International Agriculture Consultant (Economic Development Consultant)

Introduction

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection works hard to protect and promote Wisconsin’s agricultural industries and consumers. As an agency, we strive to serve the people of Wisconsin assuring: safe, wholesome food; consumer protection and fair business practices; animal and plant health; a clean environment; and strong agriculture and commerce. To successfully attain these goals, we recognize our success hinges on the diverse, high quality, dedicated staff we employ.

What We're Looking For: DATCP’s Division of Agricultural Development, Bureau of International Agribusiness Center, is recruiting for 2 (two) International Agriculture Consultant (Economic Development Consultants) either bilingual or non-bilingual.

Where We Are Located: DATCP is located in the Prairie Oaks State Office Building situated on Madison's southeast side. We are only minutes away from the Beltline Highway, Interstate 90 and Highway 51 for quick access to local restaurants, retail and service locations.

Telecommuting Option: This position may have the ability to telecommute up to 60% in each 2-week pay period. An approved telecommuting agreement is required before an employee may telecommute. Approval of the employee’s telecommuting agreement and work schedule will vary based on the operational needs of the Division. All DATCP employees who telecommute are required to live in Wisconsin.

This position offers the State of Wisconsin’s excellent benefits package, which includes 3.5 weeks of paid time off to start, 9 paid holidays, accrued sick leave, multiple insurance options and an exceptional retirement plan!

By working for Wisconsin State Government, you may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Please click the link for details.

Click here to see what working for the State of Wisconsin is all about!

This posting may be used to fill future similar vacancies.

Position Summary

This position's objective is to stimulate the State’s economy by assisting agribusinesses to increase their exports of Wisconsin’s diverse range of food, forestry and agricultural products such as: dairy products, packaged foods, food ingredients, pet foods, beverages, livestock, genetics, animal feeds and feed supplements. Primary responsibilities are one-on-one consultations with emerging and experienced agricultural exporters of all sizes, and by developing, leading and supporting trade promotion activities. These activities include international trade shows, trade missions and international inbound buyer missions. Further, the incumbent participates in or leads the planning, implementation, training and evaluation of DATCP’s various economic development programs, focusing on grant and export development programs through state and federal sources, and other services provided through the department’s International Agribusiness Center. Regular duties of the position include analyzing state and federal legislative mandates, developing statewide systems and networks, researching and identifying training or educational needs of Wisconsin agribusiness companies. Other duties include analyzing and providing recommendations to the Department leadership on international trade policy, operating procedures for new and existing programs, and country briefings for meetings with foreign officials and international trade missions. The position serves as a state specialist for the assigned product and geographic areas, and provides consultative services to other state agencies, government officials, other program staff and the associated agribusiness industries. The position also collaborates with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation along with food and agriculture associations involved in export development such as Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Food Export of the Midwest, U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, U.S. Meat Export Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council, American Hardwoods Export Council, Softwood Export Council, U.S. Soy and Specialty Grains Alliance and the U.S. Soy Export Council.

Economic Development Consultant- Bilingual Full Description

Economic Development Consultant Full Description

Salary Information

The classification for both positions is Economic Development Consultant (International Agriculture Consultant) and is in pay schedule/range 81-03. The starting pay at the entry level will be between $35.00 and $40.00 per hour ($72,800 and $83,200 annually) based on qualifications. An add-on of up to $1.00 may be provided for verified bilingual skills (Spanish, Portuguese, French, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Arabic).

A 12-month probationary period is required. Pay for current State employees will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan.

Job Details

DATCP does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the selected applicant being able to provide documentation of eligibility to work in the United States.

The State of Wisconsin continues to follow necessary health and safety protocols for COVID. Please visit Division of Personnel Management Coronavirus - COVID-19 (wi.gov) for the most up-to-date information. Guidance may be subject to change.

A criminal background check will be performed on the selected applicant prior to an offer of employment.

Possession of a valid driver's license, or the ability to provide one’s own transportation for work purposes, is required.

Travel is required for approximately 40% of this position’s duties.

The applicant must have the ability to obtain a passport and other required documents for international travel.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified candidates will have each of the following:

• Experience with exporting in sales, marketing, or business development
• Experience with export regulations, documentation requirements, payment terms and/or logistics
• Experience with international economics, trade policy, and free trade agreements
• Experience with sources for information on international markets, economic data and/or export data
  
  

In addition, highly qualified candidates will have one or more of the following:

Highly-qualified applicants will have proficiency in speaking, reading, writing for business purposes, in one or more of the following languages: Spanish, Portuguese, French, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Arabic. Please note that language fluency will be verified at the time of hire.

• Experience selling agricultural and/or food products to international customers (i.e. food ingredients, feed, livestock, genetics, etc.)
• Experience with supporting companies seeking to enter or expand sales to export markets
• Experience with state or federally funded grants and reporting requirements
• Experience developing and/or leading international trade show exhibits, trade missions or international inbound buyer missions
• Experience working in/with state or federal government agencies
  
  

It is critically important your application materials clearly describe your experience related to the stated criteria. The job experts who evaluate your application materials must be able to make an accurate assessment regarding your qualifications. Applicants who do not meet at least the minimum qualifications or who do not clearly identify minimum qualifications will be ineligible to continue in the selection process.

How To Apply

If viewing this posting on an external site (such as indeed.com, etc.), please visit Wisc.Jobs and search for this Job ID: #13196 to complete your application for this posting.

DATCP is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. For complete information on veterans hiring programs that may benefit you, please visit the Employment page on WDVA's website.

To be considered for this position, you will need to create an account in Wisc.jobs (if you don’t already have one) and apply online via the “Apply for Job” button listed on the top right of the announcement page. You will be required to upload a current resume and a letter of qualifications that clearly describes your qualifications and experience as they relate to the qualifications listed in this job posting. For more applicant resources, including tips on how to write a resume and letter of qualifications, click here.

Your resume and letter of qualifications will be evaluated by one or more job experts. Candidates who are deemed eligible will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process where vacancies exist, starting with those candidates who are deemed most qualified.

For general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance, please see the Commonly Asked Questions. Please address questions regarding the application process to Jensen Peterson at [email protected] or (608) 224-4764.

Deadline to Apply

Applications will be accepted until this position is filled.

Application materials received before 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 25, 2024 will receive first consideration; subsequent application reviews will take place every two weeks after the first consideration.