AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE SPECIALIST 2 DEFINITION:
Under direction of a coordinator, program manager, or other supervisor in the NJ Department of Agriculture or a local government jurisdiction, is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining agricultural or related natural resource management programs, following guidelines/policies/procedures; does other related duties as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK Provides technical assistance to government and private agencies/individuals to facilitate, promote, and coordinate agricultural resource management services.
Reviews operating policies/procedures of local agricultural resource management offices and prepares reports of findings to both recommend how implementation can be carried out or improved and to ensure implementation of a consistent/effective program.
Evaluates land to determine its suitability for inclusion in farmland preservation programs, soil and water conservation projects, or other agricultural resource management programs.
Conducts field investigations for the purpose of developing agricultural retention methods for New Jersey in cooperation with government agencies.
Reviews requests for financial aid submitted by local agencies to the Department of Agriculture for compliance with state agricultural resource management program guidelines/requirements.
Analyzes, reviews, and prepares reports on all levels of new and current government regulations/policies related to agricultural resource management and environmental or land use management to evaluate impact on agricultural management programs.
Prepares reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations concerning agricultural resource management programs to inform department management and other government agencies and individuals.
Participates in public meetings/conferences as a technical resource person to represent the department=s agricultural interest.
Serves as liaison between the agency and other government agencies to effectively implement state agricultural resource management programs.
Plans, initiates, and encourages development of agricultural resource management information programs in coordination with other agricultural agencies.
Maintains records and files.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Six (6) years of professional experience in reviewing, developing, implementing, and maintaining agricultural, environmental, or land use management programs in the public or private sector, including or supplemented by twelve (12) semester hour credits in one or a combination of the following courses: agricultural science, natural resource management, environmental science, environmental planning, or land use planning.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by twelve (12) semester hour credits in one or a combination of the following: agricultural science, natural resource management, environmental science, environmental planning, or land use planning; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university in Agricultural Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, Land Use Planning, or other related field; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.
NOTE:"Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE: Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of agricultural, environmental, or land use management.
Knowledge of land use concepts/techniques as related to agricultural resource management.
Knowledge of agricultural resource management and environmental or land use policies/procedures of government agencies.
Knowledge of soil and use capabilities of farmlands.
Knowledge of agricultural production and marketing.
Ability to read and understand operating policies/procedures of the agency and other state agencies concerning agricultural resource management.
Ability to read and understand the operation, organization, and interrelationships of public/private agencies involved in or affecting agriculture.
Ability to prepare clear, informative, and technically accurate reports and articles.
Ability to read, understand, and apply budgeting principles as it applies to the agency.
Ability to develop, organize, and carry out effective work methods in coordination with other government and private agencies.
Ability to evaluate and determine land suitability for inclusion in an agricultural retention program.
Ability to review, recommend, revise, and develop policies/procedures related to agricultural resource management.
Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with individuals, groups, and agencies concerned with agricultural resource management and land use planning.
Ability to publicly participate at meetings, conferences, or work sessions dealing with agricultural resource management and land use planning.
Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
