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:
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