Agricultural Business Service Representative

Commerce • Watauga County, NC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position provides technical assistance and business consultative support to agricultural employers within an assigned geographic region of North Carolina. The role requires a strong understanding of Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS) programs and services and serves as a key liaison between employers, local workforce offices, and central office staff located in the Northwest Prosperity Zone. The position is responsible for delivering training and guidance to local office staff and agricultural employers, interpreting and applying federal and state regulations, and ensuring consistency and compliance across workforce programs. The role also supports program planning and evaluation by establishing objectives, analyzing operations and outcomes, and preparing required reports. This position also supports the development and expansion of workforce initiatives within the agricultural sector, including apprenticeships, internships, on-the-job training programs, and sector partnerships. In this capacity, the role considers regional and statewide economic trends—such as industry growth, labor market conditions, and workforce demands—to inform program development and service delivery. Additionally, this position performs employer services and foreign labor certification (FLC) field functions in alignment with the state’s agricultural outreach plan and FLC grant requirements. The role works closely with outreach staff to ensure Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers have access to employment opportunities and workforce services by connecting employers with the state’s workforce system and coordinating with local career centers and workforce development boards. The position may also support employer and community relations, contract development and modifications, responses to requests for proposals, troubleshooting operational issues, and assisting with workforce recruitment efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of progressive experience in human resource administration, job development and placement, employment counseling, vocational guidance and counseling, social work, vocational rehabilitation, labor management, apprenticeship and training programs, or public contact advising job applicants and employers in a variety of functions; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to analyze and evaluate information, including interpreting complex or conflicting data to support sound decision-making.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply federal, state, and agency laws, regulations, and procedures to ensure program compliance.
• Ability to provide consultation, training, and technical assistance, serving as a resource to local offices and stakeholders.
• Ability to evaluate programs, services, and operations, identify issues, and implement effective solutions to improve performance.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including experience in presentations, marketing, negotiation, project development, and the ability to effectively engage community organizations and partners.

Responsibilities

• Conducting agricultural employer outreach and on-site visits to promote workforce services and ensure program compliance.
• Assisting employers with job order development and management within NCWorks.
• Providing guidance on federal and state farm labor laws and regulations, including foreign labor certification requirements.
• Conducting migrant housing consultations and inspections of rental and public accommodations.
• Performing H-2A post-certification visits and assisting farm labor contractors with registration, renewal, and updates to federal licensing.
• Serving as a liaison between local offices, central office staff, career centers, and Regional Operations leadership.
• Supporting the development and expansion of workforce initiatives within the agricultural sector, including apprenticeships, internships, on-the-job training programs, and sector partnerships.
• Performing employer services and foreign labor certification (FLC) field functions in alignment with the state’s agricultural outreach plan and FLC grant requirements.
• Ensuring Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers have access to employment opportunities and workforce services by connecting employers with the state’s workforce system and coordinating with local career centers and workforce development boards.
• Supporting employer and community relations, contract development and modifications, responses to requests for proposals, troubleshooting operational issues, and assisting with workforce recruitment efforts.

Benefits

• 12 Annual Paid Holidays and monthly accrual of vacation and sick leave
• North Carolina State Health Plan administered by Aetna
• Supplemental Benefits including Flexible Spending Accounts, Accident Insurance, Cancer & Specified Disease, Critical Illness, Dental, and Vision
• NC State Retirement (TSERS), 401(k), and 457 savings plans
• WeSave Employee Discounts
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level