State of South Carolina is hiring: Market News Reporter - Specialty Crops, Lives

Overview

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 the Market News Reporter for Specialty Crops, Livestock, and Grain, you will be responsible for:

Responsibilities

• 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 weight on a statewide level.
• Participating as a back-up reporter in the grading of livestock into a set pattern of size, weight, and quality.
• Disseminating all Market News reports to users such as producers, trade members and mass media and users of the internet.
• Responding to requests for information after completing research and interpreting relevant data.
• Assembling and proofreading data.
• Making daily recordings of livestock, fruits, vegetables and grain prices and futures data for the 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 setup, take down, and serving as point of contact during assigned events, including occasional night and weekend events.
• 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)

Qualifications

• 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 principles 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.