Planning & Research Associate II - 1032

PLANNING & RESEARCH ASSOCIATE II

Opening Date: June 08, 2023 Closing Date: June 30, 2023

Location: Augusta Position #: 00500-1032

Position Type: Limited Period Full Time Class Code: 0040

Grade/Salary: 23 $45,136.00 - $60,881.60 Annually

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The Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, is currently recruiting to fill a Limited Period Animal Field Technician position in Augusta.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: The role manages the animal disease traceability program for the state of Maine. Related responsibilities include data entry, licensee correspondence, monitoring of program compliance, maintenance of ADT records, and other administrative tasks that support program implementation. This position also participates in facility inspections and disease surveillance activities with Animal Health Program Managers. When needed, this position will also be required to work on emergency response.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of livestock management and traceability
• General knowledge of animal disease and regulatory requirements
• Knowledge of record-keeping and database management
• Ability to support and expand disease surveillance programs within Animal Health, including the Scrapie Program, Swine Brucellosis/ Pseudorabies Herd, Certification Program, and Cervid program
• Ability to become familiar and proficient at utilizing the state and federal databases within the Animal Health Program
• Ability to assist with administrative support for the Animal Health Program
• Knowledge and ability to utilize biosecurity measures
• Ability to communicate effectively and engage with stakeholders, including enhancing outreach to producers
• Ability to support emergency management efforts for Maine Animal Health

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: An eight (8) year combination of education, training, and/or experience providing a knowledge of planning and research principles, practices, and techniques.

PREFERENCES: Preference will be given to candidates with regulatory and livestock experience, including comfort handling animals, collecting samples, and consulting on animal husbandry and management.

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No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes at least 13.00% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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