Chf,Div Of Agr & Res Mart (Dem

Chief, Division of Agriculture & Resource Marketing (DEM)

The Chief of Agriculture and Resource Marketing serves as the leader of the Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment, providing high level management and strategic direction for this multi-faceted division. This role is responsible for advancing programs and policies that support the sustainable growth and resilience of Rhode Island's farmers, fishers, and foresters while protecting the state's natural resources. The position requires exceptional communication skills, strategic leadership, and a collaborative approach to building partnerships with industry stakeholders, state and federal agencies, municipalities, and community organizations to strengthen Rhode Island's agricultural, forestry, and seafood sectors.

General Statement of Duties:
To plan, organize and direct the activities of resource marketing staff enforcing federal and/or state laws and grade standards established for agricultural products; to provide for the orderly flow of resource marketing information to the general public; to advise agricultural organizations and consumers' cooperative in direct marketing programs; to direct the activities of the Animal Disease Control Unit which has statewide responsibilities for the control and eradication of livestock diseases;

to develop, implement and lead a comprehensive program that preserves and enhances the viability of agriculture in Rhode Island; to fulfill various agricultural, public health and environmental responsibilities and mandates, including but not limited to food safety and security, farmland protection, zoonotic disease management, marketing and local food promotion, animal welfare, mosquito abatement, pesticide regulation, pest management, and water quality.

To develop necessary partnerships, regulations, legislation, grant programs, agreements and relationships within and outside of state government to achieve divisional goals; and to do related work as required.

Supervision Received:
Works under the broad direction of the Director, Department of Environmental Management, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in carrying out the objectives of the program; work is reviewed and evaluated through periodic reports and conferences.

Supervision Exercised:
Plans, organizes, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates the work of a staff engaged in the program.

Illustrative Examples of Work Performed:

• To plan, organize and direct the activities of resource marketing staff enforcing federal and/or state laws and grade standards established for agricultural products.
• To provide for the orderly flow of resource marketing information to the public.
• To advise agricultural organizations and consumers' cooperatives in direct marketing programs.
• To direct the activities of the Animal Disease Control Unit, which has statewide responsibilities for the control and eradication of livestock diseases.
• To develop, implement and lead a comprehensive program that preserves and enhances the viability of agriculture in Rhode Island.
• To fulfill various agricultural, public health and environmental responsibilities and mandates, including but not limited to food safety and security, farmland protection, zoonotic disease management, marketing and local food promotion, animal welfare, mosquito abatement, pesticide regulation, pest management, and water quality.
• To develop necessary partnerships, regulations, legislation, grant programs, agreements and relationships within and outside of state government to achieve divisional goals; and to do related work as required.
• To help foster collaboration within and outside of government to preserve protect and improve the state's agricultural resources.
• To plan and write policy, draft legislation, compose regulations and improve the agricultural program and representation.
• To oversee and coordinate local food system development and promotion.
• To be responsible for farmland protection, access and designation programs.
• To regulate food safety, certification and education.
• To draft and implement animal health regulations and manage zoonotic disease, including with an emergency response capacity.
• To plan, initiate and sustain an emergency response capability for a variety of agricultural/biological crisis management and consequence management challenges, such as pet sheltering and other contingencies.
• To coordinate mosquito abatement, salt marsh management and pesticide regulation.
• To establish and maintain an invasive/injurious insect and disease survey and response capability.
• To write, administer and develop grants, such as Local Agriculture and Seafood Acts (LASA), and grants related to farm viability and farm energy usage and conservation.
• To be responsible for Division of Agriculture Marketing and Promotion Initiatives such as Farmers' Markets, Agriculture Day and Rhody Fresh.
• To administer agricultural permitting and certification programs which involve wetlands, composting, deer damage,…