ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST III (Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB))

Introduction 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, 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 continue to expand and grow. The mission of the Maryland Horse Industry Board (the Board) is to safeguard the health and well being of Maryland’s Horse Industry as well as to provide for its future development. To this end, the Board intends to: Raise the level of public awareness of Maryland’s equestrian/equine traditions; Raise the level of public awareness of the positive impact of horses on the quality of life in Maryland; To increase visibility of Maryland equestrian/ equine activities; To provide support as a resource for Maryland horse owners; and To foster a standard of care for Maryland horses. Occasional statewide and out of state travel. At certain times will require working outside normal business hours that include weekends.

GRADE

12

LOCATION OF POSITION

MDA Headquarters 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401 Main Purpose of Job This position serves as the primary administrative and programmatic support for the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) and is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations necessary to implement the Board's statutory responsibilities and strategic initiatives. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the position administers the Board's public stable licensing program, coordinates grant administration, supports communications and public outreach, assists with Board operations, and provides customer service to industry stakeholders. The position works collaboratively with horse owners, stable operators, inspectors, Board members, state agencies, and industry organizations to ensure the efficient administration of MHIB programs, maintain regulatory compliance, and promote the continued growth and sustainability of Maryland's horse industry. Through effective program coordination, record management, and stakeholder engagement, this position supports the Board's mission to foster a vibrant, competitive, and economically sustainable horse industry throughout the State.

POSITION DUTIES

Public Stable Licensing & Regulatory Administration Administers the Maryland Public Stable Licensing Program, including processing new and renewal license applications, maintaining licensing records, coordinating inspections, monitoring compliance, and preparing regulatory correspondence. Serves as the primary point of contact for licensing inquiries and assists with complaint intake, reporting, and coordination with internal and external partners to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. Communications, Outreach & Industry Engagement Develops and maintains communications that promote Maryland's horse industry, including website management, GovDelivery communications, social media, newsletters, promotional materials, and Horse Discovery Center activities. Assists with educational programs, industry events, conferences, and outreach initiatives that increase public awareness and stakeholder engagement. Grants Administration Coordinates all aspects of the Maryland Horse Industry Board Grant Program, including preparing grant materials, administering the online application process, coordinating review committees, tracking awards, monitoring grant agreements and project reporting, processing payments, and maintaining grant records and databases. Board Administration and Operational Support Provides administrative and operational support to the Executive Director and Maryland Horse Industry Board by coordinating Board meetings, preparing agendas and materials, maintaining records, assisting with annual reports and special projects, managing schedules, and supporting the day-to-day operations of the Board. Other Duties as Assigned Performs additional responsibilities as assigned in support of the mission of the Maryland Horse Industry Board and the Maryland Department of Agriculture, including assisting with new initiatives, special projects, legislative requests, and other operational priorities. This includes occasional evening and weekend work and statewide travel for Board meetings, inspections, conferences, and outreach events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. Experience: Two years of experience performing administrative staff, clerical, clerical technical, or secretarial work. Notes

1. Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year of the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer involving staff work requiring regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting rules and regulations in accordance with agency laws and policies on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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 in either the Horse Industry, Agriculture Livestock, or Animal Science or a related field. Strong communication skills in both writing and speaking Experience with Web-based software, Google Suite, Adobe, PowerPoint, and/or CANVA. Experience in coordinating and managing event calendars, meeting schedules and promotions.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland. Effective July 1, 2026, the State of Maryland's reimbursement rate for the authorized use of a personal vehicle while conducting official State business has been updated to $0.76 per mile.

SELECTION PROCESS

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.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

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.

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

G

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay. Veterans are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Maryland