Planning & Research Associate II - 1045 (Augusta)

PLANNING & RESEARCH ASSOCIATE II

Opening Date: May 31, 2024 Closing Date: June 21, 2024 Location: Augusta

• Position #: 00500-1045 Position Type: Full Time (Limited Period) Class Code: 0040 Grade/Salary: Grade 23 - $47,840.00 - $64,542.40/Annually

• The position is located in Augusta and may work according to DACF's Telework Policy. Remote work options are available for this position to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and with the approval of management.

Do you want to make a difference in Maine's food supply chain? Do enjoy providing service and support to Maine's food producers and connecting Maine's agribusinesses to resources that support Maine's food system?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA AMS) is partnering with state Departments of Agriculture to invest in food supply chain reliance, market access, and value-added processing infrastructure through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). We are looking for a highly organized individual who can support the administration, planning, research, and development of the State's agriculture infrastructure programs and resources. This is a full-time, limited period position.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position will support the administration of the Bureau of Agriculture, Food & Rural Resources (BAFRR) USDA AMS Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) funding programs, including ~$4 million allocated to the Maine RFSI Program. This position is responsible for conducting complex and technical planning and research. Responsibilities will include assisting the contract/grant manager position in the development and administration of the RFSI grant program. The position will collect, analyze, and present data relevant to developing policies and procedures to ensure effective resource utilization of the RFSI program and to assist in the planning and development of future agriculture infrastructure programs and resources. Work will include the application of research principles in preparing and coordinating specific studies as a basis for the future development of state, regional, and local plans and planning programs. The purpose of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) program is to build resilience across Maine's middle-of-the-supply food chain. Funds will support expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of Maine-produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry.

This is professional services work of a planning and research nature in coordinating the activities for grant/program planning, development, reporting, compliance, and stakeholder and federal coordination. Work includes processing invoices and performance reports; assisting subrecipients with project management, reporting, and compliance activities; consulting with subrecipients and agencies to ensure that all accounts are in compliance with state and federal requirements; researching grant outcomes to identify challenges and opportunities in Maine's food system; supporting the Bureau in identifying additional funding opportunities; and developing and implementing internal division policies and procedures.

For questions specific to the position, please contact Michelle Webb at michelle.t.webb@maine.gov

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: An eight (8) year combination of education, training, and/or experience providing a knowledge of planning and research principles, practices, and techniques.

The successful candidate will have:

• Experience in food-supply-chain systems;

• Prior experience in delivering business technical support to stakeholders; and working with software programs;

• Experience developing budgets, work programs, contracts, and cost analyses;

• Knowledge of federal grant programs with the ability to interpret and administer program requirements and prepare project and financial reports; and write comprehensive reports that document findings, conclusions, and recommendations;

• Experience monitoring and auditing grant projects and/or subaward contracts to ensure that federal awards are used appropriately, performance goals are achieved, and to ensure compliance;

• Ability to complete tasks within budget and within a specified order of operations;

• Ability to conduct special studies, collect and analyze issues, and report program outcome data, including investment impact;

• Experience acting as a key point of contact for coordination of activities involving partner organizations;

• Ability to conduct site visits as part of monitoring and due diligence efforts;

• Ability to draft and present testimony before regulatory fact-finding committees and other groups

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants will need to complete and submit an online State of Maine Direct Hire Application, along with a Cover Letter, and detailed Resume at: https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/index.shtml#acf

Direct Hire Application forms can be obtained by accessing the NRSC website at: https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/application.shtml

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO APPLY ONLINE: Please mail the application materials listed in the "How to Apply" section to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance

• Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage- The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Health Insurance Premium Credit- Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.

• Dental Insurance- The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan- The State of Maine contributes 13.41% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.

• Gym Membership Reimbursement- Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts- Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness- The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.

• Living Resources Program

• Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

• Voluntary Deferred Compensation- Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you're currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.