AGRICULTURAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR, L41

BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities for planning, organizing and directing the delivery of agricultural services and programs and the enforcement of state and federal laws regulating the agricultural industry.  Responsibilities consist of administrative and managerial work in organizing and directing a major program or division.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

• Plans, develops and directs programs for ensuring compliance with state and federal laws regulating agricultural commodity grading, weights and measures, animal health, meat inspections, plant health, pesticide use, grain storage, dairy and milk production, feedlot inspections, environmental control, poultry testing and licensing, swine production, marketing Oklahoma commodities and value added products, and other areas.
• May oversee the processes of establishing and issuing non-regulatory standards of weights and measures in the state metrology laboratory while serving as State Meteorologist.
• Plans, coordinates and directs field inspection and investigation activities; conducts assessments of staffing needs, assignment of work, and effective use of staff.
• Reviews reports, recommendations, complaints and other information concerning agricultural products, industry operations, inspections, and investigations; investigates alleged violations of laws and rules and directs or coordinates further action as needed, including coordination with other state, local, or federal officials.
• Interprets state and federal laws and regulations concerning program requirements; advises appropriate directors and others as needed in emergency situations, such as a major disease outbreak or environmental pollution.
• Prepares program budget recommendations and supportive data for inclusion in agency budget; maintains program records and reports; assists legal staff, attorney general or district attorneys in the preparation of testimony and exhibits for administrative, civil or criminal cases.
• Represents the agency or the state at public and intergovernmental meetings concerning program responsibilities; plans public relations and educational activities to promote public awareness of agricultural issues, products, services and programs.
• Establishes overall direction for division and its programs; sets goals and objectives; coordinates strategic program planning in the area of responsibility; evaluates division operations and programs and recommends improvements.
• Coordinates development of policies and procedures for division operations and programs.
• Provides input, as needed, into the agency rule making process within their particular program area.
• Investigates personnel work complaints.

LEVEL DESCRIPTORS:

This job family consists of three levels which are distinguished based on the level of complexity of assigned responsibilities, the program responsibilities assigned, and the breadth and scope of assigned programs.

Level I                                     Code:  L41A                             Salary Band:  N

At this level employees are assigned responsibilities related to directing a major program, operation, or section, or other comparable agricultural services related to the enforcement and regulation of agricultural production and activities.  This may include responsibilities for a program such as livestock inspections and investigations in a designated area of the state, a statewide program for poultry testing and licensing, dairy and milk production, or agricultural mediation programs, responsibility for meat processing inspections or feedlot inspections in a designated area, or similar responsibilities.  In this role, incumbents will plan and direct various activities related to the assigned programs and perform related administrative tasks in reporting on program activities and accomplishments.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of state and federal laws concerning agricultural production and environmental protection; of various agricultural products and services and industry operations in the area of assignment; of business and economics theory; of general accounting principles; of various plant and animal diseases; of weights and measures; of budget preparation and control; and of supervisory principles and practices.  Ability is required to manage programs and personnel; to interpret state and federal laws; to prepare and develop training programs; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to write technical reports; and to supervise and direct the work of others.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, economics, forestry, public administration, marketing, chemistry, biological sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, or a closely related field and three years of experience in agricultural inspection, regulation or production, forestry, plant industries, laboratory management, consumer protection, or public administration, including two years in a supervisory capacity, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Level II                                                Code:  L41B                             Salary Band:  O

At this level employees are assigned responsibilities, which involve assisting in the direction of a major division or program, or multiple programs, or performing advanced administrative work in the coordination and management of a statewide program involving statewide agricultural services.  Responsibilities will include assisting in planning, coordinating and directing the work of a division in the delivery of program services or the enforcement of applicable state and federal laws; recommending policies, goals and objectives, performing various management analysis activities, and providing direction and supervision to staff in planning and coordinating services, assisting in the development or amendment of laws concerning agricultural services and operations, and preparing reports concerning agricultural matters and concerns.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level I plus knowledge of principles and practices of public administration; and of personnel administration.  Ability is required to analyze and resolve highly complex administrative and personnel problems.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus three additional years of qualifying experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity.

Level III                                   Code:  L41C                 Salary Band:  Q

At this level employees are assigned responsibilities which involve overall responsibility for performing administrative and managerial work in organizing and directing a major division related to the development, regulation, enforcement and operation of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry.  Direction will be provided to program managers and assigned staff in establishing and meeting goals and objectives and insuring compliance with existing laws and standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level II plus demonstrated ability to direct multiple services and activities related to agricultural services and production.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level II plus two additional years of qualifying experience in an administrative capacity.

NOTE:  No substitution will be allowed for the required supervisory or administrative experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Depending on the position being filled, applicants will be required to meet the degree requirements specified by the agency.

Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.