VA# 22-016 Agricultural Economist

About this Position

This position is located in the Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services (CREES) located on Saipan, and is under the supervision of the Dean of CREES or designee. The Agricultural Economist will analyze aspects that influence the agricultural economy and create and disseminate recommendations to stakeholders. The Agricultural Economist will design research that examines profitability and economics as it relates to agriculture, aquaculture, and related fields, as well as monitor changing trends and provide strategies to producers according to market demand.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of a U.S. accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Economics, Agriculture, Agricultural Business, Agricultural Economics, or other related field.
• Two (2) years experience in Agriculture, Agricultural Business, Agricultural Economics, Biology, Environmental & Natural Resources Management, or other related field.
• Must obtain a valid CNMI driver's license within one month of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Contributes and promotes a positive and professional working environment and relationship with the college community and promotes a positive representation of the CREES Department and NMC.
• Must have strong computer background including, but not limited to Google Workspace, word processing, spreadsheets, and database, preferably Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software applications.
• Able to communicate effectively with students, staff, faculty, and other college stakeholders.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and high attention to detail.
• Capable of handling multiple tasks while maintaining composure under stressful conditions.
• Completes and prioritizes tasks accurately and in a timely manner.
• Takes initiative and works both independently and cooperatively in a team environment.
• Must be able to present information in a clear and professional manner.
• Evidence of commitment to collaboration and transparency and evidence of effective collaboration with external stakeholders.
• Able to calculate the cost of production, profit margins and other financial data to determine efficient ways to grow crops & livestock
• Able to use economics to forecast the supply and demand of crops & livestock.
• Able to incorporate data analysis to interpret data and information about the agricultural industry, and to determine the best prices for agricultural products while forecasting the future of the industry.
• Provides effective phone etiquette and customer service skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works cooperatively with NMC CREES research and extension personnel to design and carry out studies addressing issues facing the agricultural industries including farming, food processing and merchants on techniques for improving sustainable profitability based on the local and regional agricultural industry
• Fosters positive relationships with stakeholders
• Reviews and analyzes economic data in order to stay abreast and of and to anticipate economic changes.
• Formulates recommendations, policies, or plans to aid in market interpretation or solution of economic problems, such as recommending changes in methods of agricultural financing
• Develops and leads technical workshops in the area of agricultural economics
• Builds coalitions with other extension and college units, agencies and organizations to maximize program reach
• Required to travel to NMC Tinian and Rota sites.
• Analyzes data to determine the best price to charge for an agricultural product based on market conditions, production costs, and other factors
• Conducts research on topics such as agricultural technology, consumer trends, and environmental concerns related to farming practices
• Conducts feasibility studies to determine if proposed projects are likely to succeed
• Provides advice on farm management decisions to farmers and ranchers to help them improve their businesses
• Identifying problems with agricultural markets or the industry as a whole and developing solutions based on economic principles
• Evaluating the economic impact of new technologies or government policies on the agriculture industry
• Conducting surveys and research to assess the needs of industry sectors such as crop production, livestock management, or forestry
• Develop and implement plans to improve agricultural productivity and efficiency
• Develop economic models to assess the impact of new policies or technological advances on the agriculture industry
• Communicate regularly with farmers, producers, business owners and government officials to explain findings and recommendations
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions of the Position

Must be able to frequently operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. The individual in this position will frequently communicate with students and their colleague(s) in order to exchange information in various situations. Occasionally lifts office products and supplies, weighing up to 20 Ibs.

Work Environment

The Work Environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment may vary.

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on the closing date.  Deadlines that fall on a non-business day will be extended to the next business day.
 
Employment application forms are available at the Human Resources Office of the College and a pdf.file can be downloaded from our website: http://www.marianas.edu using Adobe Acrobat. Please submit all application materials to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
 
All post-secondary education degrees must be from a U.S. Department of Education recognized and accredited institution. It is our requirement that degrees be from a U.S.-accredited college or university. Foreign degrees may be accepted when accompanied with a credential evaluation report. A listing of authorized evaluation reports can be obtained at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website at http://www.naces.org/
 
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification (I-9) document form upon hire. Police/court clearance will be required upon job offer.