State of South Carolina is hiring: Market News Reporter - Livestock in Columbia

Do you enjoy talking to farmers and ranchers? Do you have a knack for attention to detail? If so, then the SC Department of Agriculture has the perfect job for you! As a Livestock Market News Reporter, you will be responsible for:

• Compiling accurate and unbiased livestock, fruit and vegetable, and grain market information in accordance with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) guidelines.
• Collecting information demonstrating knowledge of all factors affecting the livestock, fruit, vegetable, grain, honey and organic markets successfully and accurately.
• Reporting factual data on supply, demand, trade activity, price trends, volume, and quotations by class, grade, and/or weigh on a statewide level.
• Participating as a livestock reporter and as a back-up reporter in the grading of livestock into a set pattern of size, weight, and quality at various livestock auctions across SC.
• Disseminating all Market News reports to users such as producers, trade members and mass media and users of the internet.
• Responding to request for information after completing research and interpreting relevant data.
• Assembling and proof-reading data.
• Making daily recordings of livestock, fruits, vegetables and grain prices and futures data for general public.
• Attending relevant conferences on occasion.
• Assisting with planning and presenting outreach events.
• Assist with SCDA's venue, the Phillips Market Center, events to include set up, take down, and serving as point of contact during assigned events, including occasional night and weekend events.

***** Did we mention access to an agency vehicle for field work? *****

BENEFITS:

• Generous State benefits to include retirement, health, vision, dental and life insurance.
  • Premium for BCBS State Standard Plan for employee only coverage is less than $100/month!
  • Premium for BCBS State Standard Plan for full family coverage is only $307/month!
• 13 paid holidays; generous annual and sick leave accruals.
• Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave.
• Deferred Compensation Program.
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Free counseling sessions for employees and household members
  • Free Life Management Services (legal, financial, and more)

• A high school diploma and experience with agricultural products. A bachelor's degree in agricultural studies may be substituted for the required work experience.
• Valid State driver's license and ability to operate a motorized vehicle.

• Must obtain USDA Market Reporter Certification within six months of hire and any other requirements required by USDA.
• Must be able to perform required duties in extreme heat/cold and endure long periods of standing/sitting.
• General knowledge of the principals of agricultural economics in the marketing of agricultural products.
• Must possess good communication and math skills and be able to use good judgment in framing price quotations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with producers and processors of agricultural products including Livestock, Grain, and Fruit and Vegetable.
• Must possess writing, keyboarding, and language skills for composition of reports, broadcasts and summarizing statistical data are needed.
• This position is classified as essential. An essential worker may be required on holidays and on declared emergency days, including hazardous weather days. Minimum of 24-hour advance notice is required if employee is unable to attend shift.
• Reporting to the main office on the campus of the State Farmers Market in West Columbia is required when not on assignment in the field - this is not a remote position.