Legislative Specialist, Virginia Farm Bureau

Lobby at the Virginia General Assembly for legislation and work with state agencies on regulations based on Farm Bureau policies. Initial state legislative and regulatory state issues assigned include property rights, rural health, taxes, local issues and some environmental issues. Provide technical expertise to county Farm Bureaus to support requests on interacting local governments on local issues. Work with Farm Bureau leaders to facilitate their interaction with elected officials. 

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Lobby at the General Assembly on property rights, rural health, taxes, and local government authority issues as they relate to agriculture and forestry.
• Provide technical expertise to county Farm Bureaus to support requests on interacting local government, to assist in evaluating impact of local government issues, to evaluate the impact of local tax issues including conducting or collaborating with field staff on revenue impact studies for implementing ag valuation tax programs. 
• Coordinate local issue campaigns with other departments for county Farm Bureaus. 
• Advocate on behalf of the organization in the promulgation and implementation of assigned environmental regulations affecting farmers.
• Respond and resolve member requests according to assigned Farm Bureau policies.
• Educate and train member volunteers and leaders to increase their knowledge and understanding of issues to facilitate their interaction with elected officials. 
• Draft background material and policy statements to help inform members and elected officials regarding Farm Bureau policy and positions.
• Attend local, state, and national Farm Bureau and allied industry meetings to build partnerships and gain knowledge on assigned issues or any Farm Bureau policy.
• Establish and maintain a liaison and an open line of communication with state governmental agencies, allied industry, boards and commissions in assigned area.
• Conduct programs to identify, monitor, define and prioritize assigned issues.

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• College degree from a four-year university.

MINIMUM SKILL QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity and previous experience with Virginia state or national government and the legislative process.
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex regulatory requirements
• High level of initiative and motivation
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent writing and speaking ability for giving testimony
• Ability to adapt to covering a wide variety of issues impacting farmers

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Understanding of Farm Bureau policies and of the organization
• Prior experience working closely with local or state government agencies, legislatures or agriculture industry or direct lobbying experience.
• Degree in Political Science, Environmental Studies, Communications, Agriculture Economics or Public Administration
• Additional Continuing Education Degrees, Certifications, etc.
• Agriculture/Farming background
• Background of implementing or administering agriculture related programs

To apply, visit: https://www.vafb.com/about/careers/apply-now