Agricultural Market News Assistant - Springfield, IL, US,

Job Requisition ID: 53481  · Closing Date: 03/03/2026 · ​Agency: Department of Agriculture · Class Title: AGRICULTURAL MARKET NEWS ASST · Skill Option: None  · Bilingual Option: None · Salary: $4586 - $6228 anticipated starting salary monthly · Job Type: Salaried · Category: Ful ...

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 53481 
Closing Date: 03/03/2026
​Agency: Department of Agriculture
Class Title: AGRICULTURAL MARKET NEWS ASST
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: $4586 - $6228 anticipated starting salary monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code: 

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you're helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you're part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you're looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Essential Functions

• Works with a market reporter in analyzing market data (i.e. grain markets and livestock auctions).
• Prepares weekly livestock statistical summaries utilizing USDA directives and official procedures and submits reports.
• Works with marketing reporter in contacting grain dealers, processors, and brokers to collect grain data, price, movement, and volume of trade.
• Works with a marketing reporter in releasing grain market information by radio broadcast, prepares weekly statistical report on grain, grain stock and feedstuffs.
• Assists with the check-off programs enacted through legislation, during referendums, makes sure all eligible votes have ballots; tabulates voting results.
• Works with marketing representatives to coordinate marketing programs.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college with coursework in agriculture, agricultural marketing, agricultural economics and/or general marketing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers elementary knowledge of the principles and practices involved in marketing Illinois Products.
• Prefers elementary knowledge of computer operation, word processing and spreadsheet software packages. 
• Prefers elementary knowledge and understanding of grain and livestock terminology.
• Prefers elementary knowledge of market reporting terminology of ag commodity production, marketing, price fluctuation and price advantages.
• Prefers experience in collecting and communicating market news information.
• Prefers experience in expressing market information clearly and concisely, in oral and written form.
• Prefers experience in gaining and maintaining effective working relationships with ag businesses, groups, and individuals

Conditions of Employment

• Required to successfully pass a background check and self disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires valid driver's license
• Requires ability to work overtime
• Requires the ability to travel

Work Hours: 8:00am-4:30pm / Monday - Friday
Headquarter Location: 801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, Illinois, 62702
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: Bureau of Human Resources
Email:
Phone #:
Posting Group: Environmental & Natural Resources

Established in the 1960's in Springfield, the Market News office is looked upon by the Grain and Livestock Industry to establish fair and accurate prices. The Agricultural Market News Assistant is a professional role focused on gathering and reporting real-time data on livestock, grain, and specialty crops to ensure fair pricing. Positioned within the Bureau of Marketing, Promotion & Grants, this assistant supports the Market News Service by analyzing price trends.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture administers an annual budget of approximately $200 million and employs more than 400 people statewide, with several hundred more seasonal employees hired during the summer to support the Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair.  Separate bureaus administer programs and services directed at conserving the State's land and water resources; protecting the health and welfare of livestock and companion animals; overseeing state and county fairs; regulating seed, feed, and fertilizer products; ensuring the financial stability of grain dealers and warehouses; promoting Illinois food and agricultural products; and operating the State's horse racing programs.

AGR values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents.  

AGR offers a robust benefit package including; 

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• Flexible work schedules in many program areas
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
• 12 Weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
• Pension Plan
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
• Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually
• Ten to twenty-five paid vacation days based on years of service
• Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date
• Thirteen - Fourteen paid state holidays annually

For more information regarding State of Illinois Benefits follow this link: 

If this opportunity appeals to you, please apply today

This position DOES NOT contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the "Apply" button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the  homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the "View Profile" link in the top right of the  homepage in the blue ribbon.  If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on  – click "Application Procedures" in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your "junk mail", "spam", or "other" folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

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