Baltimore County Office of Agriculture – Agricultural Business Development Specialist

• Agricultural Business Development Specialist – Non-Merit
• Baltimore County Office of Agriculture
• Department: Economic and Workforce Development
• Salary: $43.50 – $54.77 Hourly
• Job Number: NM.141 03-25
• Filing Deadline: Open until filled

This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice. Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

A Non-Merit vacancy exits in the Department of Economic and Workforce Development for an Agricultural Business Development Specialist.

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

Regular Schedule: 34 hours per week plus County benefits.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in this class may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experiences on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

You may attach your transcript(s)/degree(s) and professional license(s)/certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

Examples of Duties

Job Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Chief, Agriculture, the Agricultural Business Development Specialist plans, develops and implements marketing projects to promote agribusiness and agritourism, and expand economic opportunities for Baltimore County’s agricultural business sector. This position works closely with County agricultural business to support the production, distribution and consumption of Baltimore County’s agricultural products to market. In addition, the Specialist provides support to Agriculture Advisory Board.

Essential Job Duties

The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform:

• Monitor trends in Baltimore County’s key agricultural sectors: commodity crops, equine, value-added products/agritourism, pasture/managed forest, urban farming, livestock, farm-based education, and horticulture.
• Engage with agricultural community members to understand challenges, opportunities, and sector priorities.
• Collaborate with the Chief of Agriculture to develop and implement initiatives supporting the growth of the County’s agricultural sector.
• Identify and cultivate new business opportunities within agriculture, building relationships with farmers, distributors, and industry stakeholders.
• Foster strong relationships with farmers, cooperatives, distributors, retailers, and key agricultural players through networking and outreach.
• Develop expertise in key agricultural sectors: farming, equine, ag-tourism, and horticulture.
• Participate in studies, reviews, and discussions on the agricultural sector with other Baltimore County offices, including Planning, Sustainability, Environmental Protection, and Permits.
• Inventory and promote Baltimore County’s agricultural assets and resources to stakeholders.
• Support the integration of agricultural services into the Department’s strategic and operational plans.
• Partner with the workforce team to promote recruitment and job training in agriculture.
• Communicate with farm owners and agribusinesses to advocate for their needs and resolve issues.
• Present at community meetings, roundtables, public events, and official ceremonies as needed.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date project and farm data is maintained in the client management system.
• Provide guidance on navigating County, State, and Federal regulations affecting farms and agribusinesses.
• Maintain an inventory of federal, state, and local economic development programs to assist businesses and communities.
• Contribute to the development of promotional programs targeting specific agricultural markets.

Examples of Other Duties

Performs other related duties assigned.

NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.

Qualifications

Preferred Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Public Administration, Marketing, Public Policy, Business or a related field;

Plus

Minimum of four years of professional experience;

Or

Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Experience

Five to seven years of experience in the Agricultural Services sector.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge or experience in agriculture, including agronomy, livestock care, crop cultivation, farm economics, conservation planning, forestry management, and ecological sustainability.
• Familiarity with local, state, federal, and non-governmental organizations addressing agricultural issues in Maryland and Baltimore County.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and coordinate or delegate projects as needed.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other Windows-based software, as well as client management systems.
• Skilled in setting goals and managing projects to support the department’s mission.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage government personnel, business leaders, elected officials, and stakeholders.
• Effective in a fast-paced office environment.
• Experience in grant administration, management, and oversight, with familiarity in handling federal and/or state funding (a plus).
• Capable of delivering presentations to various stakeholders.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work across different organizational units.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently to achieve objectives.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and county staff.
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting and analyzing data.
• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce reports, policies, procedures, and resource materials.
• Coordinate and participate in industry and public events such as fairs and field days.
• Ability to recruit, train, and supervise interns.
• Flexible and able to work varying schedules, including evenings and weekends.

Licenses and Certificates

Possession of a valid driver’s license equivalent to a noncommercial, class C Maryland driver’s license is required at the time of appointment.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education

Applicants are required to submit proof of education and licenses to meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application by the closing date of the job posting.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:
ATTN: Agricultural Business Development Specialist
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Ave.
Towson, MD 21204

You may attach your transcript(s)/degree(s) and professional license(s)/certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Conditions of Employment

Employment Background Investigation

Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to a criminal background, education, and fingerprint check.