Director of Correctional Agriculture - PSM II - AGENCY ONLY

Augusta , Maine , United States | Correctional Services | Full-time

Apply by: March 28, 2025

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Director of Correctional Agriculture - PSM II -AGENCY ONLY

04100-1752

Job Class Code: MA31

Pay Grade: 31 AnnualSalary: $74,713.59-$105,809.60

Open: March 21, 2025

Close: March 28, 2025

Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to fill the position of Director of Correctional Agriculture. This role is based in Augusta, ME, with statewide travel required.

The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in overseeing all aspects of MDOC's agricultural programs, including managing crops, livestock, and sustainable agricultural initiatives at both adult and juvenile correctional facilities statewide. As a senior member of the Commissioner's management team, the Director of Correctional Agriculture will be responsible for developing and implementing policies, procedures, and long-term strategies to expand and enhance the agricultural programs in alignment with MDOC's goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

An eight (8) year combination of education, training, and/or experience in agricultural practices, plant science, animal science, or a directly related field to include at least four (4) years of agricultural field experience.

Responsibilities

· Develop and implement agriculture and farm-to-table programs within MDOC, setting goals, objectives, and strategies for stakeholder engagement.

· Assess departmental needs, agricultural priorities, external partnerships, and marketing approaches; recommend policy or procedural changes when necessary.

· Oversee and direct the MDOC agriculture program to maximize resource utilization.

· Design, implement, and evaluate agricultural programs to enhance crop production at MDOC facilities.

· Develop and enforce policies, practices, and standards while formulating strategies to grow the programs in support of MDOC's broader objectives.

· Establish standard operating procedures, staffing, resources, contracts, projects, data collection, and financial implications for MDOC.

· Present information on MDOC agriculture and farm-to-table operations to stakeholders to foster program support.

· Gather information and prepare reports to inform MDOC operations and relevant stakeholders.

· Collaborate with facility leadership to guide agriculture programs, including staff and resident education, safety programs, and resident engagement.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Agricultural best practices, livestock operations, and crop production.

• Laws, rules, and regulations governing agricultural programs.

• State procurement rules and farm business management.

• Organic farming, sustainable farming principles, and regenerative farming methods.

• Crop processing, storage, scratch cooking, cost-saving methods, and quality control.

• Correctional programs, policies, and procedures.

• A wide range of state and federal laws, rules, policies, and procedures related to secure detention facilities for incarcerated juvenile and adult populations.

Ability to:

• Train and instruct employees and facility residents in agricultural practices.

• Coordinate agricultural purchases and collaborate with community-based agricultural producers.

• Work independently with residents in a correctional environment.

• Prepare crop and livestock development plans.

• Communicate farm-to-table principles and educate staff on proper crop processing.

• Effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.

• Develop policy, plan, implement and assess agricultural program needs.

• Address variable situations in agricultural programs, facility resident management, and workforce development by applying analytical and constructive approaches, leveraging available training, resources, and mandates.

• Establish and lead agricultural programs, develop policies and procedures, and make decisions that impact critical outcomes.

About Maine Department of Corrections:

MDOC is destigmatizing corrections for the betterment of all Maine communities. Through the ‘Maine Model of Corrections’, we promote the safety of our staff and residents while reducing barriers to meaningful rehabilitative opportunities. We facilitate restorative justice practices that equip justice-involved residents and clients with the skills they need to become contributing members of society upon release, including treatment, education, and job training. We are committed to rebuilding lives and seeking team players with a strong professional attitude, integrity, and ethics to join us in this mission.

State of Maine Benefits

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, 96 hours of accrued sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 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: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/som-health-plan/premium-rates.

• 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. https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/health-premium-credit

• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 19% 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: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.

• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program. https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/living-resources

• 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 six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/rules-policies/policy-practices-manual/Employee-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Federal.

• 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: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh.

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.