Livestock & Local Government Specialist

FB Incorporated•Indianapolis, IN

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role serves as a statewide trusted resource on livestock production, zoning best practices, and agricultural land use issues. The specialist will help counties and members understand the broader context behind livestock proposals and rural development trends. They will equip livestock producers and county Farm Bureau leaders to effectively navigate local planning and zoning processes, including understanding permit requirements and engaging effectively in public hearings. The position involves developing and delivering educational programs for local officials, tracking local trends affecting agriculture, and providing analysis and recommendations to IFB leadership. The specialist will also coordinate with regional managers and county Farm Bureaus to build and maintain local networks, represent Indiana Farm Bureau at various meetings and events, and contribute to the development of updated educational materials.

Requirements

3-5 years of experience in livestock production, local government, planning & zoning, land-use policy, or related agricultural roles.
Strong understanding of Indiana agriculture and rural community dynamics.
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex topics to non-ag audiences in a clear, credible, and engaging manner.
Experience working with or presenting to local government bodies (plan commissions, BZAs, county commissioners, councils).
Ability to build relationships, manage sensitive issues, and adapt communication strategies.
Self-directed, organized, and able to manage multiple projects across the state.
Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Direct experience in livestock production or livestock industry organizations.
Experience with county zoning ordinances, comprehensive plans, and land-use permitting.
Familiarity with rural land-use trends.

Nice To Haves

Prior involvement with Farm Bureau or grassroots agricultural organizations.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain strong proactive relationships with county commissioners, plan commissions, BZA members, planning directors, and zoning staff through routine, face-to-face engagement.
Serve as a statewide trusted resource on livestock production, zoning best practices, and agricultural land use issues, helping counties and members understand the broader context behind livestock proposals and rural development trends.
Equip livestock producers and county Farm Bureau leaders to effectively navigate local planning and zoning processes, including understanding permit requirements, and engage effectively in public hearings.
Prepare members for testimony by providing coaching, tools and practice opportunities to help members deliver credible, constructive testimony and strengthen community relations.
Develop and deliver educational programs for local officials on modern livestock production, environmental safeguards, zoning best practices, and agricultural land-use considerations.
Track local trends affecting agriculture including, renewable energy siting, development pressures, annexation and rural land use conflicts, in coordination with regional managers, commodity partners and the Indiana livestock team.
Provide analysis and recommendations to IFB leadership on local trends, ordinance proposals, and potential impacts to members.
Coordinate with regional managers and county Farm Bureaus to build and maintain local networks of informed members who monitor zoning activity, engage early with local officials, and elevate agricultural perspectives.
Represent Indiana Farm Bureau at meetings, hearings, and events with local officials, agriculture groups, and community stakeholders.
Contribute to development of updated educational materials, zoning guides, and communication tools for counties and members.
Other duties as assigned.