Director of Correctional Agriculture - PSM II

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

Director of Correctional Agriculture - PSM II - AGENCY ONLY
04100-1752
Job Class Code: MA31
Pay Grade: 31 Annual Salary: $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: