibilities of this position are related to maintaining business continuity for animal agricultural industries: ensure that SFS plans are scientifically supported, developed and incorporate applicable priority planning elements; provide technical assistance to food and agriculture producers, processors, transporters and allied industries; collaborate with regional and national agricultural coalitions on SFS planning and preparedness efforts; and assist with training and exercise planning, design, development, conduct, and evaluation to prevent and mitigate disease outbreaks thus reducing producers financial burden.

The classification of these positions is Agriculture Program Specialist, which is in schedule-range 07-04 with a starting pay of $25.00 per hour to $28.00 per hour, based on qualifications.

This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit. A 12-month probationary period is required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan at the time of hire.

At DATCP, we strive to deliver efficient and effective programs and services to Wisconsin agriculture, consumers, and businesses.The Department has numerous on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities, unique to each Bureau.

These OJT opportunities and transferrable skills include direct experience and practice through collaboration with co-workers/supervisor, job shadowing, and internal/external conferences.

A criminal background check will be performed on the selected applicant prior to an offer of employment.

Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to provide one’s own transportation for work purposes is required. The employee may be required to attend events on occasion.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified candidates will have each of the following:

• Experience managing or implementing a program (i.e., communications, outreach, partnership building, customer service, program evaluation and planning, and/or policy)
• Experience researching information to come to a decision or next step (i.e.: administrative codes, laws, internet, policies, rules).
• Experience presenting program information including professional presentations, reports, and data analysis

In addition to the minimum qualifications above, highly qualified candidates will have one or more of the following:

• Experience delivering agricultural technical assistance and outreach directly to producers and/or industry experts (i.e. consulting on best practices, biosecurity, animal disease testing)
• Experience with program management including planning, design, and development of performance measures, progress reports and result assessments
• Training or experience with National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command Systems (ICS)

How To Apply

DATCP is an Equal Opportunity and Affinative Action employer. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.