Planning & Research Associate II - Two Positions - 1045 (Limited Period) and 0615 (Permanent)

Augusta , Maine , United States | Planning and Research | Full-time | Partially remote

Apply by: Nov. 22, 2024

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PLANNING & RESEARCH ASSOCIATE II(TWO POSITIONS)

Opening Date:November 08, 2024Closing Date:November 22, 2024

Location:Augusta*Position #'S:00500-1045(Limited Period)

00500-0615(Permanent)

Position Type:Full Time(See Position #'s)Class Code:0040

Grade/Salary: Grade 23 - $49,275.20 - $69,139.20 Per Year

*The positions are located in Augusta and may work according to DACF’s Telework Policy.

Do you want to make a difference in Maine’s food systems? Do you enjoy providing service and support to Maine’s food producers and connecting consumers to Maine farms and food producers?

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has two position openings! We are looking for highly organized individuals who can support the administration, planning, research, and development of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) and the Maine Senior FarmShare Program (MSFSP). Both positions are full-time; the RFSI (00500-1045) opening is alimited periodposition and the MSFSP (00500-0615) opening is a permanent position.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS:The RFSI position will support the administration of the USDA AMS Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) funding programs, including $4 million allocated to the Maine RFSI Program. The purpose of the RFSI program is to build resilience across Maine’s middle-of-the food supply chain. Federal funds support expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of Maine-produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy and eggs, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and specialty food and beverage products.

The MSFSP position will support the administration of the USDA FNS Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program including an annual $1 million allocation to the Maine Senior FarmShare Program. The purpose of MSFSP is to provide low-income older adults with access to locally grown produce; increase local food consumption; and support the development of new food supply chain coordination.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION:These positions are responsible for conducting complex and technical planning and research. Responsibilities will include assisting in the development and administration of a federal grant program. The people in these positions will collect, analyze, and present data relevant to developing policies and procedures to ensure effective resource utilization of USDA funds and will assist in the planning and development of future Department programs and resources.

These are professional services positions of a planning and research nature in coordinating the activities for grant/program planning, development, reporting, compliance, and stakeholder and federal coordination. Work includes data entry; processing invoices and performance reports; developing and tracking program budgets; 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; coordinating participant recruitment and customer service; supporting the Bureau in identifying additional funding opportunities; and developing and implementing division policies, procedures and State Plans.

For questions specific to the position, please contact Michelle Webb atmichelle.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 stakeholders and 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 need to apply online by selecting the "APPLY" button below along with uploading a Cover Letter and a current Resume.In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

If you can't apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here:https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter and Resume,before the closing date,to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.

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 ($11,196.96-$13,172.88 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium 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 ($358.08 annual value).

• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% 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 leaveis 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 aboutadditional 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.