Livestock Marketing Specialist #00587

Title: Livestock Marketing Specialist #00587

State Role Title: PR & Mktg Spec III

Hiring Range: $44,192 - $61,000 annually

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: MOBILE WORKERS SW

Agency Website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a Livestock Marketing Specialist for the Shenandoah Valley Region of Virginia. This position will be responsible for working livestock markets primarily in Rockingham, Augusta, and Highland Counties, as well as the Lynchburg Livestock Market. This position will require routine regional travel from Botetourt to Frederick Counties. This position has primary responsibility to provide quality, official, uniform, and unbiased grading, evaluation, and analysis of livestock based on official USDA grade standards for the benefit of Virginia producers, livestock markets, on farm for tel-o-auctions, and board sales within the assigned region. This position also assists in the coordination of marketing and promotional strategies for the livestock industry designed to bring buyers and sellers together; add value and enhance profit potential for Virginia livestock producers. This position will act as the program fleet vehicle coordinator.

The selected individual will establish and work from a home office under the direction of the Program Manager and be required to meet all established agency and program deadlines. The home office must have reliable access to a network for mobile communications. The selected individual will be required to live in or convenient to the assigned territory. A state vehicle will be provided for business use only and must remain parked within the assigned territory. This position requires daily travel as well as irregular work hours which include weekends, early morning, late evenings and/or holidays. Assigned schedules may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Occasional travel to other parts of the Commonwealth may be required based on program business needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of the principles and practices of animal agriculture and livestock production, USDA grade standards for livestock grading and evaluation, and marketing activities especially as related to agriculture or livestock production. Ability to collect and analyze agricultural market data for market news reporting; and to assist in the coordination and implementation of promotional programs, activities and plans. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with the general public, customers, agricultural community, and all levels of management and industry representatives. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to handle high stress situations effectively; to work independently and make decisions with limited supervision and work within a team environment; to organize multiple priorities. This position involves significant physical activity that includes being in an enclosed area with livestock, and the ability to lift 50 pounds. Proficiency using standard business software such as MS Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Power Point etc. Other conditions include dusty, muddy, and noisy conditions, standing for long periods of time, driving, repetitive motions and working outdoors in extreme cold or heat. Must be able to meet the qualifications for USDA grading certification within six months of employment. Must have (or be eligible for) and maintain a valid driver’s license and have a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. HS Diploma/GED required.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training, and experience indicating possession of the proceeding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of animal science, agriculture, agricultural marketing, or a related field. Experience with livestock grading and evaluation, promotional strategies, program design and implementation. Experience in a business environment related to the livestock or agricultural industry.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that before we can legally employ an individual, we must verify both the identity and employment authorization of the individual. VDACS uses Form I-9 to satisfy this requirement. Form I-9, instructions, and the List of Acceptable Documents can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9. VDACS does not offer sponsorship for employment purposes; therefore, the selected candidate will need to be able to provide acceptable documents in accordance with Form I-9 (use link above for more details). Additionally, VDACS participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional assistance with this requirement, please contact hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov.

Final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 Layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.