SOS Program Specialist
State of Nebraska

Job Info

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The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
Administrative Services - Agency 65

Location:
Lincoln Job Posting

Hiring Rate:
$22.680

Classification Salary Range:
$22.69 - $33.44

Job Posting:
JR2023-00001465 SOS Program Specialist (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

Job Description:
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is seeking to hire a Supply Chain Coordinator for Western Nebraska.

This is a grant-funded position with a flexible part-time schedule of up to 20 per week. Estimated end date of assignment is May 2027 but is subject to change.

The supply chain coordinator will work with the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program coordinator to assist Nebraska food producers, processing centers, distributors, and other food supply chain businesses to build a more resilient food supply chain in Nebraska.

Job Duties

• Assess food supply chain needs and opportunities in the state to benefit agricultural producers, expand product offerings for consumers, expand processing options and capacity, facilitate cooperative solutions to bottlenecks, and plan for best use to meet needs and build opportunities through Infrastructure Grants;
  
• Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of agriculture, local foods, urban agriculture, specialty crops, value-added foods, food deserts, and food supply chain asset mapping;
  
• Serve as a liaison between partner organizations, growers, food banks/pantries, food hubs, food processing centers, and other food/beverage/artisan/agricultural entities;
  
• Provide innovative, yet practical, planning for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, or distribution of food;
  
• Develop or facilitate general informational websites, webinars, conferences, trainings, plant tours, and field days; and
  
• Offer business assistance, including business plan development for processed products, strategic planning assistance, and distribution and supply chain innovation.
  
• Coordinate program activities with applicable Local Food Purchase Assistance Agreements and Local Food for Schools agreements, which many states and territories have with USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service Commodity Procurement Program.
  
• Work with the Heartland Regional Food Business Center in order to access additional technical assistance and information resources that may be available to support producers and supply chain efforts.
  
• Connect local and regional producers with Federal and State programs, including USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Farm to School Leads, USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinators, and state food and agriculture councils.
  

Qualifications / Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree preferred in related area, or commensurate experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Four-year college degree and experience in business development, economics, agriculture or closely related field;

Ability to proactively develop and carry out program priorities;

Ability to communicate orally and in writing;

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships;

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail;

Advanced proficiency with computer skills;

Ability to work independently;

OTHER: Travel within Nebraska; as such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver's license or another form of reliable transportation. Regular and reliable attendance is required.


Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! For more information on benefits currently offered to permanent teammates, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.

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