Agriculture Market Team Leader
Salary: $47,425.15 - $55,000.00 Annually
Location : 25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 9003-0401-20261014HI
Department: 0401 - AGRICULTURE & COMMERCE DEPARTMENT
Opening Date: 10/14/2026
Closing Date: 10/28/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary: $47,425.15
Agency Maximum Salary: $55,000.00
About the Agency: The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce's (Department) mission is to support and apply necessary regulations to agricultural-related businesses within the state and to promote Mississippi's products throughout both the state and the rest of the world for the benefit of Mississippi citizens. The Department is dedicated to promoting and heightening the public's awareness of Mississippi's agricultural history, agriculture commodities and the farmers and ranchers who produce them through participation in trade shows, conferences and various other community and agricultural related organizations. Through its various bureaus, the Department seeks to protect the health and economic welfare in conjunction with the agricultural and horticultural interests of Mississippi. These activities include registering pesticides, feeds, seeds, fertilizers, and soil amendments, as well as, permitting all pest control operators throughout the state. The Department conducts inspections of producers, grocery stores, meat establishments, fuel stations and other commercial operations to ensure adherence to applicable regulations including, without limitation, food safety and the certification of weighing and measuring devices used in commerce. To contact MDAC call 601-359-1100.
About the Position: This is an X-16 position. The Agriculture Market Specialist Team Leader position serves within the Marketing and Governmental Affairs Division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC). This division is responsible for promoting Mississippi agriculture and the state's agricultural products while working with policymakers and stakeholders on key issues. Core functions of the division include outreach/communications, market development programs, and grant and cost-share programs.The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:• Plans, coordinates, and administers agricultural grant and cost-share programs, including but not limited to the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, School Garden Grant Program, and Good Agricultural Practices/Good Handling Practices (GAP/GHP) Cost-Share program.o Oversees grant application, evaluation, award, reimbursement, monitoring, and reporting processes to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal requirements, program guidelines, and established deadlines.o Monitors project implementation, expenditures, and performance; and maintains accurate financial and program records to support accountability and compliance.o Develops and coordinates outreach to promote grant opportunities, increase program participation, and evaluate program effectiveness.• Provides support for international trade initiatives and export promotion activities, with opportunities to participate in trade missions, industry events, and other efforts to expand domestic and international markets for Mississippi agricultural products.• Represents the department by attending, speaking, and participating in various events such as field days, school activities, trade shows, conferences as needed.• Assists with planning and implementing agency activities for Genuine MS®, Farmers Markets, Mississippi State Fair, Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, conferences, and other events as needed.• Other duties as assigned by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, Chief of Staff, Deputy Commissioner, and/or Marketing and Governmental Affairs Director.Prefer experience planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating grant programs. Knowledge of grant administration procedures, including application review, award processes, financial management, monitoring, reporting, and grant closeout. Familiarity with federal grant requirements, including 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), and applicable state and federal financial accountability standards. General knowledge of international agricultural trade and export promotion. Knowledge and understanding of Mississippi agriculture and the state's major agricultural commodities and agribusiness industries. Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed. Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, and extended hours in connection with Genuine MS®, Farmers Markets, Mississippi State Fair, Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, and other special events.
What you'll need to be Successful: Organizational and time management skills. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Program management skills. Computer skills including various Microsoft Office Programs.
Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of experience in agricultural programs.
No available description
Health/Prescription InsuranceEligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the state's health and prescription insurance program. Employees may select either single or family coverage with affordable co-payments. More detail can be found at Know Your Benefits.
Wellness Benefits
Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan provides annual benefits for certain services with first-dollar coverage with no deductible.
Life Insurance
All eligible employees receive an actual term life insurance policy upon employment. The policy coverage is two times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $100,000. More detail can be found at Life Insurance Choices.
Optional Insurances
Many agencies offer discounted premiums for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Many state agencies provide opportunity for employees to participate in pre-tax spending accounts. These accounts allow employees to withhold childcare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses prior to application of state and federal taxes.
Paid Personal Leave and Sick LeaveFull-time employees receive paid time off for personal needs and for sick leave. Leave begins accruing after one month of employment and may be used as it is accrued. Employees earn approximately 18 days of personal leave annually and 12 days of sick leave annually.
Military Leave
In accordance with federal law, all employees serving in the armed forces or the military reserves are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.
Holidays
Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays to enjoy many of our nation's celebrations with family and friends.
Retirement Programs
The State of Mississippi provides all its employees a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program. Employees become vested in the State's retirement system after 8 years of employment. Both you and your employing agency contribute toward your retirement. More detailed information regarding the State's retirement program can be found at http://www.pers.state.ms.us
Deferred Compensation
State agencies offer several opportunities for their employees to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan. More information can be found at Deferred Compensation.
State Credit Union
All state employees are eligible to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees' Credit Union. This organization offers state employees special savings and borrowing plans. For more information about this program, call 601.948.8191.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many state agencies provide opportunities for their employees to achieve higher education through tuition reimbursement. Common programs include medical and nursing fields, accounting, and business/administrative fields.
Career Development and Training
The Mississippi State Personnel Board offers several management and administrative certification programs, as well as professional development courses to enhance employee value to the agency. Individual agencies also offer technical training and allow membership in professional organizations to employees in their specific fields of employment.
Promotional Opportunities
Employees who have completed 6 or more months of service are eligible for promotional opportunities within state government employment. Minimum qualifications must be met.
Career Ladders
Many job classifications provide career-ladder opportunities based upon attainment of competencies. These career ladders can increase an individual's salary, provided funds are available within the agency.
01
How many years of experience do you have in agricultural programs?
02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed from an accredited four-year college or university?
Required Question
Location : 25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 9003-0401-20261014HI
Department: 0401 - AGRICULTURE & COMMERCE DEPARTMENT
Opening Date: 10/14/2026
Closing Date: 10/28/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary: $47,425.15
Agency Maximum Salary: $55,000.00
About the Agency: The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce's (Department) mission is to support and apply necessary regulations to agricultural-related businesses within the state and to promote Mississippi's products throughout both the state and the rest of the world for the benefit of Mississippi citizens. The Department is dedicated to promoting and heightening the public's awareness of Mississippi's agricultural history, agriculture commodities and the farmers and ranchers who produce them through participation in trade shows, conferences and various other community and agricultural related organizations. Through its various bureaus, the Department seeks to protect the health and economic welfare in conjunction with the agricultural and horticultural interests of Mississippi. These activities include registering pesticides, feeds, seeds, fertilizers, and soil amendments, as well as, permitting all pest control operators throughout the state. The Department conducts inspections of producers, grocery stores, meat establishments, fuel stations and other commercial operations to ensure adherence to applicable regulations including, without limitation, food safety and the certification of weighing and measuring devices used in commerce. To contact MDAC call 601-359-1100.
About the Position: This is an X-16 position. The Agriculture Market Specialist Team Leader position serves within the Marketing and Governmental Affairs Division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC). This division is responsible for promoting Mississippi agriculture and the state's agricultural products while working with policymakers and stakeholders on key issues. Core functions of the division include outreach/communications, market development programs, and grant and cost-share programs.The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:• Plans, coordinates, and administers agricultural grant and cost-share programs, including but not limited to the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, School Garden Grant Program, and Good Agricultural Practices/Good Handling Practices (GAP/GHP) Cost-Share program.o Oversees grant application, evaluation, award, reimbursement, monitoring, and reporting processes to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal requirements, program guidelines, and established deadlines.o Monitors project implementation, expenditures, and performance; and maintains accurate financial and program records to support accountability and compliance.o Develops and coordinates outreach to promote grant opportunities, increase program participation, and evaluate program effectiveness.• Provides support for international trade initiatives and export promotion activities, with opportunities to participate in trade missions, industry events, and other efforts to expand domestic and international markets for Mississippi agricultural products.• Represents the department by attending, speaking, and participating in various events such as field days, school activities, trade shows, conferences as needed.• Assists with planning and implementing agency activities for Genuine MS®, Farmers Markets, Mississippi State Fair, Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, conferences, and other events as needed.• Other duties as assigned by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, Chief of Staff, Deputy Commissioner, and/or Marketing and Governmental Affairs Director.Prefer experience planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating grant programs. Knowledge of grant administration procedures, including application review, award processes, financial management, monitoring, reporting, and grant closeout. Familiarity with federal grant requirements, including 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), and applicable state and federal financial accountability standards. General knowledge of international agricultural trade and export promotion. Knowledge and understanding of Mississippi agriculture and the state's major agricultural commodities and agribusiness industries. Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed. Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, and extended hours in connection with Genuine MS®, Farmers Markets, Mississippi State Fair, Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, and other special events.
What you'll need to be Successful: Organizational and time management skills. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Program management skills. Computer skills including various Microsoft Office Programs.
Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of experience in agricultural programs.
No available description
Health/Prescription InsuranceEligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the state's health and prescription insurance program. Employees may select either single or family coverage with affordable co-payments. More detail can be found at Know Your Benefits.
Wellness Benefits
Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan provides annual benefits for certain services with first-dollar coverage with no deductible.
Life Insurance
All eligible employees receive an actual term life insurance policy upon employment. The policy coverage is two times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $100,000. More detail can be found at Life Insurance Choices.
Optional Insurances
Many agencies offer discounted premiums for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Many state agencies provide opportunity for employees to participate in pre-tax spending accounts. These accounts allow employees to withhold childcare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses prior to application of state and federal taxes.
Paid Personal Leave and Sick LeaveFull-time employees receive paid time off for personal needs and for sick leave. Leave begins accruing after one month of employment and may be used as it is accrued. Employees earn approximately 18 days of personal leave annually and 12 days of sick leave annually.
Military Leave
In accordance with federal law, all employees serving in the armed forces or the military reserves are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.
Holidays
Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays to enjoy many of our nation's celebrations with family and friends.
Retirement Programs
The State of Mississippi provides all its employees a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program. Employees become vested in the State's retirement system after 8 years of employment. Both you and your employing agency contribute toward your retirement. More detailed information regarding the State's retirement program can be found at http://www.pers.state.ms.us
Deferred Compensation
State agencies offer several opportunities for their employees to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan. More information can be found at Deferred Compensation.
State Credit Union
All state employees are eligible to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees' Credit Union. This organization offers state employees special savings and borrowing plans. For more information about this program, call 601.948.8191.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many state agencies provide opportunities for their employees to achieve higher education through tuition reimbursement. Common programs include medical and nursing fields, accounting, and business/administrative fields.
Career Development and Training
The Mississippi State Personnel Board offers several management and administrative certification programs, as well as professional development courses to enhance employee value to the agency. Individual agencies also offer technical training and allow membership in professional organizations to employees in their specific fields of employment.
Promotional Opportunities
Employees who have completed 6 or more months of service are eligible for promotional opportunities within state government employment. Minimum qualifications must be met.
Career Ladders
Many job classifications provide career-ladder opportunities based upon attainment of competencies. These career ladders can increase an individual's salary, provided funds are available within the agency.
01
How many years of experience do you have in agricultural programs?
- No experience
- 1 year of experience
- 2 years of experience
- 3 years of experience
- 4 years of experience
- 5 years of experience
- 6 years of experience
- 7 years of experience
- 8 years of experience
- 9 years of experience
- 10 years of experience
- More than 10 years
02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed from an accredited four-year college or university?
- None
- GED or High School Equivalency Diploma / High School Diploma
- 1 year / 30 semester hours
- Associate's Degree / 2 yrs / 60 semester hours
- 3 years / 90 semester hours
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Specialist Degree
- Doctorate Degree
Required Question