Agricultural Trade Representative at State of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska

Job Description:

The work we do matters!




Hiring Agency:

Agriculture - Agency 18



Location:

Lincoln, NE



Hiring Rate:

$38.019



Job Posting:

JR2024-00012207 Agricultural Trade Representative (Open)



Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
01-13-2025



Job Description:

Under direction from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director and Deputy Director in alignment with the NDA international trade plan: plan, coordinate and execute market development, trade promotion, and export programs and initiatives to support agribusinesses in the State of Nebraska and to market Nebraska agricultural products. Provide education and advising on international trade and export opportunities for Nebraska agricultural businesses. Link agribusinesses with federal and state assistance, international contacts, industry organizations, buyers, and other businesses and service providers to increase export sales. Functions as an international agricultural trade expert for the Governor, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director, and Deputy Director and creates opportunities for Nebraska ag product exports; represents Nebraska in all international agriculture trade efforts; performs related work as assigned.


Look at what we have to offer!


• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment


At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!



Job duties



• Serve as a liaison for Nebraska agricultural trade between the Nebraska State Department of Agriculture (NDA), National Cooperators, Nebraska businesses, international contacts, local leaders, and other state and federal agencies including but not limited to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to allow and promote the export of Nebraska agriculture and agribusiness products from the United States to international destinations.


• Confer with private Nebraska agriculture companies, manufacturing companies, foreign government officials and foreign buyers to establish and evaluate opportunities beneficial for both exporting and importing companies. Evaluate corresponding trade opportunities and issues that may have a direct impact on the success or failure of these activities.


• Lead the development, coordination, budgeting, and implementation of State-led or funded export education and promotion events and activities. Manage projects from development through implementation and follow-up activities.


• Seek, secure, and manage projects and funding through partnerships with federal and state agricultural promotional boards, including development and presentation of funding requests and all required reporting when funding is received.


• Serve as the agency's leading expert on the international flow of agricultural products produced in Nebraska through continuous research and monitoring of trade data and information and identify opportunties for the growth of markeing Nebraska products through exporting. Extensive use of online database programs required. Provide relevant information to agency partners, both proactively and in response to requests, relating to trade activities and opportunities for Nebraska agricultural products.


• Lead the development, coordination, budgeting, and implementation of State-led international agricultural trade missions and other international activities; including, but not limited to the Governor's and Lt. Governor's international agricultural trade missions which involve working with high-level, international governmental officials. Maintain and compile relevant data on Nebraska agribusinesses participating in trade activities. Manage projects from development through implementation and follow-up activities.


• Provide guidance on agricultural trade programs in conjunction with the Foreign Agriculture Service and American Embassy staff located in countries identified as possible export markets for Nebraska's agriculture and agribusiness products.


• Serve as one of the Nebraska Marketing Directors for Food Export-Midwest and manage NDA's membership and coordination with other U.S. Cooperators.


• Partner with USDA FAS, US Cooperators, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and other industry associations to ensure NDA and/or Nebraska agribusiness presence on strategic trade missions and tradeshow opportunities. Manage projects from development through implementation and follow-up activities.


• Support buyer missions and other delegations that visit Nebraska, planning all activities and logistics for which NDA is responsible including participation by appropriate industry representatives and purchasing gifts. Manage projects from development through implementation and follow-up activities.


• Apply for and manage, in cooperation with the NDA finance team, grant opportunities that provide funding and support to grow the reach of Nebraska agriculture internationally.


• Develop marketing and promotional strategies to facilitate efficient and cost effective promotion of Nebraska's agriculture and agribusiness products.


• Manage staff, interns, and international contractors to carry out daily tasks that align with the NDA international trade plan and support agricultural exporters.


• Assist the Nebraska Agricultural Promotion and Development team and its members in identifying, promoting, and capitalizing on export opportunities.


• Follow-up on plans, programs, policies, and procedures to ensure uniform compliance.


• Other duties as assigned



Requirements/Qualifications




Minimum Qualifications: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the incumbent to possess the required knowledge, skills and/or abilities. A general qualification guideline for positions in this class is Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Management, International Trade or International Management plus 5 years management and marketing experience; 3 of which include international marketing experience.


Basic understanding of a variety of foreign languages (Spanish, Russian, German, Japanese and Chinese) to communicate key travel phrases and effectively work with foreign representatives and interpreters preferred.



Preferred: Minimum of 1-3 years relevant industry experience. Equivalent combination of experience and relevant education is acceptable. Understanding of agriculture and international trade concepts, especially as it relates to Nebraska. Able to analyze, evaluate, and plan detailed trade missions and ability to train attendees on relevant requirements, procedures, and cultural differences. Basic understanding and/or ability to learn a variety of foreign languages to successfully communicate key travel phrases and effectively work with foreign representatives and interpreters preferred.



Other: This position requires travel. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver's license or another form of reliable transportation.


Regular and reliable attendance is required.



SPECIAL NOTE: Regular international travel is required. This may cause exposure to pathogens and disease from air pollution and/or consumed food not typical in the United States. Additionally, international travelers may experience the opportunity for violence in many forms. All available precautions are taken to provide safety during such travels, including close relationships with the American Embassy. Overseas trips customarily involve flights from 8 to 15 hours.



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities



• Knowledge of crop and livestock production in Nebraska; principles and practices of international trade regulations; agriculture marketing and promotion; public administration principles; production, processing and distribution of livestock and meat products.


• Ability to understand different cultures; develop work priorities for effective use of available resources; establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private officials and the general public (domestic and foreign); express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing.


• Frequent in-state, national, and international travel.


• Proficient in the use of Microsoft office suite systems.


• Ability to work independently as well as effectively as a team member.


• Ability to multi-task and work under multiple deadlines.


• Ability to work with local, state, and federal officials.


• Ability to establish, monitor, and track various department and individual objectives and goals.


• Attention to detail in reports and funding applications, including budgeting, accounting, and reimbursement procedures.


• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, international studies, business or other relevant field.






Benefits



We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.


Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits



Equal Opportunity Statement



The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.



Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.