07/19/1999 55690

DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF FARMLAND PRESERVATION,AGRICULTURE

DEFINITION: This is managerial work in directing the programs of the Bureau of Farmland Preservation in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

The employee in this class is responsible for the implementation of legislation relating to farmland preservation including the promulgation of regulations, preparing publications for use by the general public which provide information on all aspects of farmland preservation in Pennsylvania and promote participation by farmland owners in the Commonwealth programs, management of funds allocated to the Bureau for purchase of easements and assuring coordination of farmland preservation initiatives with counties and other local jurisdictions. Supervision is exercised over a staff of professional, technical and clerical employees engaged in farmland preservation duties. Work includes assigning and reviewing work of subordinates; interpreting program legislation, rules, regulations and policies; resolving complaints and grievances filed by the general public under the Right to Farm Law; provision of supervision and training to subordinate staff, and oversight with respect to the Clean and Green Program. Work is performed independently under the general supervision of a Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs a professional staff engaged in farmland preservation program development, promulgation of regulations, farm certifications, farm easement analysis, management of funds, data storage and retrieval and program analysis and evaluation.

Directs the implementation of statutes that pertain to farmland preservation.

Develops and implements rules and regulations designed to promote agricultural resource management and farmland preservation.

Produces publications that provide information and guidance on farmland preservation programs and activities for use by farmers, farm organizations, local government officials and the general public.

Coordinates grant allocation schedules for county purchases of agricultural easements.

Maintain currency with the provisions of Federal, state and local farmland preservation issues.

Attends meetings and conferences throughout the Commonwealth on farmland preservation programs and issues.

Maintains an effective working relationship with the Pennsylvania Legislature, other Commonwealth agencies and farm organizations in matters pertaining to farmland preservation.

Coordinates hearings held by the Agricultural Lands Condemnation Approval Board.

Directs the development and conduct of workshops for state, county, township and other governmental agencies responsible for the implementation and coordination of farmland preservation regulations.

Develops processes to review grievances filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture under the Right to Farm Law.

Develops rules and regulations for the Clean and Green Program.

Supervises professional, technical and clerical employees engaged in the functions of the Bureau of Farmland Protection.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of legislation enacted which pertains to farmland preservation in Pennsylvania.

Knowledge of the agricultural community in Pennsylvania.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision.

Knowledge of budgetary practices and financial management principles.

Ability to plan, direct, control and evaluate the work of a professional, technical and clerical staff.

Ability to analyze and interpret statutory and regulatory requirements and provisions.

Ability to establish and maintain a productive relationship with representatives of the Pennsylvania Legislature, other Commonwealth and Federal agencies, local governments, farmland owners, farm organizations and the general public.

Ability to prepare financial documentation and control expenditure of funds.

Ability to apply the provisions of the Commonwealth Personnel Rules, Management Directives, Executive Orders and Labor-Management Agreements in the management of the workforce of the Bureau of Farmland Protection.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Six years of experience in management positions in the public or private sector, including one year of supervisory experience and a bachelor's degree in agriculture, agribusiness or any related field;

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.