Senior Business Development Specialist of Agriculture

Senior Business Development Specialist of Agriculture

Salary

$79,757.47 - $135,587.70 Annually

Location

118 North Market Street - Frederick, MD

Job Type

Full-time Regular

Job Number

FY27-00121

Department

Office of Agriculture

Opening Date

10/01/2026

Closing Date

10/8/2026 4:00 PM Eastern

FLSA

Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB INFORMATION

Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; full benefits; Partial telework may be available in accordance with Division policies

This position performs advanced professional-level work supporting Frederick County's economic, workforce, and agricultural development initiatives. This role is responsible for planning, marketing, and managing strategies specifically designed to retain and grow Frederick County's agriculture industry. Serving as part of a two-person agriculture business development team, the Specialist frequently acts as a primary point of contact for existing agricultural businesses and farms, supporting the creation, implementation, and evaluation of policies and programs that promote industry growth. Work involves strategic planning, cross-organizational collaboration, and serving as a subject-matter resource on industry trends, workforce development, business attraction, agricultural business needs, and broader economic development opportunities. Supervision is received from the Agriculture Business Development Manager (OAG).

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment

• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover

• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)

• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending

• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care

• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit

• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan

• Vesting after 5 years of service

• Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.

• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program

• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program

• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build, develop, and maintain strong relationships with farms, ag businesses, industry organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and community partners to support agricultural, economic, and workforce development initiatives

• Develop, execute, and evaluate business retention, expansion, and attraction strategies to support the growth and sustainability of local farms, and agricultural enterprises

• Conduct research and analysis on labor market trends, demographics, workforce needs, agricultural industry activity, economic indicators, regulatory requirements, and market opportunities to support strategic planning and client services

• Respond to inquiries from businesses and farms by providing information, technical assistance, workforce solutions, regulatory guidance, funding resources, and referrals to appropriate programs, agencies, or partner organizations

• Coordinate and facilitate business development and agricultural initiatives including site selection, permitting, incentives, grants, recruitment assistance, workforce programs, strategic partnerships, and agricultural expansion projects

• Work closely with County departments (Planning & Permitting, Health Department, etc.), State of Maryland agencies, MARBIDCO, Farm Credit, and others to streamline permitting, support agricultural projects, and identify financial assistance, grants, loans, and workforce development opportunities for new and expanding businesses or farms

• Develop, implement, and evaluate marketing, outreach, and communication initiatives promoting County programs, services, business resources, agricultural development opportunities, and industry-specific initiatives

• Prepare and deliver reports, proposals, presentations, correspondence, and analytical materials for County leadership, businesses, farms, boards, advisory committees, and community organizations

• Maintain and utilize databases, CRM systems, websites, software applications, and reporting tools to track projects, client engagements, outcomes, and performance metrics

• Represent the County at meetings, business visits, conferences, networking events, public outreach activities, and agricultural or economic development engagements at the local, state, and national levels

• Collaborate with internal staff and external stakeholders to develop and implement strategic initiatives, workforce programs, marketing campaigns, grant-funded activities, process improvements, and agricultural development programs

• Assist businesses and farms in identifying and accessing workforce training programs, incentives, grants, recruitment assistance, apprenticeship opportunities, and other economic or agricultural development services

• Monitor and evaluate program performance; prepare statistical and operational reports; recommend improvements to support organizational goals and enhance service delivery

• Stay informed of emerging industry trends, agriculture development practices, regulatory changes, funding opportunities, and economic factors impacting businesses and farms

• Provide guidance, training, technical assistance, and project support to staff, partners, interns, grant recipients, and stakeholders on specialized program areas or departmental initiatives

• Work one-on-one with farms and ag businesses to address concerns, navigate regulations, apply for funding, and obtain resources related to agricultural industry challenges

• Liaise with County departments to support Ag Innovation Grant recipients, streamline project progress, and provide staff support to the Ag Innovation Grant Review Committee

• Educate small and beginning farms on Federal, State, and local laws, requirements, and industry best practices

• Create meaningful connections between farmers and direct-to-consumer market opportunities

• Work with the agricultural team to explore and advance concepts such as the Farm Retail Innovation Center for Frederick County

• Collaborate with the Ag Preservation Team on projects occurring within agricultural preservation easements

• Develop and implement transition planning programs for farms and agricultural businesses and identify opportunities to expand agricultural business development programming

• Attend Agricultural Business Council (ABC) meetings and work with the Ag Team to achieve committee goals and ensure overall program success

• Represent supervisors when attending committees, boards, or stakeholder meetings at various levels

• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employees position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture economics, agriculture business, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in business administration, public administration, or a related field

Substitutions for the above-listed required education and experience is a Master's degree with 3 years experience as described above.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Ability to arrange own frequent travel to meetings, work locations, and events as needed, including occasional urgent or time sensitive situations

• Strong ability to organize work, set priorities, manage multiple projects, and complete duties with minimal supervision

• Ability to work independently, make sound decisions, exercise good judgment, and resolve conflicting positions or controversial issues

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, business executives, agricultural industry stakeholders, developers, coworkers, and the general public

• Knowledge of agriculture, agricultural business development, public relations, and marketing principles

• Advanced knowledge of marketing and sales strategies; ability to develop and implement diverse marketing, outreach, and communication initiatives

• Knowledge of State and Federal agriculture programs and requirements

• Advanced knowledge of labor market trends, economic indicators, and commercial site opportunities for expansion projects

• Ability to attract, guide, and support prospective agricultural enterprises in locating or expanding within the County

• Ability to identify and create connections between local companies, farms, organizations, agencies, and market opportunities

• Skilled in collaboration, leadership, strategic planning, and cross-departmental coordination

• Skilled in oral and written communication, including strong public speaking, interpersonal communication, and presentation abilities

• Working knowledge of computer programs and software applications, including Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), CRM systems, and other reporting tools

• Ability to negotiate effectively with businesses, agencies, and stakeholders

• Ability to provide technical assistance, training, guidance, or project leadership to staff, partners, interns, and stakeholders

• Skilled in interpreting regulatory requirements, permitting processes, and compliance standards across agricultural businesses

• Ability to support and implement strategic initiatives, grant-funded activities, and business development programs

• Ability to evaluate program performance, prepare statistical and operational reports, and recommend improvements to meet organizational goals

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or equivalent industry-recognized certifications
• Direct work experience in or with the agriculture industry

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit, and walk
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors and frequently work outdoors

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination

• Ability to provide own transportation to meetings

• Available for varied working hours/days as needed to accommodate meetings and other commitments, including evenings and occasional travel

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

• An evaluation of training and experience
• One or more interviews

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov

Retirement Plan:

A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:

County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:

Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employees completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:

Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:

The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employees direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.

Educational Reimbursement Program:

County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employees capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesnt remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

Employee Assistance Program:

This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.

Leave

Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year

0 - 2 years 11 days

2 - 10 years 17 days

10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employees child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.

Holidays:

The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.

For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.

01

Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.

• I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

02

Which best describes your level of education?

• Less than an Bachelors degree or the equivalent
• Bachelors degree received
• Advanced degree received

03

If you have earned a college degree, was it in agriculture economics, agriculture business, or related field?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of work experience in business administration, public administration, or a related field do you have?

• Less than 3 years of work experience
• 3 years of work experience
• 4 years of work experience
• 5 or more years of work experience

05

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

06

Do you have direct work experience in or with the agriculture industry?

• Yes
• No

07

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.

08

Are you a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or have an equivalent industry-recognized certification?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Frederick County Government

Address 12 East Church Street

Frederick, Maryland, 21701

Phone 301-600-1070

Website http://www.FrederickCountymd.gov/jobs