Administrative Program Specialist B

Job Number: FOR-50552649-10.30.26-BB

This position is located in the Office of Forestry, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Are you a person with the natural ability to be flexible to varying program operations and responsibilities? Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on Louisiana’s workforce and organizational culture? Join the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry as an Administrative Program Specialist! In this role, you will play an essential part in supporting the department’s daily operations, coordinating administrative functions, and ensuring programs and initiatives run efficiently and effectively. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with diverse teams, provide critical organizational support, and contribute to the development of a productive and professional work environment. If you are adaptable, detail-oriented, and passionate about public service, this is your opportunity to put your skills to work while making a difference for the people of Louisiana! It is paramount that the incumbent possesses the independent judgment and decision making, strong professional communication skills, the knowledge to understand, interpret and enforce laws and regulations, to communicate and coordinate with LDAF administration, top-level industry representatives, commission members, and representatives of affiliated national associations, and a work ethic to ensure that this is achieved in an efficient and professional manner.

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING COMPETENCIES:

Core Competencies: Accepting Direction: The ability to be open and willing to follow guidance or instructions. Following Policies and Procedures: The ability to follow, reinforce, adapt, or develop policies and procedures to maintain compliance with federal and state legal requirements, State Civil Service rules, and organizational policies. Making Accurate Judgments: The ability to assess options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.

Preferred Competencies: Acting Decisively: The ability to make timely, confident decisions using sound reason. Building and Supporting Teams: The ability to combine one's actions and efforts with others to work toward achieving a common goal. Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement.

LDAF cares about the well-being of its employees! We offer a fully employer-funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing valuable support and resources to help you and your household members thrive at work and at home. The EAP is also free for all members of your household.Four years of experience in administrative services; OR

Six years of full-time work experience in any field plus one year of experience in administrative services; OR

A bachelor's degree plus one year of experience in administrative services; OR

An advanced degree.

EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION: Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field. The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here. The Incumbent shall directly oversee the Louisiana Forestry Productivity Program (FPP). This program is a statewide reforestation incentive program funded through a statutorily dedicated account. The incumbent shall be responsible for disbursement of approximately 3.2 million dollars to qualified forest landowners pursuant to statute and rule. The incumbent shall work independently and in association with The LDAF Forest Management Program Director, LDAF foresters, consulting foresters, forest landowners, the Associate State Forester, and State Forester/Assistant Commissioner of Forestry to achieve division goals and objectives.

• Administer and oversee the Forest Productivity Program (FPP), including program promotion, application processing, pre-approvals, reimbursement payments, and monitoring program funding, account balances, and reimbursement rates.

• Manage program applications and records, including reviewing supporting documentation, entering applicant information into the department’s database, calculating participant benefits, generating correspondence and payment requests, and serving as the primary departmental contact for applicants.

• Coordinate program compliance and implementation with Forestry Management personnel by ensuring management plans, site inspections, required documentation, and established program guidelines are completed and followed.

• Manage Office of Forestry purchasing card activities, including purchasing equipment, repair parts, supplies, uniforms, and safety items within authorized spending limits; maintaining purchase documentation; and processing invoices and payment records.

• Coordinate purchasing and delivery of materials and supplies for Forestry Program Directors, Radio Technicians, and field personnel, working with vendors and department staff to ensure timely delivery and proper documentation.

• Coordinate and manage travel arrangements for Office of Forestry personnel, including registrations, reservations, transportation, lodging, and submission of required documentation for payment and reimbursement within established budget limits.

• Provide administrative support for Louisiana Forestry Commission quarterly meetings, including coordinating agendas, preparing meeting packets and reports, reviewing and formatting minutes, recording meeting notes, and posting required meeting notices and minutes to the state website.

Travel will be required in performing some duties. Other duties as may be assigned.

Functional Requirements: Reaching above shoulders Climbing stairs and occasionally ladders Prolonged sitting at workstation Occasional bending or kneeling Sit over a long period of time in a vehicle for travel

Environmental Factors: Working indoors and occasionally outdoors May be required to wear appropriate safety protection

Position-Specific Details: Appointment Type: Full-time, Probational Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience. Location: This position is located within the office of Forestry (FOR), East Baton Rouge Parish.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry strictly prohibits workplace harassment and discrimination on the on the basis of race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, religion, national origin, military service, sickle cell trait, protected genetic information or other non-merit factor. LDAF also strictly prohibits employment decisions based upon or influenced by such factors.

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

How To Apply: No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy. To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

*Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. *

All candidates for hire must undergo drug screening. This agency participates in the E-Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization.

For further information about this vacancy, contact: Briante Bax - HR Analyst Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry 5825 Florida Blvd., Suite 1001 Baton Rouge, LA 70806 [email protected]