Agriculture Program Coordinator II

State of North Carolina

5d

About The Position

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is the state's lead agency for economic, community and workforce development. The department works with local, regional, national and international organizations to fulfill its mission to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians. The Department connects businesses with the site locations, workforce and infrastructure they need to succeed in one of the nation's top states for business. We also connect local communities with the grants and funding they need to attract new business and ensure future prosperity. The Foreign Labor Unit is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Foreign Labor Program Coordinator to support the administration and oversight of the H-2A and H-2B programs in North Carolina. This role plays a key part in ensuring compliance, supporting employers, and protecting the rights of agricultural workers. The Foreign Labor Services Unit provides comprehensive employment, training, and supportive services to job seekers and employers. Special emphasis is placed on services to Foreign Labor certification recipients to ensure that they are served comparably to the general applicant population. Primary emphasis is placed on assisting employers with foreign labor certification petitions and applications for job openings not filled by domestic workers.

Requirements

• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Experience in program coordination, compliance, or agricultural labor programs.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in the field and office settings.
• Bachelor’s degree from appropriately accredited institution and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Extensive experience conducting on-site post-certification visits, including the ability to perform informal resolutions with employers and escalate apparent violations to appropriate authorities when necessary.
• Demonstrated expertise in working with Foreign Labor Contractors and conducting on-site wage surveys, housing inspections, and field visits to ensure compliance with program standards.
• Subject matter expert in the Foreign Labor Certification Program, including H-2A, H-2B, and PERM visa processes, with the ability to provide training and guidance to Foreign Labor Unit staff, program participants, and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in reviewing and verifying job orders to ensure they meet all legal requirements and are accurately entered into the state workforce database, while maintaining compliance with timeliness and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and conduct post-certification site visits to ensure program compliance.
• Work directly with employers to resolve issues informally; escalate and submit apparent violations to appropriate authorities when necessary.
• Organize and conduct prevailing wage and practice surveys to determine appropriate compensation standards for farmworkers across North Carolina.
• Perform housing inspections and field visits as part of program monitoring.
• Assist with the processing and oversight of H-2A applications and related program activities.
• Support the referral process for both H-2A and H-2B programs.
• Facilitate training sessions for Foreign Labor Unit staff, program participants, and stakeholders.
• Serve as a key support role to both the Foreign Labor Supervisor and the Foreign Labor Field Supervisor.

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