Planning Coordianator (Parkersburg, Wv)

WV Department of Agriculture•Parkersburg, WV

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Planning Coordinator acts as a local WVDA liaison, coordinator, and facilitator for agriculture projects and agribusinesses to support economic and business development efforts, while addressing food insecurities and building resiliency in local communities.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in economics, agriculture, agribusiness, food sciences/technology, agriculture finance, business administration, marketing or related field.
Two years of demonstrated success in economic and/or business development.
Valid driver’s license is required.
Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.

Nice To Haves

Additional experience in agribusiness development or agribusiness marketing; small farmer agribusiness capacity development; knowledge of the agribusiness sector in West Virginia; or a strong background in private sector business administration and management preferred.

Responsibilities

Facilitate activities related to strategic planning, marketing, industry, product and brand development of agriculture products in regional territories.
Develop and foster local relationships with entities such as universities, state, federal, private and profit/non-profit partners.
Create and maintain collaborative client (agribusiness/producers) files.
Maintain strict client confidentiality associated with the work product in accordance with professional business development principles and techniques.
Assist with, coordinate, and/or facilitate opportunities with partners for producers to develop agricultural-based business plans for financial, marketing and risk management, etc.
Provide producers with tools and guides for various business development resources.
Host and/or provide collaborative partner assistance for local outreach activities including but not limited to new market development, funding opportunities, learning opportunities (i.e., new industry exploration, market exploration, GHP, GAPs, FSMA, on farm readiness, etc.) in order to assist interested parties into agribusinesses and established scale up operations in moving product through domestic and international markets.
Assist and facilitate agribusinesses with product label approvals, information/resources for required permitting, certifications, inspections and evaluation of business for scalability for local, regional, national and international market opportunities.
Coordinate and facilitate partnerships to connect agribusinesses with resources to ensure statewide food security by fostering new and expanded agribusiness development for resilient communities.
Coordinate local high tunnel production planning and assistance (irrigation, optimal growing methods, etc.).
Assist local partners and collaborative groups to expand farm to school programs and ensure food safety and distribution to schools.
Expand opportunities for seniors to access local fresh foods.
Other duties as assigned.