Class Code: 05134

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –

HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE

AGRICULTURE MARKETING SPECIALIST

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs market development, research, planning and promotional activities in support of Iowa agricultural commodities; performs related work as required.

The Work Examples and Competencies listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.

WORK EXAMPLES

Promotes agricultural commodities, marketing systems (such as electronic marketing and farmers market programs) and awareness by preparing news releases, brochures or other written materials and conducting oral presentations, workshops, educational seminars, or tours.

Conducts market research and associated studies about market projections, trends and conditions relative to prices and other market factors in order to determine market potentials and improve marketing prospects for agricultural commodities (including grain crops, livestock, fruits, vegetables, etc.).

Attends meetings and conferences of various commodity and farm organizations in order to stay abreast of marketing trends and techniques and to consult with organization members.

Reports livestock auction market prices and cash grain bids in order to keep the public informed by utilizing the USDA leased wire service, news media, and telephone recordings.

Provides technical assistance and advice to farm organizations, commodity groups, growers, buyers and others in order to develop program operations or resolve problems associated with farmers market programs, electronic marketing, or grain and livestock marketing systems.

Researches and assembles data in order to support planning, organizing, and development activities associated with new or existing marketing systems.

Recommends or assists in preparing policies and procedures related to marketing programs.

Responds to questions or inquiries concerning marketing information or programs through written correspondence or personal contacts.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of the business practices and agricultural economics involved in the merchandising of inspected commodities in Iowa and other domestic and foreign markets.

Knowledge of marketing systems and operations in relation to agricultural commodities applied to grain and livestock markets, farmers market programs or electronic marketing systems.

Knowledge of promotional marketing methods and techniques as related to the development and expansion of new or existing markets for agricultural commodities.

Knowledge of agronomy and horticulture as applied to the production, processing, and distribution of grain crops, fruits and vegetables.

Knowledge of animal science as applied to the production, processing, and distribution of livestock and meat products.

Knowledge of state, federal, and local agricultural laws applicable to the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural commodities.

Ability to review and analyze statistical data on commodity prices and other market factors in order to project trends and determine market prospects.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private officials and the general public in order to promote agricultural commodities.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, in order to summarize research and make promotional presentations.

Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.

Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service.

Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.

Responds appropriately to supervision. Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.

Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.

Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.

Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Four years of post high school education (120 semester hours or equivalent) with an emphasis in marketing, economics, business administration, statistics agronomy, horticulture, animal science or a closely related area and two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in farm management, grain elevator sales, agricultural commodity brokerage, or in promotions or marketing work associated with agricultural commodities or products;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting thirty semester hours of graduate course work in marketing, economics, business administration, statistics agronomy, horticulture, animal science or a closely related area for one year of the required experience with a maximum substitution of two years;

OR

an equivalent combination of any of the above qualifying experience substituting for the required education (on the basis that one year of experience equals 30 semester hours of education) with a maximum substitution of four years;

OR

employees with current continuous experience in the state classified service that includes the equivalent of eighteen months of full-time experience as a Livestock Marketing Specialist or other position involving collecting, compiling, and disseminating agricultural market data shall be considered as qualifying.

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION

For certain designated positions the Appointing Authority, with Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise approval, may selectively request those applicants possessing a minimum of twelve semester hours of education or six months of experience or a combination thereof in one of the following areas...

036 animal science

288 horticulture

661 statistics

Applicants desiring to be considered for these positions should be sure to list related course work and experience on the application.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Travel may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas. Applicants may also be required to complete the Market News Reporter Training sponsored by the USDA Market News Service within six months from the date of employment.

NOTES:

Marketing is the study of information from and about consumers so that products are kept in tune with consumer demand. This includes planning of products to meet consumer needs, promoting products to make them known to the consumer, and making them available to the consumer. The activities and decisions reached in the above areas are known as the marketing process.

Promotion is part of the overall marketing process that involves the determinations of the best method or methods to promote the products to reach the likely consumer and generate sales or use of the service.

Effective Date: 3/15/71 TAM