Assistant Operations Coordinator

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers. In carrying out this mission MDAR is committed to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

MDARs Agricultural Food Safety Division seeks applicants for the position of Assistant Operations Coordinator. This position is responsible for supporting the identification and registration of applicants covered under M.G.L.

Chapter 128, Sec. 51, through 63, and section 124 and 330 CMR 34:00 to support both the classification of registrants and the regulatory compliance assessments, inspections, and technical assistance support for the farms/facilities that manufacture, store and/or offer for sale commercial animal feed and pet food well as the growing, harvesting and sales of fresh produce in the Commonwealth. The position will also support the update and maintenance of authorities; recommend and draft compliance and enforcement actions; develop draft program level SOPs (standard operating procedures); respond to complaints; support the conduct of investigations and develop and support annual sampling plans. The position will primarily provide technical assistance, education and outreach to farms/facilities, municipal health boards and the public regarding program level requirements and compliance with applicable state and federal regulatory requirements.

The Assistant Operations Coordinator position will also support grant/CAP reporting and monitoring cycles and prepare white papers, program level assessments and analytical reports and support regional initiatives to advance education and training for regulators and farms/firms.

The position may also support additional regulatory and operational responsibilities of the Division as assigned including but not limited to the conduct of produce safety inspections covered under M.G.L.

Chapter 128 Sec. 124 and through administrative regulations 330 CMR 34:00 Produce Safety and Market Access; Commonwealth Quality audits for fresh produce; on-farm technical assistance and other duties in support of division programs, services, policies, and procedures.

The position will be based at the MDAR Southeastern Regional Office, Lakeville, Ma. And will support statewide work as assigned. The position includes eligibility for a hybrid work schedule.

Duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Provide support to the division for all program level administrative tasks including, but not limited to, contract/CAP monitoring and reporting, coordination of both internal and external meetings, conferences and events and design, develop and execute communication and outreach plans on an annual basis.

B. Registry development and analysis- Support the identification, categorization and registration of farms/firms covered under M.G.L.

Chapter 128, Sec. 51, through 63, and section 124 and 330 CMR 34:00 and identify and develop strategies to ensure registry data points are current and consistent across programs.

C. Manage the registry database and support the continued development of the registry/inspection platform for the Produce, Animal Feed, and Commonwealth Quality Programs (CQP).

D. Provide internal technical assistance and support to divisional staff to support program level policies, protocols, and procedures to support conformance with management initiatives and federal standards for regulatory programs.

E. Provide comments and input on operational policies and procedures at both the program and divisional level.

F. Represent the Department at public meetings, hearings, industry events and other venues that support education and outreach for the regulated community.

G. Provide external technical assistance, both on-site and virtually, and respond to inquiries utilizing an "educate before and while we regulate" approach for external stakeholders.

H. Review, analyze and integrate technical papers, guidance documents and other applicable materials into program level education and outreach plans.

I. Establish and maintain a high degree of competency/expertise in all applicable laws and regulations through attendance at training sessions and conferences, participation in staff meetings and participatory membership at partner organizations to keep up with issues and developments in the national space.

J. Assist in the coordination and monitoring of assigned program activities to ensure effective operations and compliance with program level SOPs.

K. Prepare reports, white papers, correspondence, memoranda and maintain records as assigned.

L. Work with MDAR administration/communications to provide program level content for press releases, program outreach materials and other marketing materials for distribution.

M. Develop, review and present analytical reports for division leadership to determine program progress and effectiveness of policies and procedures and make recommendations to enhance program level coordination and efficiency.

N. Assist in the development of all forms, report templates and other tools utilized by operational staff.

O. Support the development, deployment, and return of RFR drafts and responses in support of the Agricultural Food Safety Improvement program and follow internal procedures and protocols for RFR posting, .

P. Conduct routine, for-cause, and follow-up inspections in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and divisional policies and procedures for produce in the commonwealth as assigned, on farms who grow, store, and sell fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other produce facilities, to determine compliance with applicable state and federal law.

Q. Conduct routine, for-cause, and follow-up inspections in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and divisional policies and procedures for animal feed/pet food in the commonwealth as assigned, at firms and establishments who manufacture, store, and sell fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other produce facilities, to determine compliance with applicable state and federal law.

R. upport investigations, conduct environmental assessments and support sampling during foodborne illness response/investigations, and respond to consumer complaints and emergencies related to fresh produce in the Commonwealth.

S. Perform administrative duties such as data entry, correspondence development, mailings, project plans and time management and milestone tracking within specified timeframes.

T. Perform other duties as assigned to support the Division's mission.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the-required experience.*

II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for the required experience.*

III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.*

• Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.