We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia’s agriculture through superior service and leadership.

·         The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture, both locally and globally, and assist our customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.

·         The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

This position is not eligible for benefits and is limited to 29 hours per week.

Job Description / Essential Functions:

The (Part-Time) Market News Reporter is responsible for the collection and reporting of market prices at assigned livestock auction markets each week.

·         Learned to use the USDA Grading Standards and Guidelines to gather market data such as price, USDA grade, class, weight, and market trends of cattle and goats as they are sold at assigned markets each week. 

·         Evaluate cattle using specific USDA standards and guidelines.

·         Analyzes and compiles market information into written reports; uploads market information to USDA using USDA's online platform.

·         Enters reports into the official USDA database by computer, which will be provided.

·         Cover auction markets, in assigned territory, 2 – 3 days per week per market schedule. Must be present an hour before the start of the sale and remain until the last livestock is sold.

All other duties as assigned

Compensation

·         $15 to $17 an hour.

·         Mileage reimbursement for driving a personal vehicle from the residence to assigned livestock markets and back to the residence.

Employment is contingent upon completion of the USDA Livestock Grading Certification within six months of employment.

The selected applicant must reside in one of the listed counties or be willing to relocate:

·            Baker

·            Decatur

·            Early

·            Grady

·            Miller

·            Mitchell

·            Seminole

·            Thomas

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: 

·         Knowledge of the livestock industry and management practices associated.

·         Knowledge of livestock species.

·         Ability to communicate verbally and in writing, in a timely and accurate fashion with peers, management, and private industry. 

·         Proficiency with computers and smartphones.

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

·         Ability to accurately input large amounts of data into a specific database.

·         Dependable mode of transportation.

·         Valid driver’s license.

·         Must be able to endure long periods of sitting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Vocational or technical degree in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, pest control, entomology, or a closely related field from an accredited college OR High school diploma or GED AND One year of experience around assignment OR Two years of college, which included 12 semester/20 quarter hours in chemistry or life sciences.

NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates.  The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory results of employment verification, background and criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.

HOW TO APPLY:  Resumes may be submitted by adding to your profile in Team Georgia Careers.

·         Via Team Georgia Careers http://team.georgia.gov/careers/

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to this office's large volume of submissions, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided.  Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process.  Applicants who are not selected will not receive a notification. 

Please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615 if you need accommodation.

** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified *