AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SPECIALIST 3

Definition

Under the supervision of the Chief, Bureau of Market Development and Promotions or other supervisory officer, Division of Markets, New Jersey Department of Agriculture, and in accordance with approved plans, provides professional marketing advice and assistance as needed; participates in market expansion and development programs and activities: assists in market surveys: participates in planning and implementation of promotional and educational activities; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Provides professional marketing advice and assistance to Agricultural Commodity Promotion Councils and other commodity and producers' groups in support of their market promotion and development programs.
• Participates in the implementation of public relations, promotions, and publicity programs to bring about greater efficiency and effectiveness in the marketing of New Jersey agricultural products.
• Participates in the conducting of consumer and retailer preference surveys concerning New Jersery agricultural products to determine when changes or new trends are occurring in the marketplace which will necessitate market development program alternations.
• Participates in the planning and implementation of promotional and educational activities such as display and recipe contests, seminars and conferences, exhibits, and trade shows which highlight to producers, consumers, retailers, and others the benefits of purchasing and/or using New Jersey agricultural products.
• Participates in the conducting of market development and merchandising programs with agricultural buyers in local, national, and international market areas to develop new sales for New Jersey agricultural commodities.
• Solicits the cooperation of producers, consumers, community, civic, and government organizations in participating in agricultural promotion and market development programs which develop interest in and expand the sale of New Jersey agricultural commodities.
• Assists in the preparation of material for newspaper, magazine, and outdoor advertising as well as for point-of-purchase, news releases, and other printed material used in promotion of New Jersey agricultural products to increase their sale and use.
• Participates in the development and conduct of market promotion and expansion programs in support of specialized agricultural outlets such as roadside markets, community markets, and auction markets. Prepares technical reports on the results of market surveys and other marketing projects and special events.
• Drafts correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Maintains the appropriate and essential market development and promotion files.
• May 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 Marketing, Home Economics, Agricultural Economics, Agriculture, Agribusiness, or Business Administration including or supplemented by at least twelve (12) semester hour credits in marketing.

Experience

Two (2) years of professional experience in programs of promotion, marketing, or public relations for agricultural products.

License

Appointee 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.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of sucessfully marketing farm products.
• Knowledge of the important farm products of New Jersey and the production and marketing practices used by producers and marketers in this state.
• Knowledge of modern public relations and publicity methods, procedures, techniques, and materials and their utilization to improve farm product marketing.
• Knowledge of market development and promotion techniques as they relate to the sale of agricultural products.
• Knowledge of development in agricultural products marketing in the United States and abroad to improve the marketing of products produced in New Jersey.
• Knowledge of food distribution systems, components, and operating systems.
• Knowledge of communication skills as used in marketing and promotion programs.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse mixture of agricultural industry representatives, including farmers, buyers, dealers, distributors, food processors, and other groups.
• Ability to prepare appropriate, attractive, and useful promotional material used for retail marketing purposes and advertising copy used in various media and public appearances.
• Ability to assist in the conducting of verbal and/or written consumer and retailer surveys.
• Ability to assist in the conducting of consumer promotional events.
• Ability to prepare correspondence in connection with New Jersey marketing and promotion programs.
• reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain essential unit records and files.
• Ability to learn 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, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the 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 the 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: P21- JMR 3/21/94

Note

A Master's degree in any of the above fields may be substituted for one (1) year of the indicated experience.