ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE

Code: 02598 State Unclassified Range: X98 (FY 2027)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the direction of the Secretary of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, and subject to applicable laws and the rules, regulations, policies and standards of the State Board of Agriculture, assists the Secretary in the planning, development, administration, evaluation and executive management of the Department of Agriculture and its programs; performs other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• In the absence of or as assigned by the Secretary of Agriculture, directs operations of the Department with all powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Secretary, as authorized by law and the State Board of Agriculture.
• Assists the Secretary in the planning, development, administration, and evaluation of all agency programs and operations.
• Consults with and advises Division Directors, including Administration, Animal Health, Markets, Plant Industry, Regulatory Services, Rural Resources and Dairy Industry to ensure accomplishments of program objectives and standards of performance established by the Secretary.
• Directs and personally acts to promote a broad program of cooperation among farm groups, organizations, and individuals interested in agriculture.
• Plans, organizes, and participates in meetings and conferences of farm, agribusiness, civic and other groups affected by or interested in Department functions.
• Speaks at public meetings and forums.
• Develops legislative proposals and critically reviews federal and State legislation that may affect the Department and agricultural interests; prepares analytical comments and recommendations concerning legislation for the Secretary.
• Serves as legislative liaison to the Office of the Governor.
• Acts as a consultant to the Office of the Attorney General in legal actions brought by the Department.
• As assigned by the Secretary, acts as Department 'trouble shooter' with direct responsibility to solve problems associated with programs related to the duties and responsibilities of the Department.
• Develops special reports for the Secretary and the State Board of Agriculture on management issues including Department goals and objectives, policies, program priorities and performance.
• Directs official hearings on violations of Department laws and regulations and conducts such hearings when required.
• Serves as Department level hearing officer with regard to contractual and non-contractual grievance hearings.
• Directs Department compliance with the Administrative Procedures Act.
• Serves as Department Approval Officer.
• Consults with Division Directors in reviewing all agency rules and regulations and amendments and provides recommendations for consideration by the Secretary and State Board.
• Performs special assignments and investigations as directed by the Secretary.
• Serves as Department or Secretary of Agriculture representative on councils, commissions, or advisory groups in support of agriculturally related activities.
• Maintains liaison with the congressional delegation, the New Jersey Washington Office, Federal and State agencies, National and regional agricultural and related interest organizations.
• Maintains liaison with County Boards of Agriculture, breed and commodity organizations and major statewide farm organizations.
• Guides development and presentation of annual budgets and special appropriation requests; assures application of annual resources based on Department responsibilities, goals and priorities as established by the Secretary.
• Maintains professional liaison and keeps abreast of research and practical developments in the field of agriculture.
• Prepares correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Directs the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in agriculture, agri-business, natural sciences or marketing.

Experience

Eight (8) years of professional experience in private or public agricultural related employment including five years at management level of which three (3) years shall have been in a public agricultural agency.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

<b>KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITI</b>ES:

Knowledge of approved regulatory procedures and methods and the application of specific laws.

Knowledge on the development of fiscal programs, budget requests and appropriation expenditures.

Knowledge of New Jersey agriculture and its related industries; their role, contributions, needs, and potentials.

Knowledge on management planning, operations and evaluation systems and techniques.

Knowledge of proper hearing procedures.

Knowledge of State government; its organization and operation.

Knowledge of government public relations, policies and methods, their application to work with agriculture and consumer groups, and the promotion and maintenance of good public relations in the field of agriculture and in business, civic and consumer areas as they relate to agriculture.

Ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret the internal organization, regulations, policies, standards, responsibilities, and work programs of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

Ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret State and Federal laws relating to agriculture and the regulations of the Department promulgated there under.

Ability to comprehend, analyze, interpret and apply basic laws and regulations to a State-wide program of agriculture

Ability to organize assigned management and administrative work and develop effective work programs and methods.

Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of the several specialized units within the Department.

Ability to work harmoniously with associates, staff members, subordinates, and farmers and with those individuals and groups affected by, interested in or concerned with agriculture and the programs of the Department.

Ability to plan and conduct staff meetings and other meetings and conferences with organizations and groups having a common interest in agricultural problems and accomplishments.

Ability to plan and help carry out the public relations program and activities of the Department.

Ability to give formal and informal talks.

Ability to draft extensive correspondence.

Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical, financial and technical Reports of Department programs and activities and such other special reports as may be required by the State Board of Agriculture containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Ability to direct the establishment and maintenance of essential Department records and files.

Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

CODES: 98/X98 - MCK 12/23/2006

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

A Master's degree in agriculture, agri-business, natural sciences or marketing may be substituted for one (1) year of professional experience as indicated above.