Jan 27, 2009

Agency Policy Specialist

AGENCY POLICY SPECIALIST , Water Resources
Note that the posting closes 2/2/09

For more information go to: https://statejobs.doer.state.mn.us/JobPosting and enter posting number 09AGR000005
Hiring Agency: Agriculture Dept Location: St. Paul

Job Description: This position is responsible for serving as an expert resource to lead the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's (MDA's) efforts with regard to complex policies and programs that affect/impact statewide air and water quality. This is accomplished by coordinating and providing policy direction and program development consistent with MDA's overall mission, goals and objectives, as well as by recognizing and protecting the economic and practical needs of producers.

Minimum Qualifications: To be qualified for this position, you must meet all of the following minimum qualifications:

- A Bachelor?s Degree in the field of agriculture, environment, natural resources or environmental policy plus five years of related experience. A Master?s Degree may substitute for one year of experience.
- Experience with and knowledge of water quality and quantity and associated regulatory issues.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal program policies and related governmental functions sufficient to be able to evaluate and interpret the impact on statewide water quality and incorporate that into the development of MDA?s policy issues.
- An understanding and the ability to deal with agricultural issues as they pertain to protecting the State's environment and water resources.
- Advanced knowledge in government policy development and implementation
- Advanced communication skills in the form of oral presentations and formal writing for contributing to presentations, informational literature, reports, and editing the work of other professional staff.
- Human relations necessary to adapt to the changing role of the position as technical resource/project leader.
- Skills in acquiring, interpreting and analyzing data
- Project management skills to determine work details and set achievable timelines.
- Computer and electronic communication skills.
- Ability to identify and evaluate information/data and develop policy and program management recommendations, conceptualize alternative solutions to complex issues and convey them to diverse audiences.
- Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with public officials, especially local government staff and officials, planning commissions, other state agency staff, agricultural groups and a wide range of people is essential.
- Ability to review and evaluate technical reports and planning documents.
- Ability to recognize the public implications of a wide variety of issues and trends and determine the stakeholders and participants for policy issues.
- Ability to learn and/or work within a broad range of interdisciplinary areas. St. Paul
How to Apply:
You are strongly encouraged to submit your resume through the online Resume Builder at
. You may copy and paste in your existing resume or let the software create a resume for you. You may edit your resume later should your contact information or experience change. The Resume Builder also collects your work preference information so we can match you with future job openings that meet your interests.

Jan 26, 2009

Land O Lakes Internships

My friend Val at Land O Lakes wanted to share information about the Land O Lakes Internship program - so we have a new internship post about it.  Read on for the goods on this great opportunity.  As a Minnesota native, I naturally have a lot of friends that have participated in this program.  I've always heard lots of great things about their experiences.  If you're looking for an internship with a great organization that works to advance the world of agriculture all around the world, I highly recommend you get your application information submitted.  Good luck!
Position Title/Summary
Land O'Lakes Ag Business Placement Intern Program
Industry *
Agriculture
Company *
Land O'Lakes, Inc.
Career Website http://www.landolakesinc.com
Copy and Paste Job Description.

Recruitment Program Matches Students with Great Positions in Agriculture One of the biggest challenges in today's workforce is finding and recruiting qualified candidates to fill key positions. That challenge is growing as the number of young workers interested in agriculture-related fields continues to shrink. Land O'Lakes Recruitment Services Team, however, is counteracting that trend with their Land O'Lakes Ag Business Placement Intern Program.

Land O'Lakes Ag Business Placement is a Recruiting Team within Land O'Lakes Human Resources department that helps Professionals source and recruit qualified people for cooperatives. The program represents the combined effort of CROPLAN GENETICS, Land O'Lakes Purina Feed and Winfield Solutions, LLC. This partnership enables co-ops to take advantage of the broad reach of Land O'Lakes nationally-focused recruiters.

"Our recruitment group consists of 12 recruiters and we hire for any position within our co-ops," said Jim Tiedke, director for Cooperative Talent Management. "Our Placement Team manages the recruitment, training and placement for our large internship program." Click here to read more.

Jan 22, 2009

Controller - Florida

Controller – Alva, FL – 1107 
Role Purpose – 
 
The Site Controller at Alva/ Ft. Myers, FL Mum & Aster URC (Unrooted Cutting) farm will be responsible for transitioning the financial operations from a formerly private owned entity to Syngenta Accounting, Reporting & Compliance Standards. The controller will manage, coordinate, and lead the site financial operations operating within the Flowers regional structure and the NAFTA Shared Service Structure. The main objectives are to (1) drive operational excellence across financial transaction processing and to ensure excellent financial data is populated into the general ledger to allow a clean and efficient month end close, (2) provide excellent financial reporting & analysis to the business to support operational & financial improvements (3) support an effective control & compliance environment. The scope encompasses all financial activities at a site level including P2P, A2R and Compliance.
Accountabilities – 
 
• Manage the site accounting and accounts payable activities as well as the monthly close process to Syngenta timetables liaising with Syngenta Flowers controller & regional shared service as necessary • Provide accurate & timely financial reporting to site, regional & global Flowers management including Supply Chain & Research & Development organizations • Complete & accurate recording and processing of transactional activities to agreed standards. • Collaborate with NAFTA & Group compliance to ensure an effective overall control and compliance framework is implemented • Work with site management and Flowers supply chain to provide accurate capital & fixed asset planning & reporting in support of the long-term Mum product line asset strategy • Driving achievement of operational improvement plans, URC farm key performance indicators in coordination with the Alva Operations Manager and Alva Management
Knowledge, experience & capabilities 
• An experienced financial leader with a minimum bachelors degree and CPA • 7-10 years professional experience in reporting, planning and controlling expenses and financial shared services • Previous experience as a production site controller • Previous experience with acquisition integrations & post-acquisition financial activities such as 
Purchase price allocation & Opening Balance Sheet creation • Detailed knowledge & implementation experience of Sarbanes-Oxley • Detailed knowledge of IFRS • Previous experience with SAP • Previous experience with Hyperion • Strong controls and compliance focus • Customer focused with a desire to understand the business needs • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills. • A willingness to learn all aspects of the business • Focus on deadlines and the need for reporting accuracy • Demonstrated ability to support long term identification of business needs and opportunities • Demonstrated ability to support strategic planning at a cross-group level, and develop key 
processes and metrics to evaluate the business 
• Outstanding organization skills and organizational agility • Ability to work in a productive and cooperative way including balancing the customer needs with requirements to provide a standardised service • Strong cross-group skills, especially driving for results from others –ranging from BU heads and other executives to individual contributors- with different goals and commitments, experience leading virtual teams and the ability to develop internal and external relationships
Syngenta offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including market-based pay, health/dental insurance, a generous 401(k) program, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance.
Qualified candidates should apply today! Please submit your application online at www.syngentacareers.com. EOE

Fair Secretary - Manager - CA

THE POSITION

The Silver Dollar Fair Board is seeking an experienced administrator to continue

its strong traditions and to identify opportunities to expand its annual Fair and

other community events. The Secretary-Manager of the 3rd District Agricultural

Association is an officer appointed by, and reporting to, the Board of Directors.

Under the direction of the Board, the Fair SECRETARY-MANAGER plans,

organizes, implements, and administers the development and utilization of

fairground facilities providing the public with a variety of entertainment, social,

educational, cultural, and recreational activities. The SECRETARY-MANAGER

directs the work of the staff of the 3rd DAA. Emphasis is on administration and

management, financial accounting, planning, marketing, facility enhancement,

community outreach and public relations.

The Fair SECRETARY-MANAGER has the key responsibility of implementing the

vision of the Fair Board and assuring the financial success of the fairgrounds. The

latter involves booking interesting, viable events throughout the year that attract

attendance and maintain the reputation of the fairgrounds, while ensuring

compliance with State law, rules, and regulations. In addition, the Fair

SECRETARY-MANAGER develops marketing strategies to attract maximum use

of the facilities and participation in the activities presented; attends all Board

meetings and arranges for the development of agendas and minutes; solicits the

donation of funds or services.

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POSITION OVERVIEW

There are many aspects of Fairground activities and Fair Manager functions that

make this an exciting opportunity for a qualified candidate in this field.

The well attended Silver Dollar Fair in May showcasing agriculture, arts &

crafts, flower show, junior & senior livestock competitions, horse show, and

junior livestock auction. The annual fair has over 15,000 competitive

exhibits with almost 5,000 exhibitors participating. Cash premiums offered

for competition amount to over $65,000. The 2008 Junior Livestock Auction

generated $407,337.65 for the youth of the community. The Auction is

basically considered a scholarship program and is one of the largest in the

North State.

Well-maintained facilities on 63 acres with 6 major buildings for rentals

having a combined square footage of over 132,500 square feet, outdoor

arenas, grandstand area, quarter mile automobile dirt race track, a 37,500

square foot open air pavilion, and convenient paved parking.

Major interim events include Fourth of July fireworks, two home & garden

shows, 2 gun shows, antique shows, automobile races, Hmong New Year

festival, business shows, rodeos, bicycle rallies, and RV rallies. These

events can and have been regional, state, and national events.

The grounds are also used for dances, weddings, barbeques, fund raisers,

birthdays, trade shows, and other private events.

Year round activities on the fairgrounds include the Four Winds of Indian

Education Charter School with approximately 200 students, a Flea Market, a

BMX track, a Go-Kart track, and the Silver Dollar Speedway.

The Fairgrounds is nationally known for the automobile races and its race

track. The track has been voted the best quarter mile dirt track in the nation.

The annual "Gold Cup Races" held in September has been awarded the

"Best" dirt track performance in North America two years in a row. This one

event has been estimated by the Chico Chamber of Commerce to have an

economic impact of over $6 million on the Chico area in one week.

The Fair SECRETARY-MANAGER enjoys a collaborative working

relationship with the Fair Board of Directors, the County Board of

Supervisors, the Chico City Council, and the California Highway Patrol.

The support and contributions of an experienced and competent staff.

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THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The SECRETARY-MANAGER of the Silver Dollar Fair must be a highly skilled

individual with extensive management and administrative skills, and have a strong

understanding of the various practices and principles of fair and/or other business

event management; including public relations, personnel and financial

administration, contract negotiation and administration, and property management

practices. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker capable of implementation

through teamwork and collaboration and able to communicate effectively with

people from all walks of life, including community representatives, elected officials,

Board members, executive team members, other State department staff, and

press. The Fair SECRETARY-MANAGER must be willing to work irregular hours

and weekends, to perform personally at any job level, and to participate in

community activities and organizations; be creative, resourceful, flexible,

objective, cooperative, and personable.

In addition to the above, the ideal candidate will possess the following

characteristics, competencies, and style:

Track record of success designed to increase organizational efficiency and

effectiveness

Strong leadership and staff coaching skills to continue leading a strong

management team

Track record of solid budgeting experience and expertise

Flexible and unbiased, with a high level of integrity

Ability to establish and maintain the confidence of a governing Board or

other decision making body

Ability to manage multiple programs, projects, and priorities

Effective and persuasive communication skills

An agent of positive change; provides direction and energy

Flexible, able to see more than one solution to a situation

Decisive once input has been received and viewpoints are known and

understood

Fiscally astute; makes the most of financial resources

Most important, A SENSE OF HUMOR.

THE PROCESS

The selection process will consist of the following:

Application Packets Due On-Line:

No later than Friday, January 30, 2009

A postcard will be sent no later than one week after receipt of your on-line application.

Competitive application and supplemental questionnaire appraisal to determine

most suitably qualified candidates to participate further in the process. Most

suitably qualified candidates will be invited to an oral interview in March 2009.

The Silver Dollar Fair Board or an appointed subcommittee will interview top

ranked candidates after the above process is completed in March 2009.

TO APPLY

If you are interested in pursuing this exciting career opportunity, please apply online

at: www.silverdollarfair.org

Please address any questions about this position or application process to:

Tom DiGrazia

P.O. Box 1158

Chico, CA 95927

Event Center, Fair Manager - CA

Event Center, FAIR MANAGER

(CLARK COUNTY EVENT CENTER)

JOB PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

Under the direction of and reporting to the Executive Director, the Fair Manager is responsible

for overall planning, organizing and directing of all services and logistics of the annual Clark

County Fair including staff support to the Fair Association, general administrative functions,

maintaining the financial integrity of the fair, and management of its operations.

The Fair Manager is also expected to provide support as directed for non-fair events and

operations to contribute to the overall success of the Clark County Event Center (operated by the

Fairgrounds Site Management Group (FSMG)).

The Fair Manager has broad latitude for independent action and is held accountable for the

attainment of program goals and objectives.

KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and annually review/update a Fair Operating Manual. This book should be a template

for when items need to be completed, the contact information, expected costs, expected results,

maps, diagrams and timelines for project completions. Backup data and job

descriptions/responsibilities should be included. This task will be completed prior to the

beginning of each year's fair.

• Review and evaluate operations and take appropriate action to correct deficiencies and resolve

problems; develop, recommend and implement division policies and procedures, as required.

• Serve as executive staff to the Fair Association on matters related to the Annual Fair. Carry out

directives from the FSMG and the Fair Association to ensure that assignments are carried out by

peers or hired third parties.

• Manage all aspects of the Annual Fair budget including maximizing all sources of revenue and

maintaining efficient strategies to control expenses.

• Plan and book all entertainment for the Fair, including their contracts, negotiations, and budgets.

Oversee the logistics of the entertainment to ensure quality, contract compliance, and integration

with the rest of the Fair.

• Programming and full execution of all grounds features including the year's specially-themed

attraction, their contracts, payments, logistics, etc.

• Assist the FSMG and the Fair Association in formulating goals, objectives and policies which

further the growth and financial success of the fair.

Event Center Fair Manager Page 2

• Promote and coordinate various volunteer programs and events; recruit, select, assemble, train,

supervise, and evaluate volunteers. Evaluate programs to recommend and implement program

modifications as needed.

• Plan, organize, supervise and evaluate the work of volunteers and staff. Advise and assist

subordinates as necessary, and provide for their training; select, hire, promote and discipline

subordinate employees, as necessary.

• Oversee and direct other FSMG departments in all matters relating to the Fair.

• Maintain and/or oversee the maintenance of required records and prepare necessary reports.

• Oversee all Fair related contracted services including the tracking of contract renewals, writing

and instituting necessary RFP's, negotiating contracts, and the oversight of contract execution

and performance.

• Oversee all aspects of developing, maintaining and distributing Fair information and materials,

manuals and handbooks. Such material includes: Exhibitor's Handbook, Superintendent's

Handbook, Concessionaires Handbook, Open class, 4-H, FFA, Food Vendors Handbook,

Grounds Entertainment policies, Volunteer policies and procedures, Part Time Worker policies

and procedures, and any other directional information distributed in support of the Fair.

• Continually strive to develop new and creative ideas for the future health of the Fair.

• At the direction of the Executive Director, the Fair Manager will be expected to work with the

Event Center's Event Manager providing support for non-fair events to ensure they are given

proper planning and supervision. This could include working events that occur at night or on

weekends.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor's degree and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in fair, convention,

exposition, exhibits or closely related business management, including at least three (3) years of

supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of training and\or experience that provides

the required knowledge and abilities.

Willingness to seek out, and, as directed by FSMG or Executive Director, to attend training to

further broaden the abilities of this position. This is not limited to Fair-only training, but should

include education in contract development/negotiation, budgeting, long-term planning, and other

related areas of business.

Event Center Fair Manager Page 3

Knowledge of....concepts and techniques of public relations; marketing and program promotion;

theory and philosophy of fair program management; principles, practices and techniques of:

program planning, master planning, organization and administration, contract negotiations and

administration, building and grounds maintenance, crowd management, and the construction trades,

office management, records keeping and employee supervision, recruitment, selection, training, and

evaluation; grant writing, funding sources and application procedures for fairground enhancements;

public safety, health, food handling, structural, and building codes, laws and requirements;

Ability to....develop, implement and administer an effective annual Fair/Festival program; prepare

and administer program plans and budgets; gather, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize a variety of data

including financial information; analyze and evaluate program operations and take effective action

to correct deficiencies and resolve problems; allocate and make effective use of available resources;

read, understand and apply federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing program

operations; plan, organize, supervise, and evaluate the work of employees; coordinate and facilitate

use of volunteers; maintain required records and prepare a variety of correspondence, reports, and

other written materials; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; utilize and be proficient

with computers and various programs to draft and organize correspondence, create and manipulate

spreadsheets, produce reports, diagrams and event information; establish and maintain effective

working relationships with committees, superiors, subordinates, associates, tenants, contractors,

representative of other agencies and with the general public, youth groups, equestrian, and other

special interest groups.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed primarily in an office setting at the Event Center throughout the year with the

exception of during the run of the fair, load-in and load out, where duties are performed primarily

outdoors. Frequent trips to locations throughout the county to attend meetings and coordinate Fair

operations, as well as occasional business outside of the region, including out of state travel, are

requirements of the position. Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

This position requires the ability to perform those activities to complete the essential functions of the

job, either with or without reasonable accommodation. The position requires continuous and/or

frequent talking, repetitive motions of hand/wrist, hearing, and handling. Mental activities are

required by the employee in this position include decision making, interpersonal skills, supervisory

skills, teamwork, creativity, customer service, mentoring, use of discretion, presentations/teaching,

problem analysis, negotiation, and the ability to perform math and to read, write, speak and

understand English. Required physical activities can include frequent keyboard fingering, talking,

repetitive motions of hands and wrists, sitting, hearing and lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying

objects up to 50 pounds.

SALARY

$65,000 - $75,000 commensurate with experience.