The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland's Executive Branch. Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland. The Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health and consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management, and resource conservation. As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continues to expand and grow.
MDA's Vision
Achieving excellence in programs and services that preserve and protect agricultural resources and the environment, promote profitable agriculture and consumer confidence, and enhance the quality of life for all Marylanders.
MDA's Mission
Providing leadership and support to agriculture and the citizens of Maryland by conducting regulatory, service, and educational activities that assure consumer confidence, protect the environment, and promote agriculture.
Human Resources
The Maryland Department of Agriculture Human Resources section provides comprehensive personnel services in the areas of recruitment, classification, salary administration, employment services, benefits, and employer employee relations. We have 424 permanent positions and a varying number of contractual positions over the course of the year. We take pride in supporting all of our MDA offices.
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50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis MD 21401
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is seeking someone with strong leadership skills to oversee a full range of human resources programs for the department. Program management is accomplished through the Assistant Director of Human Resources in the areas of recruitment, testing, employment services, position classification and compensation, employee benefits, training, and the PEP program. Additionally, the position is responsible for the agency’s compliance with and issues of collective bargaining. The position maintains primary responsibility for all employee relations matters delegated to the Office of Human Resources and for personnel research contributing to organizational development, job specification revision and annual salary review. This position requires a thorough knowledge of State of MD personnel policies and regulations, and highly effective communication skills, both in developing working relationships with internal staff as well as external State agencies. Some overtime is expected as needed. The position is eligible for two telework days per week. The incumbent will report to the office three days a week.
- Develops and implements HR program goals and objectives, MDA policies and procedures for personnel, and internal guidelines to streamline the processing of personnel transactions.
- Manages a dynamic, collaborative HR Team. Through the Assistant HR Director, oversees recruitment, employment services, benefits, classification, training, leave administration, and medical absences. Serves as the HR Appointing Authority to review and approve Workday transactions.
- Investigates employee performance and behavior problems, grievances, and alleged bullying incidents. Represents appointing authorities at first step administrative conferences and during bullying investigations. Drafts and finalizes disciplinary notices; reports of grievance and bullying investigations; and written notices to complainants.
- Conducts personnel research to inform work, make recommendations and develop new or revised personnel programs, policies, classification structures, classification specifications, compensation plans, training, organizational structure, etc.
- Interprets federal and State law, Code of Maryland Regulation, DBM policy and guidelines, departmental policy and procedure, and MOUs, and considers the unique aspects of every situation, to provides sound advice and guidance to executive and management staff.
- Oversees the development and administration of the HR program budget.
Experience:Ten years of professional experience, five years of which must be in at least three of the following human resources fields: recruitment, employment services, classification, salary administration/compensation, employee relations, HR program evaluation, training/organizational development, and/or HR policy formulation and three years supervising HR professional and/or paraprofessional HR staff.
Notes:
- Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's from an accredited college or university for four years of the general professional experience.
- Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for five years of the general professional experience.
Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
- Experience conducting employee investigations into disciplinary matters, grievance complaints and/or bullying complaints.
- Experience conducting personnel research to make recommendations about classification and compensation, organizational development, training, policy development etc.
- Experience in the role of HR Partner or Appointing Authority in Workday.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to operate in a wide variety of settings with diverse populations that have different needs and desires.
This position is limited to current or former employees of the State of Maryland only.
Employees in this classification are required to obtain certification in State Personnel Management System policies and procedures and in the functionality of the Statewide Personnel System from the Office of Personnel Services and Benefits, Maryland Department of Budget and Management within six months from the time of appointment to the position. Employees are also required to obtain recertification every six months thereafter.
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.
The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
Online applications are STRONGLY preferred. If you unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture Human Resource Office, Room 304 50 Harry S Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401. If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas and transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application.
If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831). All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exception. (Postmarks not accepted.) Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country. TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Gwen Schindler at 410-841-5859 or
gwen.schindler1@maryland.gov.