Economist (Farm Policy, Trade, Crop Markets)

EMPHASIS: Farm Policy, Trade, Crop Markets

DEPARTMENT: Public Policy

POSITION OBJECTIVE: Develop economic research, policy analysis, presentations, commentaries and databases on a wide variety of factors related to agricultural commodity markets and agricultural and trade policy.

REPORTS TO: Chief Economist

LOCATION: Washington, DC; eligible to earn telework 2 days/week (remote work considered)

SALARY: $100,000 - $120,000 annually

Candidates with additional relevant experience will be given full consideration and offered compensation in alignment with their qualifications.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Actively follow current and emerging issues in field crop markets regarding market outlook and analysis, energy, farm policy, federal crop insurance and international trade policy.
• Provide regular economic analyses, commentaries and general content for AFBF and state Farm Bureau staff, volunteer leaders and interested stakeholders in the food and agricultural industry.
• Extensive knowledge of public data sources needed to maintain databases on domestic and international agricultural commodity markets and generate easy-to-read charts based on this data.
• Provide economic presentations to Farm Bureau staff and members, government, and other stakeholder groups in the food and agricultural sector.
• Represent Farm Bureau at professional conferences and other functions to share expertise, explain Farm Bureau policy positions and gain knowledge about policy issues and market trends.
• Respond to media and other inquiries concerning Farm Bureau economics and policy work.
• Work with various AFBF task forces, study groups, staff committees, working groups and AFBF meeting activities to provide economic and policy input.
• Work with outside economic consultants on a regular basis and on special economic research projects in support of Farm Bureau policies.
• Arrange conferences and meetings on economic policy issues for state Farm Bureau staff and volunteer leaders.
• Maintain professional competence by attending and participating in professional meetings, seminars and other activities to improve individual skills and abilities.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Economists work directly with a wide range of AFBF and state Farm Bureau staff, state Farm Bureau volunteer leaders, other industry leaders, government officials, members of the media and other stakeholders in agricultural commodity markets on subject matter developments, proposed regulations or international initiatives.

EDUCATION OR TRAINING REQUIRED:

• Master’s Degree or higher in Agricultural Economics or similar field

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• 2-5 years of agricultural economics experience
• Expert Microsoft Office skills including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Access and Outlook
• Strong knowledge of agriculture and related databases necessary to analyze timely questions on subjects important to the industry
• Proven experience presenting agricultural market and policy information to stakeholders such as producers and other business professionals
• Strong knowledge of agricultural markets, production systems, market structures, risk management, production data management and other factors affecting the economics of farmers and ranchers in the United States
• Strong knowledge of international markets and trade policy

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/TRAINING/SKILLS:

• Trade association, university extension or USDA experience desired
• Farm Bill experience
• Crop insurance expertise
• Experience making data visualizations
• Experience using data analysis packages

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequent travel – approximately 20%
• Public speaking
• Ability to work some weekends

TO APPLY: Please submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary : $100,000 - $120,000