Administrative Program Specialist B

State of Louisiana•Baton Rouge, LA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Administrative Program Specialist B is located in the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s Office of Forestry in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. The incumbent directly oversees the statewide Forest Productivity Program (FPP), a reforestation incentive program funded through a statutorily dedicated account, and is responsible for disbursing approximately $3.2 million to qualified forest landowners in accordance with statute and rule. The role works independently and in coordination with forestry leadership, foresters, consulting foresters, landowners, and other partners to achieve division goals. It also provides administrative and operational support to the Office of Forestry, including purchasing, travel coordination, and support for Louisiana Forestry Commission meetings. Travel is required for some duties. This is a full-time, probational appointment. The salary offered depends on qualifications and experience.

Requirements

Meet one of the following minimum qualification pathways: four years of experience in administrative services; six years of full-time work experience in any field plus one year of administrative services experience; a bachelor's degree plus one year of administrative services experience; or an advanced degree.
Possess independent judgment and decision-making ability, strong professional communication skills, and the ability to understand, interpret, and enforce laws and regulations.
Communicate and coordinate professionally with LDAF administration, industry representatives, commission members, and representatives of affiliated national associations.
Travel as required to perform some duties.
Meet the functional requirements of reaching above shoulders, climbing stairs and occasionally ladders, prolonged sitting at a workstation, occasional bending or kneeling, and sitting for long periods in a vehicle during travel.
Wear appropriate safety protection when required.
Undergo drug screening if hired.

Nice To Haves

Accepting direction and following guidance or instructions.
Ability to follow, reinforce, adapt, or develop policies and procedures to maintain compliance with federal and state legal requirements, State Civil Service rules, and organizational policies.
Ability to assess options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.
Ability to make timely, confident decisions using sound reason.
Ability to combine actions and efforts with others to achieve a common goal.
Ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions through structured communication that promotes understanding and engagement.

Responsibilities

Administer and oversee the Forest Productivity Program, including promotion, application processing, pre-approvals, reimbursement payments, and monitoring program funding, account balances, and reimbursement rates.
Manage program applications and records by reviewing supporting documents, entering applicant information into the department database, calculating participant benefits, preparing correspondence and payment requests, and serving as the primary departmental contact for applicants.
Coordinate program compliance and implementation with Forestry Management personnel, ensuring management plans, site inspections, required documentation, and program guidelines are completed and followed.
Manage Office of Forestry purchasing card activities, including purchasing equipment, repair parts, supplies, uniforms, and safety items within authorized limits, maintaining documentation, and processing invoices and payment records.
Coordinate purchasing and delivery of materials and supplies for Forestry Program Directors, Radio Technicians, and field personnel, working with vendors and department staff to support timely delivery and proper documentation.
Coordinate and manage travel arrangements for Office of Forestry personnel, including registrations, reservations, transportation, and lodging, and submit required payment and reimbursement documentation within budget limits.
Provide administrative support for quarterly Louisiana Forestry Commission meetings by coordinating agendas, preparing meeting packets and reports, reviewing and formatting minutes, recording notes, and posting required notices and minutes to the state website.
Perform other duties as assigned.